Free
Add page numbers to a PDF
Page numbers or Bates numbers, where you want them. Free.
Free, with no account, no watermark and no page limit.
Updated 25 October 2026
The short answer
PDF Coast adds page numbers to a PDF on your own PC, for free. Open the PDF and choose Page Numbers & Bates in the Tools panel. Pick the position, the format, the starting number, the font size and which pages to number, then apply and save. Bates numbering with a prefix and suffix is in the same panel, and you can change or remove the numbers later.
- Price
- Free, no watermark
- Your file
- Stays on your PC, never uploaded
- Internet
- Not needed
- Works on
- Windows 10 and 11
How to do it
- Open the PDF and choose Page Numbers & Bates in the Tools panel.
- Choose the position, the number format and the number to start at.
- Pick all pages, the current page or a range, and set the font size and margin.
- Apply and save. You can edit or remove the numbers later.
Add page numbers online, or on your PC?
Online converters are handy on a phone. For anything private, a desktop app is safer.
 PDF Coast |
Typical online converter | |
|---|---|---|
| Your file is uploaded | Never | Yes, to their servers |
| Works without internet | Yes | No |
| Limits on free use | None on free tools | Daily or file-size limits are common |
| Account | Not needed | Often needed after a few files |
Questions
Can I add Bates numbers?
Yes, with a prefix, a suffix and a minimum number of digits. Continuous Bates numbering across several files is available too.
Can I start numbering at a page other than 1?
Yes. Set Start at, and choose the page range to number.
Is it free?
Yes. Page numbers, Bates numbers, headers, footers and watermarks are all free.
Is my file uploaded anywhere?
No. PDF Coast opens and saves the file on your own computer, and works with the internet switched off. Nothing about the document is sent anywhere.
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Get PDF Coast for free
Everyday PDF work is free forever. Pro is US$26.49 once, and you can try every Pro tool free for 14 days. No account, no card, no subscription.
Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit. English, 简体中文 and 繁體中文.