Add Page Numbers to PDF
Add page numbers like "1", "Page 1" or "Page 1 of 10" to any PDF. Choose position, size, colour, which page to start on and the first number.
Drop a PDF to number its pages
Choose the position and style. The original pages are not re-rendered.
How to use Add Page Numbers to PDF
Simple steps to get your task done in seconds
Open your PDF
Drop the PDF you want to number.
Choose the style
Pick position, format, size and colour. Skip a cover page by starting on page 2.
Download
Get the numbered PDF. The original content is untouched.
How In-Browser PDF Pagination Works
ZapPebble stamps customized page numbers onto your PDF documents without altering or re-rasterizing the original content. The tool embeds a standard Helvetica font subset using pdf-lib, calculates exact typographic metrics to align numbers cleanly to your chosen margins, and draws vector text overlays onto each page in local browser memory.
| Setting | Options Supported | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Numbering Formats | "1", "Page 1", "Page 1 of 9", "1 / 9" | Dynamic templates calculate total page counts automatically. |
| Placement Positions | 6 positions: Top / Bottom × Left / Center / Right | Computes alignment relative to each page's physical bounding box. |
| Cover Page Skipping | Start on Page N (e.g. Page 2) | Leaves title covers, table of contents, or preliminary sheets unnumbered. |
| First Number Value | Custom starting integer (e.g. 1, 51, 101) | Essential for numbering split book chapters or multi-part reports. |
Practical Example: Numbering a Corporate Annual Audit
You have a 16-page audit report Financial_Audit_2026.pdf. Page 1 is an illustrated graphic cover that must not have a page number. Pages 2 through 16 must display "Page 1 of 15" centered at the bottom.
Bottom Center · Format = Page {n} of {total} · Start on page = 2 · First number = 1.- Page 1 remains pristine with no stamped text.
- Page 2 receives "Page 1 of 15" cleanly positioned 36 pt above the bottom edge.
- Every subsequent page increments sequentially to Page 16 ("Page 15 of 15").
Important Limitations & Edge Cases
If your document already has existing page numbers or footer text, choose Top Right or switch margin to Wide to prevent visual overlap.
If your PDF combines portrait Letter and landscape A3 foldout pages, ZapPebble calculates coordinates dynamically for each page's individual dimensions.
Your financial statements, legal records, and academic papers are never transmitted over the internet. All font embedding and stamping happens directly in browser RAM.
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