Page numbers make multi-page documents easier to reference and look more professional — important for reports, contracts, and formal submissions.
Where to place them
Bottom-center and bottom-right are the most common placements. Keep them clear of the content margin so they don't overlap text.
Consistency matters
Number every page in the same position and style. For formal documents, a simple 'Page X of Y' is clear and expected.
Step by step
- Open the page numbers tool and add your PDF.
- Choose the position — bottom-centre or bottom-right suits most documents.
- Set the starting page and the first number if there is a cover to skip.
- Export and check the first numbered page is the one you intended.
What usually goes wrong
Covers and contents pages throw the count out
If numbering should start at the introduction and read "1" there, you need both a start page and a start number, and they are different settings.
Numbers can land on top of existing content
A document with its own footer ends up with two numbers. Check the busiest page before exporting.
Numbering does not renumber after edits
Delete a page afterwards and the printed sequence has a gap. Number last, once the document is final.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add page numbers without changing the rest of the document?
Yes — page numbers are added as an overlay; the existing content is untouched.
Can I start numbering from a later page?
Yes — set which page numbering begins on and what number it starts at, which is what you need when there is a cover and a contents page.
Will page numbers cover my existing footer?
They can. Choose a position your document is not already using, and check a content-heavy page rather than the title page.