Add Bates Numbers to a PDF
Bates numbering gives every page in a production set a unique, sequential identifier, such as ABC000001, so lawyers and courts can refer to exact pages. Set the prefix, starting number, number of digits and position, preview it on the page, and stamp the whole PDF in your browser. Confidential documents never leave your device.
Your file is processed by your own browser and never uploaded. Most online tools send your document to their servers and delete it later — this one never receives it at all.
Why use Bates Numbering PDF
- Left, centre and right header and footer slots
- Placeholders for page number, total pages, date and file name
- Bates numbering with a prefix, start number, zero padding and suffix
- Skip cover pages and start numbering from any number
- Stamped the right way up on rotated and cropped pages, with a live preview
- Processed locally, never uploaded
Popular uses
- Add a 'Confidential — do not distribute' line to every page of a report
- Number exhibits for a legal filing with Bates numbers
- Put the document title and date on meeting packs
Bates Numbering PDF: frequently asked questions
What is Bates numbering?
Bates numbering stamps each page with a unique identifier made of an optional prefix and a sequential number, usually zero-padded, such as ABC000001, ABC000002 and so on. It's standard in legal discovery, so every page in a document production can be cited precisely.
How do I continue numbering from a previous set?
Enter the next number as the start, for example 1251 if the last set ended at ABC001250. Keep the same prefix and number of digits so the sequence stays consistent across productions.
Where does the Bates number appear?
Choose any of six positions — left, centre or right in the header or footer; bottom right is the default. Margins are adjustable, and numbers stay upright and in place on rotated pages.
Can I add a header or date as well?
Yes. The same tool adds text to the header and footer at the same time, with the page number, total pages, date or file name, so you can combine a Bates stamp with a confidentiality notice.
Is it safe to Bates-stamp confidential documents here?
Yes. The PDF is stamped by your browser on your own device, so privileged or confidential material is never uploaded to a server. Bates numbering is part of PDFSpark Pro.
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