Number the pages before anyone has to count them
Anyone who searches add page numbers to a PDF has usually just put a packet together: a contract with exhibits, a report built from several files, an application that must be numbered before it is submitted. A reader, a reviewer, or a court clerk needs to say “see page 14” and have everyone land on the same page.
ViaPDF’s Page numbers tool stamps a number on every page of one PDF, on your phone. There is no upload, and the result is a new file called Numbered.pdf.
Position, style, and Start at
Three settings decide how the numbers look.
- Position. Bottom centre, Bottom right, or Top right.
- Style. “1” is the plain number. “1 / 9” shows the page number out of the total. “Page 1” adds the word.
- Start at. Sets the first number. Leave it alone to start at 1, or change it when your file continues a longer document.
Check the preview of page 1 before you tap the button, so you see where the number lands and whether it clashes with a footer already printed on the page.
Merge first, then number the result
If your document is made of several files, number it after you join them, not before. Otherwise each file starts again at 1. Merge the files into one PDF and save it. The confirmation screen then offers “Keep going with this file” shortcuts into another tool. Pick Page numbers there, and you carry on with the merged file rather than choosing it again.
A new file. The tool writes Numbered.pdf. The PDF you opened is not overwritten. Pages in the result are written as images, so text is not selectable unless you run OCR.
Before you start
- Page numbers works on one PDF at a time.
- Files over 250 MB or over 200 pages are rejected.
- Put the pages in their final order first. Numbers follow the page order of the file you choose.
- The first Save or Share is free. After that, one unlock for $14.99.
How to add page numbers in ViaPDF
- Open Page numbersOn the ViaPDF home screen, open the Tools tab and tap Page numbers. You can also tap Open PDF first and then pick the tool.
- Choose the PDFPick the file from your phone. If it came from a merge, use the “Keep going with this file” shortcut after you save.
- Pick a positionChoose Bottom centre, Bottom right, or Top right.
- Pick a styleChoose “1”, “1 / 9”, or “Page 1”.
- Set Start atEnter the number the first page should show. Check the preview of page 1.
- Tap Add page numbersViaPDF numbers every page and writes Numbered.pdf.
- Save or ShareSave or Share the result. The first export is free. The file you opened is not overwritten.
Do this job on your phoneFree to download. The first export is free. Then $14.99 once. The file stays on the device until you share it.
Fix the order before you number
Numbers are only as good as the order they are printed in. If a page is upside down or in the wrong place, sort it out first. Reorder the pages and delete the ones you do not need, then number the file. If a scan is sideways, rotate it before you number it so the number sits at the edge you expect.
When the numbers are on, you can Share the file straight to whoever is waiting for it, or Save a copy for yourself. Because the original is never overwritten, you can go back to the unnumbered file if you want a different position or style.
Add page numbers FAQ
Where can I put the page numbers?
You can choose Bottom centre, Bottom right, or Top right. Check the preview of page 1 before you tap Add page numbers.
Can I start numbering at a number other than 1?
Yes. Use Start at to choose the first number. This helps when your file is a continuation of a longer document.
Can I number several PDFs as one document?
Yes. Merge them into one PDF first and save it. Then use “Keep going with this file” to open Page numbers with the merged file, and number the whole thing.
Does adding page numbers upload my PDF?
No. The numbers are added on your phone, and the file leaves the device only when you tap Save or Share. The first export is free.