Page Numbers · 3 min read

How to Add Bates Numbers to a PDF — Free Online

Bates numbering stamps sequential identifiers on each page of legal documents for unique reference in discovery and regulatory submissions.

1

What Are Bates Numbers?

Bates numbers are sequential page identifiers like ABC00001, ABC00002 — a prefix followed by a zero-padded sequential number. They are standard in legal proceedings and document management.

2

Open pdfeditor.onl/page-numbers

Navigate to the page numbers tool. It supports custom prefix and suffix for Bates-style numbering.

3

Configure the Bates Number Format

In the prefix field, enter your case identifier (e.g., "SMITH-"). Set the starting number to 00001. Choose bottom right position — the legal standard for Bates numbers.

Tip: For zero-padded Bates numbers, use "SMITH-00001". Padding to 5 or 6 digits supports documents up to 99,999 or 999,999 pages.

4

Apply and Download

Click Apply Page Numbers and download. Every page is stamped with the Bates number at the chosen position.

Add Bates Numbers to PDF — Free →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start Bates numbering from a specific number?

Yes. Set the starting number to any value — useful for continuing numbering across multiple document batches.

Is this free?

Yes — completely free at pdfeditor.onl/page-numbers.

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