How to add page numbers to a PDF
To add page numbers to a PDF, open Page numbers, choose your file, select the pages and numbering style, then download and check the result. PDF Tools Club processes the document on your device, without an account or document upload.
Try a two-page cover example
Download our two-page synthetic PDF and treat page 1 as the cover. In Page numbers, enter 2 in Pages (blank = all), leave Start from at 1 and choose the plain 1 format. The output should still contain both pages: page 1 unchanged, with a visible 1 added to page 2. Check both pages in Open preview before downloading.
1. Choose the PDF and pages to number
Use a valid, unencrypted PDF within 50 MB. Leave the page range blank to number every page, or select file positions such as 2-6. These positions start at 1 and can differ from numbers already printed on the document. Selecting pages for numbering keeps the other pages in the output.
2. Set the starting number and format
Choose a starting value, then a plain number, “Page 1” or “Page 1 of 10”. Numbers follow the selected page order. The total in “Page 1 of 10” is the last number in the selected sequence (starting number plus selected page count minus one), so check whether that matches the meaning you want for your report.
3. Choose header or footer placement
Use a top or bottom position, align left, center or right, and choose font, size and color. Pick a location with clear space so the new number does not cover existing footers, diagrams or signatures.
Example: skip a cover page
For a six-page report, enter 2-6 and start from 1. The cover remains unnumbered; file pages 2 through 6 receive numbers 1 through 5. With “Page 1 of 10” format, that sequence displays “Page 1 of 5” through “Page 5 of 5”.
Example: continue an earlier document
If the previous section ends at page 20, start the next section at 21. For one consistent sequence across separate files, merge the PDFs first, then number the combined file.
4. Preview and download the numbered PDF
Choose Add page numbers, inspect the output preview, and save the PDF. Check the first and last numbered pages plus any page with a crowded margin. Open the downloaded file in your usual reader before sharing.
How to print a PDF with page numbers
Add the numbers and download the numbered PDF first. Open that saved copy in your usual PDF reader and choose Print. Check the print preview, paper size and scaling so the added header or footer stays inside the printable area. Print one test page before a long report. Printing the original source file will not include the numbers you added here.
Will numbering change existing page labels?
The tool adds visible numbers to page content. It does not remove old printed numbering or change a reader’s internal page labels. If the PDF already has numbers, avoid placing a second sequence over them.
What about signed or scanned PDFs?
Scanned pages can receive visible numbers; this does not recognize their text. Use English OCR if search is needed. Rewriting a digitally signed PDF can invalidate its signature, so keep the signed original.
Prepared by PDF Tools Club · Updated October 20, 2026. Instructions reflect the controls and processing limits in this release.