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Add Bates numbers to PDFs
Stamp Bates numbers across a set of PDFs, counting on from file to file, with a prefix, zero padding, and start number. Free, no upload, runs in your browser.
How to add Bates numbers to PDFs
Three steps, and your files stay on your device the whole time.
- 1
Drop the PDFs into the drop box
Or click to browse for them. Nothing is uploaded.
- 2
Put them in order and type the prefix
Drag the files into production order. The count runs on from one file to the next, and every page shows its label.
- 3
Click Save and download the stamped files
Each file stays its own PDF, in a zip when there are several. The next free number is on screen.
When to add Bates numbers
A Bates number gives every page of a set its own label. These are the usual reasons to stamp one.
A production for discovery
Every page of every document gets its own number, so both sides can cite ABC000123 and mean the same page.
A set that spans many files
The count carries on across files in the order you set. If the first file ends at ABC000045, the second starts at ABC000046.
Confidential and privileged records
Add CONFIDENTIAL to every page, in the opposite corner from the number. The files are read on your own computer, which matters for privileged material.
The next production, without a gap
The result screen shows the next free number. Type it into Start at next time, with the same prefix, and the sequence carries on.
Files named by their range
Name each file by the labels it carries, such as ABC000001-ABC000045.pdf, as productions are often listed, or keep the original names.
No catch
Stamp as many pages as you like
One exhibit or a production of thousands of pages. There is no daily limit and nothing to sign up for, and your files stay on your computer or phone.
- Daily limitNoneUse it as much as you like.
- Sign upNeverNothing to fill in.
- WatermarkNeverYour file comes back clean.
- WaitingStarts the moment you dropNothing to send first.
- Your fileStays on your computer or phoneIt never goes anywhere.
- Daily limitOften 1 or 2 free a dayThen a paid plan.
- Sign upOftenTo keep going or to download.
- WatermarkSome add oneUnless you pay to remove it.
- WaitingSend it, then waitSlow for large files.
- Your fileGoes to their computerAnd comes back to you.
Related tools
Each one works the same way: free, in your browser, with nothing uploaded.
Bates numbering, answered
Your files stay privateAre my documents uploaded anywhere?+
No. The files are read from your device and the numbers are drawn by your browser. Nothing leaves your computer or phone, which matters for privileged and confidential material.
Is Bates numbering free here?+
Yes. There is no watermark, no page limit, and no account. The work happens in your browser, so there is nothing for us to charge for.
What is Bates numbering?+
It gives every page of a set of documents its own number, such as ABC000123, so anyone can point at a page and everyone finds the same one. Law firms use it for discovery and productions; it suits any large set of records.
Does the numbering continue across files?+
Yes, that is the point. If the first file ends at ABC000045, the second starts at ABC000046. Drag the files into the order you want before you save.
Where do I start the next set?+
The result screen shows the next free number. Type it into Start at for the next production, with the same prefix, and the sequence carries on without a gap.
Can I add CONFIDENTIAL to every page?+
Yes. Type it into the confidentiality line and it is stamped on every page, in the opposite corner from the number.
Are the files merged?+
No. Each file comes back as its own PDF, in a zip when there are several. You can keep the original names or name each file by its range, such as ABC000001-ABC000045.pdf.
Does it change anything else in my PDFs?+
No. The number is drawn on top of each page. Text, images, links, and bookmarks stay as they were, and on a rotated or cropped page the number still lands where you see it.
Can I stamp password protected PDFs?+
Yes, if you know the passwords. Type each one when its file is added. The stamped files come out without a password, and Protect can add one after.
Does it work on iPhone, Android, Mac, and Windows?+
Yes. It runs in any current browser, Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox, on a computer, a phone, or a tablet. There is nothing to install and no account to make.
Is there a file size limit?+
No. There is no set limit and no daily cap. Your own device does the work, and files of a few hundred megabytes are fine on a laptop.