Need page numbers on a PDF before sending it out? Use WhizPDF's add page numbers to PDF tool: upload the file, pick a number style and position, set the printed sequence, and enter the PDF page range. Then convert and check the downloaded file. For a cover page without a number, start the range at page 2 and the numbering at 1.
Add Page Numbers to a PDF online: click "Choose file" upload your PDF, set the number format and position, then download the numbered file.
How to add page numbers to a PDF
The page range and the number printed on those pages are separate settings. Set both before you convert:
- Upload the PDF. Open the page-number tool and choose the file you need to finish.
- Pick a number style. Use plain numbers for a standard report, or choose the 1 / n format to show the page number and total.
- Choose a position and size. Select a top or bottom position. Adjust the font size and number color if the default would disappear against the page.
- Set the starting number and page range. Enter the printed number under Start numbering at, then enter the first and last PDF pages under Apply from page and to page.
- Convert and inspect the result. Check a page near the start and end of the range. Make sure the new number is readable and not sitting on top of a footer.
Skip a cover page without starting at 2
A PDF's second page does not have to display the number 2. If page 1 is a cover and the main text should begin at 1, set Apply from page to 2 and Start numbering at to 1. The first content page will show 1; the cover stays unnumbered.
The same split between file position and printed number helps with appendices and combined packets. If a 24-page document already ends at 24, start the next section at 25 on the PDF page where that section begins.
Keep the new number clear of existing footer text
Look at the bottom edge before choosing a position. Many reports already have a file name, confidentiality label, date, or printed page number there. Adding another number does not remove those marks; it can leave two pieces of text competing for the same space.
Move the new number to a top corner or another open position, then check the downloaded PDF at normal zoom. If you plan to print it, open print preview too. A footer that looks fine on screen can still be clipped at the edge of the printed page.
When you need numbers on separate page groups
The current tool takes one starting page and one ending page, so it handles a continuous span such as pages 4 through 12. It does not take a list like 2, 5, 9 in a single pass. For nonconsecutive groups, extract each consecutive section, number only the sections that need it with the right start value, and merge the PDF sections back in order. Check the sequence after merging; this workaround creates several files to keep track of.
Yes. Set Apply from page to 2 and Start numbering at to 1. The PDF's second page will display 1.
Yes. Set Start numbering at to the next number in your sequence, then apply it to the relevant PDF page range.
You can number one continuous range by entering its first and last PDF page. The tool does not accept a comma-separated list of nonconsecutive pages in one pass.
Yes. Choose the 1 / n style to show the current number and the total for the PDF.
No. It adds a new visible number; it does not erase existing footer text. Choose a different position if the two would overlap.
A number near the page edge can be clipped or lost in print output. Check the downloaded PDF in print preview and move the number farther from existing footer content if needed.
References
- Adobe Acrobat Help - Add headers and footers to PDFs (page numbers, placement, and reviewing the result).
- Super User - Page numbers added in Acrobat do not print (a user report of footer numbers visible on screen but missing from print output).