How to Add Page Numbers to a PDF?

A lengthy document without page numbers is often considered incomplete. The MS Word procedure is already solved and known, but it’s cracked and still unknown in PDFs. That is why we have a guide to show you how to add page numbers to a PDF.

It is easier to manage PDFs once you have the pages numbered. Just like in word, there are various options like which pages to number and where to start. Since we are already aware of why we need the page numbers, let’s see how you can add page numbers to PDF.

How to Add Page Numbers to PDF Online?

Inserting page numbers in PDF can happen online if you don’t have a ready tool on your computer. Going online also means you can use any internet-enabled device to do so. Here, we have the CocoDoc website that allows you to add the page numbers once you access it.

Let’s head online and see how adding page numbers to PDF is easy with a few clicks.

Step 1: Go to the Add Number Pages to PDF page to fetch your unnumbered document. You can opt to drag and drop the file, use the “Choose File” button, or load it from the cloud options.

You can also provide the URL. Once the document is ready, click “Continue” to proceed.

Step 2: The PDF will open in a fillable format, and you will see the “Page Number Options” dialog on the right. There is an option to choose the pages to number. Next, there is the number format, where to start, and the font size.

At the bottom right, you can choose the position you want the numbers to go. Once you are done feeding the correct parameters, click “Apply” to save your changes.

Step 3: Download the ready document to your device or share the link via the button next to “Download”.

How to Insert Page Numbers in PDF without Acrobat?

If you don’t have Acrobat DC, other accessible applications can help you insert page number in PDF. One of the best in the market is Wondershare PDFElement that has more editing and conversion tools.

Before you begin using it, you need to download and install the PDFElement from the main website and launch it. After that, follow the steps below to add page numbers to PDF.

Step 1: Import the file you want to include the page numbers using the “Open Files” tab. You can also use the “Open Cloud” button to get the file from other storage options.

Step 2: Click on the “Edit” tab to find the “Add Header & Footer” option. Select it and proceed to work on the dialog box that appears.

If you didn’t add the header and footer, there will be a prompt to create a template first. Use the “+” icon to make it.

Step 3: Now, you are in a position to add the page numbers and any other necessary header/footer content. Use the standard format by clicking the blue button and then select the “Date Style” option under “Macros”.

Click on “Add date” and then save the settings. At that point, your document is ready, and you can scroll down to view the results. Click “Apply” to close the dialog and save your changes.

How to Add Page Numbers to PDF on Windows?

For Windows users, you can do proper PDF editing and PDF page number additions via the famous Acrobat application. It’s a powerful tool that will let you play around with the numbering format, options, and positions.

Here is how you can quickly use it to add page numbers to PDF.

Step 1: Launch Acrobat and include the file you want to add page numbers. If it’s your default PDF app on Windows, just go ahead and open the file directly.

Step 2: Go to “Tools” and select “Edit PDF”, where the toolset is in the secondary toolbar.

Next, choose the “Header & Footer”, then “Add”.

Step 3: Specify the font and margin as required. The settings will apply to all the headers and footers, and you cannot use different ones for specific headers/footers.

Step 4: You can type the text in the header/footer section. Inserting page numbers in PDF and the date needs you to click the box and the associated buttons. To format the automatic entries, use the “Page Number and Date Format” option.

Step 5: You can also specify the pages where the numbers will go. Use the “Page Range” option to set the page numbers and use “Subset” where required.

Once you complete, preview the document in the preview area before clicking on “Save” on the dialog box.

Step 6: You can also apply the settings to other PDF files by using the “Apply to Multiple Files” option and following the due guidelines.

Conclusion

The three tools above will help you add page numbers to PDF by following the steps we provide. They are also helpful for other PDF editing purposes, and that’s why you should consider them.

If you don’t have a ready tool, CocoDoc can help you by only requiring an internet connection. If you, however, have an option to use an installed app, then Wondershare and Acrobat will sort you out.