# Add page numbers to a PDF

> Add page numbers to a PDF in your browser. Choose format, header or footer, start number, and page range. No upload, no account.

Headers and footers, locally

Adding page numbers to a PDF is the last mile before you print a booklet or cite “see page 12.” This tool draws a label in a header or footer (1, Page 1, 1 / 10, or Page 1 of 10) with a start number you choose. The first selected page shows that start value, then it counts up. Ranges let you skip a cover so numbering begins on the real page 1.

pdf-lib writes the text in the browser. Nothing is uploaded. Numbers sit in the margin; they do not reflow the original layout. If a page is already numbered by the author, you will get a second set, so crop or organize first if that would clash. The download is a new file. Password-protected PDFs need to be unlocked on your computer before you drop them.

Free. There is no paid tier. No account. They stay on your computer. Nothing is uploaded.

## How to add page numbers in a PDF

1. Drop the PDF. Page count is read in this tab.
2. Pick a format (1, Page 1, 1 / N, or Page N of N) and a header or footer position.
3. Set the start number. Uncheck pages that should stay unnumbered, such as a cover.
4. Add page numbers and download. The original file is not overwritten.

## Number pages without Acrobat or an upload

Word can number a DOCX; a finished PDF usually needs a stamp. Online numberers upload the book. This page stamps locally and lets the first printed folio be 1 even when it is not PDF page 1. You do not get facing-page inner/outer rules like InDesign. You get a clear, private folio.

Need a visual name on the page after the folios? Use [Sign PDF](https://lovethispdf.com/tools/sign-pdf.md).

## Questions

### How do I add page numbers to a PDF without uploading?

Drop the file here. Labels are drawn locally. Nothing is sent to a server.

### Can I start numbering at a number other than 1?

Yes. Start number is what the first selected page shows, then it counts up. Use it after a cover you skip, or to continue from another document.

### How do I number only some pages of a PDF?

Use the page checklist. Unselected pages stay unmarked, which is useful for covers and blank backs.

### Where can page numbers sit?

Header or footer, left, center, or right. They are drawn in the margin and do not reflow the original text.

### Will this overwrite page numbers already in the PDF?

It draws a new label. Existing numbers in the file art stay put, so you may see both. Remove or crop old numbers first if that is a problem.

## Related tools

- [Sign PDF](https://lovethispdf.com/tools/sign-pdf.md): A visual name on the page, after the folios are set.
- [Stamp logo](https://lovethispdf.com/tools/stamp-logo.md): A letterhead mark if a footer number is not enough.
- [Watermark PDF](https://lovethispdf.com/tools/watermark-pdf.md): Add DRAFT across the body if a footer number is not enough.
- [Organize PDF](https://lovethispdf.com/tools/organize-pdf.md): Fix order before you commit to folios.
- [Rotate PDF](https://lovethispdf.com/tools/rotate-pdf.md): Upright pages keep headers and footers on the correct edge.
- [Merge PDF](https://lovethispdf.com/tools/merge-pdf.md): Join chapters, then number the combined book once.
- [Split PDF](https://lovethispdf.com/tools/split-pdf.md): Extract a section that needs its own numbering scheme.

## Tasks

- [Number pages after a cover](https://lovethispdf.com/number-pdf-skip-cover.md): Folio 1 on the real page 1