Do government portals in India require page numbers on submitted PDFs?

Many legal and government submissions require numbered pages for reference. Vakru adds page numbers in your chosen position and format — no upload, free forever.

Can I customize the page number format?

Yes. Add a custom prefix (e.g. 'Page ' or 'Pg. '), set a custom starting number, and choose from four positions: bottom center, bottom right, bottom left, or top center.

Is my PDF uploaded to a server?

No. Page numbers are added entirely in your browser using pdf-lib. Your file never leaves your device.

Can I skip the first page (cover page)?

You can set the starting number - e.g. start at 0 so the second page shows '1'. For more complex numbering, use the Rearrange PDF Pages tool to reorganize first.

Does it work on encrypted PDFs?

No. Use the Unlock PDF tool to remove password protection first.

Does it work on mobile?

Yes. Works on iOS Safari and Android Chrome without any installation.

Add Page Numbers to PDF Online Free

Loading tool…

More PDF Tools

Watermark PDF

Add text across pages

Merge PDF

Combine before numbering

Compress PDF

Reduce file size

Rearrange PDF Pages

Reorder first

PDF Studio

Full PDF pipeline

📄

Try PDF Studio - all tools in one place

Add page numbers, watermarks, compress, merge and rotate PDFs in a single workflow - 100% browser-based.

Full PDF pipelineNo uploadsOne-click process

Open PDF Studio →

What is add page numbers to pdf free?

Adding page numbers makes long PDF documents navigable - essential for reports, theses, legal documents, and manuals. Vakru adds page numbers to every page using pdf-lib, entirely in your browser. Choose position, add a prefix like 'Page', and set the starting number for documents with cover pages. Free, no signup.

Four position options: bottom center, right, left, top centerCustom prefix text (e.g. 'Page ', 'Pg. ')Set a custom starting page numberFormat: Prefix N / Total (e.g. Page 1 / 10)Works on any non-encrypted PDF100% browser-based - no upload

How it works

Stamp page numbers on every page or a range - choose position, format (1, 1/10, Page 1), font size and starting number.

Upload your PDF

Drop a PDF into the editor. Thumbnails appear so you can preview where numbers will land.

Choose position & format

Pick a position (header / footer, left / centre / right) and a format like 1, 1 of 10, or Page 1.

Set starting number & range

Choose the first page to number, the starting value, and the font size, weight and colour.

Download the numbered PDF

Save the numbered PDF instantly with one click - the rest of your document is untouched.

💡 Pro Tips

Start at 0 to skip the cover page

Setting start number to 0 means your second page shows '1' - the cover page gets '0' which is effectively invisible if it's a blank or title page.

Bottom center is the most professional placement

Page numbers at the bottom center follow the convention used in most books, academic papers, and business reports.

Add 'Confidential' watermark after page numbering

Combine page numbers with a watermark for fully branded, numbered confidential documents.

Number after merging, not before

If you're combining multiple PDFs, merge them first with the Merge PDF tool, then add page numbers - otherwise numbering resets across files.

Frequently Asked Questions