Add page numbers to PDF online — footers, Bates-style counts, and “Page X of Y”
Add page numbers to PDF, PDF pagination, and page numbering (including Bates-style counts) land users who already merged a packet and now need consistent Page 1 of N footers. QwerPDF stamps readable numbers without re-opening Word for a whole re-layout when the PDF is the deliverable.
Roman vs Arabic and cover pages
Many filings want front matter in roman numerals and body in Arabic—set start numbers carefully if the tool exposes offsets.
If the first physical page is a cover that should not read “Page 1,” either exclude it from numbering or remove cover pages first with remove PDF pages.
Footers vs baked-in graphics
If “page numbers” in the source are actually part of a flat scan image, stamping new numbers on top may look double-numbered—fix source scans first.
Vector footers stay sharp when zooming; tiny raster stamps blur on high-DPI print.
Digital signatures
Numbering rewrites bytes—invalidate signatures on that file. Number unsigned working copies.
Court and agency rules
Margins, font size, and position may be specified—read the filing guide before stamping.
Bates strictness (prefix, zero padding) may exceed generic numbering—use legal software when rules are rigid.
After PDF to Word
Stamps may import as images or text boxes—clean up in Word if you continue editing there.
Merge then number workflow
Merge PDF first so “Y” in Page X of Y matches the final packet, then add page numbers.
Accessibility
Screen readers announce footer text—avoid noisy repeated marketing lines in the same footer region.
When to avoid online stamping
Classified documents: follow approved redaction and numbering pipelines offline.