How to Add Page Numbers to a PDF (Free, in Seconds)
Need page numbers on a report, thesis or contract? Add them to a PDF in seconds — pick position, style and starting number. Free, no install.
A long PDF without page numbers is painful to reference — "see the part near the middle" doesn't cut it for a thesis, a contract or a court bundle. Adding real page numbers takes seconds.
How to add page numbers — step by step
Open the tool
Go to pdfty.com/tools/page-numbers. Free up to 20 MB.
Upload your PDF
Drag the file in.
Pick position and style
Bottom-center, bottom-right, top-right and more. Formats: 1, Page 1, 1 of 20. Set the font size and margin.
Set the starting number
Start at 1, or skip a cover page and start numbering from page 2. You can also choose a page range.
Download
Numbers are baked into every page — visible in any reader and on print.
Frequently asked questions
Can I skip the cover page?
Yes — set numbering to start from page 2 (or any page) and choose which page shows "1". The cover stays clean.
Can I use "Page 1 of 20" format?
Yes — pick the "N of total" format and the tool fills in the total automatically.
Will it cover existing content?
Page numbers sit in the margin. If your PDF has content right at the edge, pick a position with a clear margin or increase the margin setting.
Does it work on scanned PDFs?
Yes — the number is drawn over the page image in the margin.
Can I add numbers to only some pages?
Yes — choose a page range before applying.
What if I need different numbering per section?
Run the tool once per section on the relevant page range, or merge numbered sections afterwards with Merge.
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