PDF TOOLS
Page Numbers & Headers
Add page numbers, optional headers and optional footers to a PDF in your browser.
Quick answer: Choose the pages, enter the header, footer or numbering format, create the new copy, then review the downloaded PDF before sharing it.
Use Page Numbers & Headers ↓Loading the tool…
How to use Page Numbers & Headers
- Choose a PDFSelect the document.
- Set the textChoose header or footer, the numbering format and starting page.
- DownloadCheck that numbers do not overlap content.
About this tool
Numbered pages make a report, thesis or legal bundle usable: people can refer to page 14 and know what you mean. Choose the position and style, and the numbers are stamped onto every page of a new copy.
Common uses: Prepare reports, contracts, coursework, proposals and print-ready documents with consistent page numbers and optional running text.
Practical example: Add a short header or footer, choose a number format such as “Page {n} of {total}”, then review the first and last pages before distribution.
Important limitation: Added text can overlap existing content near the page edge. Use a modest font size and keep the original available for comparison.
Numbers are drawn onto the pages locally in your browser, with no upload. Read the privacy information.
How it works
Text for page numbers, headers or footers is drawn on each selected page in the position and format you choose.
Real-world uses
- Numbering a merged report
- Adding a running title to a thesis
- Adding Page X of Y to a contract
Numbering a document properly
Decide where numbering should start. Many documents leave the cover unnumbered. Enter 2-12 (or the range you need) in Pages to update, and set the starting number to 0 so that page 2 is stamped 1. With the default starting number of 1, every page shows its true position in the file.
Pick a format that survives printing: bottom center or bottom right in 10–11 pt works for most documents. The token for the total pages lets you write Page 3 of 12, which makes missing pages obvious in a printed bundle.
Check the first and last pages afterwards. Numbers can overlap content that sits close to the page edge, such as a footer that was already in the source. If that happens, try a different corner or a smaller font, or crop the page margin first.
Tips for better results
- Use a small font and keep clear of the page edge.
- Skip the cover page by starting numbering later.
- Use formats like Page 1 of 10 for long documents.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add only page numbers?
Yes. Leave the header and footer fields empty and choose the page-number format and position you want.
Can I start numbering at a different number?
Yes. Set the starting number when a cover page or preceding section should be counted separately.
Are my files uploaded?
Numbers are drawn onto the pages locally in your browser, with no upload.
Can numbering start at a different number?
Yes. Set the starting value.
Can I start numbering from a number other than 1?
Yes. The starting number is added to each page’s position. Use 5 if this PDF continues from a previous volume, or 0 if you want page 2 to show 1.
Can I skip the cover page?
Yes. Type a range such as 2-20 in Pages to update; pages outside the range are left without a number. Pair it with a starting number of 0 if you want the second page to read 1.
Can I add a header or footer text as well?
Yes. You can add short running text, such as a document title or a confidentiality note, in the header or the footer.