Why number your pages?
Page numbers make long documents easy to read, print and discuss. Universities usually require them in assignments, theses and research reports, and offices expect them in proposals and contracts. Adding them to the PDF is quicker than going back to the original Word file, and it works even if you only have the PDF.
Choosing a style
| Style | Looks like | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Number only | 3 | Assignments, books, most documents |
| Number and total | 3 / 12 | Handouts and printed forms |
| Page and number | Page 3 | Reports and letters |
| Page of total | Page 3 of 12 | Contracts and official documents |
| Dashes | - 3 - | Classic book style |
Bottom centre is the most common position; many thesis guidelines prefer the bottom right. Check your department's rules.
Skipping the cover and starting from another number
Turn on “Don’t number the first page (cover)” and the cover gets no number while the next page starts at your first number. If the PDF continues another document, set the first number to where it should start, for example 25.
Tips
- Fix the page order first with Organize PDF, because numbers are added to pages as they are.
- Join all chapters with Merge PDF before numbering so the numbers run through the whole document.
- Use the preview to check the numbers don't cover a footer or text.