Bates numbering for PDF — free, in your browser
Stamp a Bates-style label (prefix + zero-padded number, e.g. BA-0001) on every page. Built for organizing legal and business document sets.
What we found testing it
We numbered a 25-page exhibit set with prefix 'EX-' and 4-digit padding. Every page read EX-0001 through EX-0025, left-to-right, bottom-center. Re-running on a second set with 'RX-' kept the two sets distinct — exactly the point of Bates prefixes.
How to use it
- Open the Bates numbering tool above (it's the page-number tool with prefix options) and choose your PDF.
- Enter your prefix (e.g. BA-, EX-, RX-).
- Choose zero-pad digits — 4 gives 0001, 5 gives 00001.
- Pick the position (bottom-center is the convention) and start number.
- Click Add page numbers — the labeled PDF downloads.
Bates label, not a certified system
This produces the familiar Bates look (prefix + sequential padded number) and is great for organizing and cross-referencing document sets. It is not a court-certified Bates platform; for filed materials, confirm your jurisdiction's requirements.
FAQ
What does Bates numbering look like?
A prefix followed by a zero-padded sequential number — e.g. BA-0001, BA-0002 — on every page.
Is it free and private?
Yes. The file never leaves your browser; no account, no upload.
Can I start from a number other than 1?
Yes — set the start number (e.g. start at 150 to continue a prior set).
Will it overlap my page content?
Labels sit in the bottom (or top) margin. On tight layouts, switch position or shorten the prefix.
Can I number multiple files into one sequence?
Number them one at a time and merge the results, or merge first then number the combined file for a single continuous sequence.