Need to add page numbers to a PDF but don't have Adobe Acrobat? You can do it instantly for free — directly in your browser, with no software to install and no account required. This guide explains exactly how, with a breakdown of all the position and format options available.
Why Page Numbers Matter in PDFs
Professional Appearance
Reports, proposals, and contracts look unfinished without page numbers. Adding sequential numbering signals attention to detail and makes documents ready for formal submission or client delivery.
Easy Navigation
In meetings and presentations, page numbers let everyone quickly jump to the same section. A "Page X of Y" format also shows recipients how long the document is at a glance.
Legal & Compliance
Many legal and regulatory documents require numbered pages so parties can reference specific clauses. Courts, arbitration bodies, and government agencies routinely require numbered submissions.
Academic Requirements
Style guides like APA, MLA, and Chicago all require page numbers in specific positions. Students submitting essays or dissertations often need to add numbers starting from page 2 (skipping the title page).
How to Add Page Numbers to a PDF in 5 Steps
Open the PDF Page Number Adder
Go to the NextUtils PDF Page Number Adder tool. No account or registration is needed.
Upload your PDF
Drag and drop your PDF onto the upload area, or click "Choose PDF" to browse. Files up to 50MB are supported.
Choose position and format
Select where the numbers appear (e.g. Bottom Center, Top Right) and the format: plain "1", "Page 1", "Page 1 of 10", or "1 of 10".
Set font size and starting number
Adjust the font size (10–14pt), set a starting number if the document is part of a larger series, and optionally skip the first page for cover pages.
Click "Add Page Numbers" and download
Processing happens instantly in your browser. Click "Download PDF" to save the numbered file — no file is sent to any server.
No sign-up · Browser-based · Files stay on your device
Position & Format Options Explained
6 Position Options
4 Number Formats
Skip First Page
Enable "Skip first page" when your document has a title page or cover page that should not be numbered. Numbering then starts from page 2 with the number you set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use "Page 1 of 10" format?
Yes. Select "Page N of M" from the format dropdown. The tool automatically calculates the total page count and displays it correctly in every page label.
Does it work on all PDF files?
The tool works on standard PDF files up to 50MB. Encrypted PDFs that require a password to open cannot be processed — remove the password protection first. Scanned PDFs work fine since page numbers are added as text overlay.
Is this tool completely free?
Yes, completely free. There are no file limits, no watermarks, no sign-up, and no hidden costs. The tool runs in your browser using PDF-lib, an open-source library.
What if I have a cover page that should not be numbered?
Enable the "Skip first page" option. Page numbering will start from the second page. The starting number you set applies to the first numbered page — so if you set start number to 1, your second physical page will show "1" (or "Page 1").
Add page numbers to your PDF now
Free, instant, browser-based. Choose your position and format.
Add Page Numbers to PDF Free →