How to add page numbers to a PDF

Adding page numbers to a PDF document can be helpful when you want to organize or reference the pages more easily. Here’s how to add page numbers to a PDF using Adobe Acrobat, a widely used PDF editing software:

Method 1: Adding Page Numbers in Adobe Acrobat DC (Paid Software)

  1. Open the PDF Document:
    • Launch Adobe Acrobat DC on your computer.
    • Open the PDF document to which you want to add page numbers.
  2. Access the Page Numbering Tool:
    • Click on “Tools” in the top menu bar.
    • Scroll down and select “Edit PDF.”
  3. Select Page Numbering Option:
    • Once the “Edit PDF” tool is activated, you will see a toolbar on the right side of the screen. Click on “Header & Footer” under the “Edit” category.
  4. Customize Page Numbering:
    • In the “Header & Footer” dialog box, you can customize the appearance and location of the page numbers.
    • Choose where you want the page numbers to appear (e.g., top or bottom of the page).
    • You can also select the font size, style, and color for the page numbers.
    • Use the preview pane to see how the page numbers will look.
  5. Specify Page Range:
    • In the same dialog box, specify the page range for which you want to add page numbers. You can choose to number all pages, specific pages, or a range of pages.
  6. Apply Page Numbers:
    • Once you’ve customized the page numbering settings, click the “OK” or “Apply” button to add page numbers to the PDF document.
  7. Save Your Changes:
    • After applying the page numbers, don’t forget to save your document. Click “File” > “Save” or “Save As” to save the PDF with the added page numbers.

Method 2: Adding Page Numbers in Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free Software)

Adobe Acrobat Reader, the free version of Adobe Acrobat, does not have built-in page numbering tools. To add page numbers to a PDF using Adobe Acrobat Reader, you’ll need to follow a slightly different process:

  1. Open the PDF Document:
    • Launch Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer.
    • Open the PDF document.
  2. Print the PDF:
    • Go to “File” > “Print.”
  3. Configure the Print Settings:
    • In the print settings, look for an option like “Page Numbers” or “Header/Footer.” The location and name of this option may vary depending on your printer driver.
    • Configure the settings to add page numbers. You can usually choose where to place the page numbers, the format, and the starting page number.
  4. Print the PDF:
    • Click the “Print” button to generate a new PDF with page numbers.
  5. Save the PDF:
    • Save the newly printed PDF with page numbers to your computer.

While Adobe Acrobat DC provides more advanced options for adding page numbers and editing PDFs, Adobe Acrobat Reader can still be used to add basic page numbers by utilizing the print settings of your printer driver.