Add consistent page labels without losing track of numbering
Headers and footers identify pages when printed, separated or circulated for review. This tool adds one text label to every page at your chosen position. It does not find, replace or move an existing footer out of the way.
{page} counts a page's position in this PDF; {pages} is the total page count. {bates} combines your prefix with a sequence beginning at Bates start. To continue a series between files, record the last number yourself: the browser does not manage a shared sequence across jobs.
Select the label for the reader's task
| Your situation | Recommended approach |
|---|---|
| Readers need to spot missing pages | Use Page {page} of {pages}. This counts all pages, including a cover or blank page. |
| Every page needs a unique reference | Use {bates}, choose a short prefix and set the starting value and digit width. Keep a record of ranges already assigned. |
| A review copy needs an identifying label | Use short plain text with a page token, such as Review copy - {page}/{pages}. Choose an edge with clear space. |
| The cover should be excluded or a page subset needs numbers | Use Add page numbers for a selected-page numbering workflow. This header/footer tool applies its label to every page. |
Label a five-page review document
The five-page sample has visible source numbers to compare against your new labels.
- Load device-document-lab.pdf and set Text to CASE {bates} - {page}/{pages}.
- Choose Bottom centre, Font size 10 pt and Margin 8 mm. Set Bates prefix to EX-, Bates start to 50 and Bates digits to 4.
- Apply the labels and open the downloaded PDF. On the first page, look for CASE EX-0050 - 1/5. On the final page, look for CASE EX-0054 - 5/5.
- Inspect all five labels against the source page numbers, and zoom into the lower-centre area to check spacing and any overlap.
Expected result. The result still has five pages, with one new label on each. Four Bates digits add leading zeroes to 50; they do not limit the sequence to four characters if a future value requires more digits.
Check the downloaded result
- Check the first, middle and final labels for sequence errors. For several files, the next start value is the previous start plus that file's page count.
- Inspect the shortest and narrowest pages. A label that fits an A4 page may fail or cover content on a smaller page in the same PDF.
- Check pages that display sideways or use a cropped page area. Placement uses the page's stored dimensions, so visible edge alignment needs extra review on these documents.
- Open a print preview and confirm the label stays inside the printer's printable area. A PDF margin of zero does not mean a printer can print to the sheet edge.
Troubleshooting
- The tool says text does not fit on a page
The complete substituted label is wider than the available page area, or its margin and size put it outside a page boundary.
Try this: Shorten the prefix or fixed text, reduce the font size within 6–36 pt, and review the margin. Test again using the narrowest page in the document.
- The new footer covers an old footer or signature
Labels are added over existing content. The tool has no automatic collision detection and does not create extra blank space.
Try this: Start again from the original PDF and choose an unused top or bottom position. If no space is available, prepare a suitable page layout before stamping.
- A token appears literally or the Bates prefix is missing
Only the exact tokens {page}, {pages} and {bates} are recognized. Setting a Bates prefix has no visible effect unless Text contains {bates}.
Try this: Check spelling and braces in Text. Include {bates} where the sequence should appear, then create a fresh result.
- A label has question marks or is unexpectedly shortened
The font path replaces unsupported characters and limits the text template to 180 characters and the prefix to 40.
Try this: Use a short basic-Latin label. Avoid symbols or scripts outside the supported range, and inspect the full expanded label on the last page.
Limits and compatibility
- One label per operation
- Choose one of six top/bottom positions. Adding both a header and footer requires another pass over the first result; this adds more page content, so keep the unstamped original.
- Document integrity
- Visible labels do not update bookmarks, existing contents pages or viewer page labels. Editing a digitally signed document can affect signature validation; retain the signed original and verify any requirements before distributing a changed copy.
Your files and form values are processed on this device. Downloaded copies remain wherever you save them. See how to check local processing and our privacy policy for site data and optional services.
Common questions
- Can I replace a previously applied Bates number?
- This tool adds labels rather than identifying and deleting old ones. Return to the unstamped original whenever you need to correct a sequence; stamping again can leave both labels visible or overlapping.
- Does numbering certify a document or reserve a unique ID?
- No. It creates visible references only. It does not authenticate a file, register numbers with another service or check whether a different document already uses the same sequence.
Continue your document workflow
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