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EDIT
Stamp a unique legal identifier, such as SMITH-000001, on every page of a PDF, in order.
QUICK ANSWER
To add Bates numbers to a PDF, add the file, type a prefix such as SMITH-, set the start number and how many digits to use, and choose where the stamp goes. Every page gets the next number, like SMITH-000001, SMITH-000002. It runs in your browser, so your file isn’t uploaded.
Updated 31 October 2026 · Written by the StackPDF teamUpdated 31 October 2026 · StackPDF team
You’ll set the prefix and start number next. It stays in this browser.You’ll set the prefix and start number next. It stays in this browser.
PDF files · Runs in your browser
QUICK ANSWER
To add Bates numbers to a PDF, add the file, type a prefix such as SMITH-, set the start number and how many digits to use, and choose where the stamp goes. Every page gets the next number, like SMITH-000001, SMITH-000002. It runs in your browser, so your file isn’t uploaded.
Updated 31 October 2026 · Written by the StackPDF teamUpdated 31 October 2026 · StackPDF team
HOW TO
Drop it here, or choose it from your computer, your phone or My files.
Type a prefix, the first number and the digits, and pick a corner.
Every page has its own number, in order.
GOOD TO KNOW
A Bates number is a prefix followed by a padded number.
| SETTING | EXAMPLE | RESULT |
|---|---|---|
| Prefix | SMITH- | SMITH-000001 |
| Start number | 1201 | SMITH-001201 |
| Digits | 6, from 3 to 12 | 000001 has 6 digits |
| Position | Bottom right | Clear of the page content |
To continue a set across files, start each file at the number after the last one.
PRIVACY
Yes. Add Bates numbers to a PDF runs in your browser, so the file never leaves your device.
StackPDF opens the PDF in your browser tab and does the work there.
Close the tab and it’s gone. Free results download to your device. Premium can also keep them in My files.
pdf-lib, PDF.js and qpdf do the work, inside your browser.
FAQ
A way of giving every page in a legal case its own ID, such as SMITH-000001, so pages can be cited exactly.
Yes. The free plan includes 1 PDF export a day, with no account. Premium removes the daily limit for $5.99 a month or $39.99 a year.
No. The numbers are stamped in your browser, so the PDF stays on your device.
Start each file at the number after the last one. If the first file ends at SMITH-000120, start the next one at 121.
Yes. Choose from 3 to 12 digits. With 6, the first page reads SMITH-000001.
No. A Bates number adds a prefix and padded digits, so every page in a case has its own ID. For ordinary numbering, use Add page numbers to a PDF.