Task
Add page numbers to PDF
Adding page numbers to a PDF is one of those things word processors handle elegantly and PDF apps often don't. PennyPDF's page-numbers tool gives you granular control: choose the position (6 corners + center top/bottom), format ('1', 'i', 'Page 1 of N', or custom), starting number, font, size, and color.
Skip-first-N is a common requirement — you want the cover page and the table of contents not to have numbers. Set 'skip first 2' and the first numbered page will be page 3 but labeled '1' (or labeled '3' if you prefer; both modes are there).
The rendering is a simple text overlay on each page's existing content — no re-encoding, no quality loss. Output is a genuine edit to the PDF, not a watermark.
How it works
- 1Open /page-numbers and upload the PDF.
- 2Pick position, format, and starting number.
- 3Preview on the first page before committing.
- 4Apply. Download. Free.
Frequently asked
Can I start numbering at something other than 1?+
Yes — the 'Starting number' field accepts any positive integer.
Can I use Roman numerals for the intro pages and Arabic for the rest?+
Not in a single pass yet — that's on the Phase 4 roadmap. For now, split the PDF, number the sections separately, and merge.
Font and color choices?+
Any of the 14 PDF-standard fonts. Color is a full color picker. Default is Helvetica 10pt black.
Will the numbers overlap existing content?+
Pick one of the corner positions (top-right is safest for most layouts). The tool doesn't auto-detect collisions, so preview on the first page before committing.
Are existing page numbers removed?+
No — this tool only adds. If the PDF already has baked-in numbers, use /edit to remove them first, then re-number.
Why PennyPDF
- No subscription. Ever.
- Coins never expire — use them in 5 years.
- Client-side processing for 14 of 22 tools.
- No watermarks at any tier.
- Per-operation pricing, shown before you click.
- Same coins for web + public API.