Why page numbers matter
In a long document, page numbers are how people refer to things: “see page 14”, “the table on page 22”, “turn to page 7”. Reports, contracts, manuals, and printed packs that lack them are slow to discuss and easy to put back in the wrong order after printing. Adding them is a small change that makes a document far easier to use.
What this tool adds
Page Numbers is a one-click tool with no settings. It writes a number on every page in the form “3 / 12” — the current page and the total — in small gray text at the bottom center of each page. Because the total is included, readers can tell at a glance whether pages are missing.
Numbering always starts at 1 on the first page and covers every page, including a cover. The numbers are added on top of the existing page, so the original content is not changed.
Limits to be aware of
Because the position is fixed, the numbers can collide with content that runs very close to the bottom edge of a page, such as a footer. If a document already has its own footer text, check the result. This tool does not offer other positions, number formats, or a custom starting number; if you need those, number the document in the software that created it.
To leave a cover page unnumbered, split it off with Split PDF, number the remaining pages, then merge the cover back on the front with Merge PDF — numbering will then begin at 1 on the second page.
Good order of operations
Add page numbers last. Merge, reorder, and delete pages first, so the numbers reflect the final order and page count. Numbering runs in your browser, so the file is not uploaded.