Add Bates numbers to a PDF
Stamp every page with a unique, sequential identifier for legal discovery, audits or records management, without expensive desktop software.
- No upload: 100% in your browser
- No sign-up
- Free to use
PDF, JPG or PNG · processed on your device, never uploaded
How to bates numbering
It takes less than a minute with PDFHeron.
Open the PDF
Drop the document onto this page.
Set up the number
Choose a prefix (such as a case or client code), a start number and the number of digits.
Pick a position
The {bates} placeholder goes bottom right by default; move it to any of six positions and add other text if needed.
Apply and save
Every page gets the next number in sequence. Download the numbered PDF.
What Bates numbers look like
A Bates number is a prefix plus a zero-padded counter, such as SMITH000001, SMITH000002 and so on. Continue a numbered set across several files by setting the start number to the next number in the sequence.
Confidential documents stay on your computer
Discovery documents are often highly sensitive. PDFHeron applies Bates numbers in your browser, so files are never uploaded to a third-party server.
Why use PDFHeron to bates numbering?
Private by design
PDFHeron processes files on your device. No uploads, no cloud copies, no one else ever sees your documents.
Real editing
Change existing text and delete content from the file itself, not just paint boxes on top of it.
Instant & offline-ready
No queues or upload waits. Big documents open in seconds, and editing keeps working without a connection.
True redaction
Redacted areas are permanently removed from saved PDFs, so hidden text can’t be copied back out.
Standard PDF output
Saved files are regular PDFs with selectable text that open in Acrobat, Preview, Chrome and every other reader.
Free, or $2 once
Use every tool for free. Remove the footer forever with a one-time Pro license, with no subscription.
Bates numbering: FAQ
Can I continue numbering from a previous file?
Yes. Set the start number to continue the sequence, for example 251 if the last file ended at 250.
Can I add a label like “Confidential” too?
Yes. Fill in another position, or write text around the placeholder, e.g. “CONFIDENTIAL {bates}”.
Can I number several PDFs as one set?
Merge them into one document first, then apply Bates numbering to all pages.
Edit your PDF now. It’s free
No sign-up, no upload, no waiting. Open a file and start editing in seconds.
Open the PDF editor