Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1
Open the Add Page Numbers tool
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Step 2
Upload your PDF
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Step 3
Choose position and alignment
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Step 4
Select number format and starting number
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Step 5
Click Apply and download
Key Benefits
Multiple Formats
Arabic (1,2,3), Roman (i,ii,iii), or Alpha (A,B,C).
9 Positions
All combinations of top/middle/bottom and left/center/right.
Skip Cover
Option to skip page 1 numbering for cover pages.
Private
Browser-based.
Common Use Cases
▶ Use Case 1
Number pages in a merged document after combining sections
▶ Use Case 2
Add Roman numerals to prefatory content (TOC, foreword)
▶ Use Case 3
Re-number after deleting or rearranging pages
▶ Use Case 4
Add page references to a report or manual
Expert Tips
Bottom-center is the most universally used position for formal documents
Start from a number other than 1 when this document is part of a larger series
Combine with Header & Footer for a fully professional document
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I number only certain pages? ▼
Page range selection is not yet supported — numbers are added to all pages (with optional cover page skip).
Can I choose the font colour? ▼
Yes — the tool includes a colour picker for the page number text.
Does this work with scanned PDFs? ▼
Yes — page numbers are added as a layer on top, so they work on both text and image-based PDFs.
How PDF Page Numbering Works Technically
Adding page numbers uses pdf-lib in your browser — no server involved. The tool loads your PDF, calculates each page's dimensions, then renders a text element at your chosen coordinates for every page. The number increments automatically, following the format and start-value you set. Arabic numerals suit most documents; Roman numerals signal academic or legal formality; alphabetic labels work for appendices. To mix systems across sections, process each section separately and recombine using Merge PDF.
Most competing tools require paid desktop software (Adobe Acrobat Pro at $20+/month) or upload your PDF to a cloud server. ConvertPDF.Live runs entirely in your browser — faster, more private, and completely free on any device.
Ready to try it yourself?
100% free, browser-based — no upload, no sign-up, no watermark. Works instantly on any device.
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