Bates Number a PDF
Apply sequential Bates numbering with a prefix, for legal and archival use.
Fill in the form and press “Apply Bates numbers” to see the result here.
How to use it
- 1Select your PDF, or drag and drop it onto the upload area.
- 2Adjust the options if you need something other than the defaults.
- 3Press the button. The document is processed on your device - nothing is uploaded.
- 4Download the result. Your original file is untouched.
About the Bates Number a PDF
Bates numbering gives every page in a production a unique, sequential identifier so it can be cited unambiguously. The prefix usually identifies the producing party or the case.
The result reports the first and last number applied, which is the range you record against the document in an index.
Numbering is applied to every page, including blanks - skipping pages breaks the guarantee that the sequence is complete.
Questions people ask
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
No. The document is read and rewritten by JavaScript in your own browser. Nothing is transmitted, which is the only sensible arrangement for contracts, invoices, medical records and anything else people put in a PDF.
Is your document uploaded to a server?
No. This tool runs entirely in your browser using standard web APIs, so your document never leaves your device. You can confirm it by opening your browser's network panel while the tool runs, or by disconnecting from the internet after the page has loaded.
Is it free, and do I need an account?
Yes, it is free, and there is no account, no sign-up and no watermark on the result. The project is funded by optional donations.