How to Add Page Numbers to a PDF
Adding page numbers to an existing PDF comes up a lot, especially with documents assembled by merging several separately-created files that each started numbering at one.
Where numbering starts
Got a cover page or table of contents you don't want numbered? Most tools let you start visible numbering later — say, page 3 — while still counting the cover pages internally. Standard in formal reports.
Placement and format
Bottom-center, bottom-right, top-right are the usual spots, and formats range from a plain number to 'Page X of Y'. Pick a spot that won't collide with existing footer content, and check a few actual pages, not just the first one, before finalizing.
Numbering after a merge
Old page numbers printed as part of the original content don't disappear when you add new ones on top — they'll just be wrong relative to the new combined count. For a clean result, you may need to remove old footers before adding new numbering.
Roman numerals for front matter
Formal documents sometimes number a preface or table of contents with lowercase roman numerals before switching to regular numbers for the main content. Check whether your tool supports mixed schemes if that distinction matters.
