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How-To Guide

How to Add Page Numbers to a PDF

Learn how to add page numbers to any PDF for free. Choose position, starting number, and font size — processed entirely in your browser.

Written by PDF Shuttle Editorial Team·Reviewed by PDF Shuttle Content Review Team
··4 min read

Adding page numbers to a PDF makes documents easier to navigate, reference, and print. Whether you have merged multiple files or need to prepare a report for distribution, automatic page numbering saves time.

Step-by-Step: Add Page Numbers

Step 1: Open Add Page Numbers to PDF.

Step 2: Upload your PDF.

Step 3: Configure your options:

  • Position — Choose from 6 positions: top-left, top-center, top-right, bottom-left, bottom-center, bottom-right
  • Starting number — Set the first page number (useful for documents that start at page 3, for example)
  • Font size — Adjust the size to match your document style

Step 4: Click "Add Page Numbers" and download the result.

Tips for Professional Page Numbering

  • Bottom-center is the most common position for reports and books
  • Top-right works well for business documents and proposals
  • Start at page 2 if your document has a cover page
  • Use a small font size (8–10pt) for a subtle, professional look
  • Merge first, then number — If combining multiple PDFs with Merge PDF, add page numbers after merging for continuous numbering

Combine with Other Tools

Page numbers work best as part of a document preparation workflow:

  1. Merge PDF — Combine individual files
  2. Organize PDF — Reorder pages as needed
  3. Add Page Numbers — Apply consecutive numbering
  4. Watermark PDF — Add "DRAFT" or "CONFIDENTIAL" if needed
  5. Compress PDF — Reduce file size for sharing

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about add page numbers to pdf.

Yes. PDF Shuttle adds page numbers to any PDF for free with no signup, watermarks, or limits.

Yes. Choose from 6 positions: top-left, top-center, top-right, bottom-left, bottom-center, or bottom-right.

Yes. Set any starting number — for example, start at page 3 if your document has a cover page and table of contents.

Yes. In fact, adding page numbers after merging is the recommended workflow for continuous numbering across combined documents.

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