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Bates Numbering for PDF

Stamp sequential Bates numbers on a PDF with a custom prefix, suffix, padding and start number. Free, private and processed entirely in your browser.

Drop a PDF here or click to browseNumbers are stamped locally — nothing leaves your computer

What is the Bates Numbering for PDF?

Bates numbering gives every page in a document set a unique, sequential identifier so that anyone can refer to an exact page later.

  • Custom prefix, suffix and zero-padded counter
  • Any start number and increment, including skipping by 10
  • Six stamp positions with adjustable margin and font size
  • Page-range filter so cover sheets can be excluded
  • Reports the first and last number applied for your production log
  • Runs offline in your browser — confidential files stay local

How to use the Bates Numbering for PDF

  1. 1

    Drop the PDF you want to number onto the upload area.

  2. 2

    Enter your prefix (for example ABC), any suffix, the starting number, the increment and how many digits the counter should be padded to.

  3. 3

    Pick a corner for the stamp, then adjust the margin, font size and colour to taste.

  4. 4

    Leave the Pages box blank to number every page, or enter a range like 2-40 to skip a cover sheet.

  5. 5

    Click Apply Bates Numbers, note the first and last number shown in the results, then download the stamped PDF.

About the Bates Numbering for PDF

Bates numbering gives every page in a document set a unique, sequential identifier so that anyone can refer to an exact page later. It is standard practice in litigation discovery, and it is also useful for medical records, audits and any bundle of paperwork that several people need to discuss precisely.

This tool stamps a prefix, a zero-padded counter and an optional suffix onto every page you choose. You control the start number, the increment, how many digits the counter uses, where on the page it sits, the font size and the colour — and you can restrict the stamp to a page range so a cover sheet stays clean.

The numbering is applied locally with pdf-lib. Discovery material is confidential by definition, so nothing is uploaded and the stamped file is produced entirely on your own machine — no account, no queue and no third party holding a copy of your client's documents. The tool also reports the first and last number it applied, which is what goes into your production log.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bates numbering used for?

It assigns every page a unique sequential label so lawyers, auditors or clinicians can cite an exact page without ambiguity. In litigation it is how produced documents are indexed and referenced in filings.

What does a typical Bates number look like?

Usually a short prefix identifying the producing party followed by a zero-padded counter, such as ABC000001. Some sets add a suffix for confidentiality designations, like SMITH-00042-CONF.

Can I start numbering at something other than 1?

Yes. Set any starting number you like, which is what you need when you are continuing a production that already ended at, say, 4,500. You can also change the increment if your convention skips numbers.

Will the numbers cover up my existing text?

They are drawn at the margin you specify, so increase the margin if a stamp lands on content. Check a page or two after downloading, since documents with unusually small margins may need a smaller font size.

Is this safe to use for confidential discovery material?

The stamping happens in your browser and the file is never transmitted anywhere. That said, always verify the output yourself before producing it, and keep your own copy of the original.

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