How to add page numbers to a PDF
2 min read·25 July 2026
A PDF without page numbers is hard to navigate — especially when you print it or send it as an attachment. With PDFrust's numbers tool you add page numbers in the style, position, and format you want.
Page numbers: position and formatting
You choose where the numbers go: bottom-left, bottom-right, centred at the bottom or top. You set the starting page number (useful when merging a PDF that continues from page 1). You choose the font, size, and colour. Optionally add a prefix (e.g. 'Page 3 of 10').
Numbers tool vs. headerFooter tool
The numbers tool is a simplified version that only adds page numbers — fast and without configuration. The headerFooter tool gives more control: multiple text fields (left, centre, right) in both header and footer, with free text and dynamic fields. For numbers only: numbers tool. For more formatting: headerFooter.
Add page numbers
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Page numbers on specific pages
Want to skip the first page (title page)? Set the starting number to 0 (then the second page starts with 1). Want page numbers only from page 3? Use the organize tool to extract the first pages, add numbers to the rest, and rejoin them with merge.
Re-numbering after merging
Have you merged multiple PDFs and the numbers run through incorrectly? Use the numbers tool to remove all page numbers and re-number them sequentially. That way you always start with consistent numbering.
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