Bates Numbering — Free Online (Legal)

Add sequential Bates numbers to every page (prefix, padding, position). 100% in your browser — free, no sign-up, no upload.

How to

  1. 1Choose your PDF — it stays in your browser and is never uploaded.
  2. 2Set a prefix (e.g. ABC-), a starting number, and zero-padding (e.g. 6 digits).
  3. 3Pick where on the page the number should appear.
  4. 4Click Add Bates numbers and download the stamped PDF.

What is Bates numbering?

Bates numbering stamps a unique, sequential identifier — like ABC-000001, ABC-000002 — onto every page of a document set. It is the standard in legal discovery, exhibits, and document production, letting everyone reference an exact page by its number no matter how the files are split or shared.

How Bates stamping works here

You set a prefix, a starting number, how many digits to zero-pad to, and where the stamp sits on the page. We then draw that identifier on every page with pdf-lib, incrementing as it goes, entirely in your browser. The numbering is written into the PDF so it prints and shares exactly as shown.

When to use Bates numbering

Prepare exhibits for a filing, produce documents in discovery, or index a large evidence set so every page has a stable reference. Law firms and paralegals use it to keep thousands of pages organized and citable across a case.

Bates numbering vs Acrobat Pro

Adobe Acrobat Pro offers Bates numbering but is a paid product, and the feature is uncommon in free web tools. This tool stamps sequential Bates numbers free, with no watermark and no upload — your case files stay on your device the whole time.

FAQ

Can I set a custom prefix and starting number?+

Yes. Choose any prefix (e.g. ABC-), a starting number, and how many digits to zero-pad to, so numbers read like ABC-000100.

Are the files I stamp uploaded anywhere?+

No. Bates numbering runs entirely in your browser, so confidential case files never leave your device.

Is there a page limit?+

No. You can stamp documents of any length, with no watermark and no usage cap.

Can I control where the number appears?+

Yes. You choose the position on the page so the stamp does not cover important content.

Is my data private?+

Yes — this tool runs entirely in your browser. Your files and text are never uploaded.

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