Which Way should You Use to Number PDF Pages?
Your page count and file count decide the method. Plain page numbers suit one document, and Bates numbers suit legal sets that span many files.
| Method | Scope | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Acrobat Pro Header and Footer | One or more PDFs | Acrobat Pro license |
| Adobe online tool | One PDF up to 100 MB | Free with sign in |
| Bulk numbering tool | Many files and folders | Paid after demo |
How does Acrobat Pro Add Page Numbers?
Method #1: Acrobat Pro Header and Footer (Paid Adobe License)
Who it suits. Users with Acrobat Pro. Extra application. Adobe Acrobat Pro.
- Open the PDF in Acrobat Pro.
- Select Tools, then Edit PDF, then Header & Footer and Add.
- Place the cursor in the left, center or right box and insert the page number.
- Select Page Range Options to choose the pages.
- Select OK and save the file.
Adobe states that headers and footers can include a date, automatic page numbering, Bates numbers or the title and author, and that you can apply them to one or more PDFs. The Bates option sits in Acrobat Pro.
Can You Number Pages Online?
Method #2: Adobe Online Tool (Free With Sign in)
Who it suits. Users with one small PDF. Extra application. A browser.
Adobe describes the online tool as a way to number a PDF up to 100 MB. Choose top or bottom, left, center or right, a start page and a page range. Adobe notes that page numbers do not update if you later reorder, delete or add pages, so renumber after every edit.
How do You Number Many PDFs at Once?
Method #3: PDF Bates Numberer (Paid After Demo)
Who it suits. Legal and finance teams with many files. Extra application. PDF Bates Numberer.
The PDF Bates Numberer adds page numbers and Bates numbers with no Acrobat.
It adds a prefix or suffix, sets the start number, digit count and step, and places the number at the top or bottom. Numbering can continue across files or restart in every file. A preview shows the result before you generate it.
Add single files or an entire folder. The demo numbers the first 5 PDF files and marks the output with a watermark.
- Install the software and add the PDF files or the folder.
- Choose the prefix, suffix, start number and position.
- Check the preview.
- Select the output folder and start the numbering.
What should You Check Before You Number a PDF?
- Remove or unlock restrictions first. Our guide to edit a secured PDF explains locked files.
- Place numbers outside the text area.
- Number the final page order only.
- Save numbered files under a new name.
Working with images inside PDFs? Read how to extract images from a PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do You Add Page Numbers in Acrobat Pro?
Select Tools, then Edit PDF, then Header and Footer, then Add, and insert the page number.
What is Bates Numbering?
Bates numbering adds a sequential number, with an optional prefix or suffix, to every page of one or more PDFs.
Can You Number Only Some Pages?
Yes. Acrobat has Page Range Options, and the online tool accepts a page range.
Does the Online Tool have a Size Limit?
Adobe lists 100 MB for the online page numbering tool.
Do Page Numbers Update After You Reorder Pages?
No. Adobe states that you must renumber after you reorder, delete or add pages.
Can You Number Many PDFs Without Acrobat?
Yes. A bulk Bates numbering tool numbers many files and folders with no Acrobat.
Does the Demo Save Clean Files?
No. The demo numbers the first 5 PDF files and adds a watermark to the output.
Author's Verdict
Use Acrobat Pro or the Adobe online tool for one document.
Use a bulk tool when the set grows to many files or needs Bates numbers.
Key Takeaways
- Header and Footer adds page numbers in Acrobat Pro.
- Page numbers do not update after edits.
- Bulk tools number many files in one pass.
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