← Guides

How to add page numbers to a PDF

Updated 10/14/2026

An application file, a thesis or a report without page numbers is hard to follow, especially once printed. Adding numbering to an existing PDF takes just a few seconds, without going back to Word.

Tools used

Number the pages in 3 steps

  1. Open “Page numbers” and select your PDF.
  2. Choose the position (bottom center, bottom right, top…), the format and the first number.
  3. Click “Number pages” and download the numbered document.
Screenshot of the PDFRoll “Page numbers” tool with a sample document
Screenshot of the PDFRoll “Page numbers” tool with a sample document

Which format should you choose?

  • “1”: the most discreet, ideal for a book or a thesis.
  • “1 / 10”: handy for a document you’ll print, you see right away if a page is missing.
  • “Page 1 of 10”: the clearest for a contract or an official file.

Start at another number

The “First number” field lets you continue a numbering: if your PDF is the second part of a document that ended on page 24, enter 25.

Does your document have a cover page that shouldn’t be numbered? The simplest way is to number the body separately, then join the cover and the numbered pages with “Merge PDF”.

Prepare the document before numbering it

Number last. If you still need to add, remove or reorder pages, do it first with “Merge PDF” or “Organize PDF”. Otherwise the numbering won’t match anymore.

Frequently asked questions

Will the numbers cover my text?

They’re placed in the margin, about one centimeter from the edge. If your document has almost no margin, choose another position, for example at the top.

Can I remove the numbers later?

Once added, the numbers are part of the file. Keep a copy of your original PDF: the tool doesn’t change it.

Does my document stay private?

Yes. Numbering happens in your browser, without sending the file to a server.

More guides