Add page numbers to a PDF

Use ChameleonPDF's browser editor to add page numbers after merging, reordering, or preparing a final PDF.

Choose the pages, style the numbers, place them precisely, and cover old numbers when source PDFs already had numbering.

Files stay local in your browser for normal ChameleonPDF workflows.

Open ChameleonPDF

How it works

Open the PDF editor
Add your PDF to ChameleonPDF, open the editor, and choose the page numbering tool from the toolbar.
Choose pages and numbering
Set which pages receive numbers, choose the starting number, and decide whether the number appears by itself or inside text like Page 1 of 10.
Position and style the numbers
Place numbers in the header, footer, or a custom position, use book binding to alternate sides, then choose font, size, color, alignment, and spacing.
Cover old numbers if needed
When merged or reordered PDFs already contain old page numbers, add an opaque background behind the new numbers and position it to cover the old ones.

Cover old page numbers after merging

Merged or reordered PDFs often carry page numbers from their original files. Add an opaque background behind the new number block and position it over the old number so the final PDF reads cleanly.

FAQ

Can I add page numbers to a PDF without uploading it?

Yes. ChameleonPDF's normal editor workflow runs in your browser, so your PDF contents are not uploaded to ChameleonPDF servers for standard page numbering.

Can I start page numbering from a custom number?

Yes. You can choose the starting number, which is useful when a PDF is part of a larger bundle or when front matter should be skipped.

Can I add page numbers only to selected pages?

Yes. The page numbering tool supports page ranges so numbering can start, stop, or skip pages according to the final document structure.

Can I cover old page numbers after merging PDFs?

Yes. Add an opaque background behind the new page numbers and position the number block over the old numbering area to hide outdated numbers.

Can I change the position and style of PDF page numbers?

Yes. You can adjust position, font, size, color, alignment, and related styling. A book binding option can automatically place numbers on alternating sides.

When should I renumber a PDF?

Renumber a PDF after merging, reordering, inserting, or removing pages when the existing page numbers no longer match the final sequence.