Bates numbering
Stamp unique identifiers on every page of a case file.
or drop files here
Runs on your device — your files are not uploaded.
Free: files up to 200 MB, up to 50 files. No daily limit.
Bates numbering stamps a unique, sequential number (such as ABC000123) on every page of a set of legal documents; PDFDaily numbers many PDFs in one go, continuing across files.
How to add Bates numbers to PDFs in 3 steps
- 1
Choose all the PDF files for the set, or drop them on the page.
- 2
Set the prefix, number of digits, start number, suffix and position.
- 3
Select Apply Bates numbers and download the stamped files.
What can Bates numbering do?
- Runs in your browser: your files never leave your device.
- Prefix, digits (1 to 10, default 6), start number and suffix, such as ABC000001.
- Optional exhibit label.
- Position: header or footer, left, centre or right. Default is footer right.
- Font: Times, Helvetica or Courier, with size and colour.
- Continuous across all files, or restart in each file; name outputs by file name or Bates range.
What is Bates numbering?
Bates numbering is a legal method of giving every page in a document set a unique, sequential identifier, so any page can be cited exactly. Each page gets a code made of a prefix, a number with a fixed number of digits, and an optional suffix, for example ABC000001.
How do I add Bates numbers to a PDF?
To add Bates numbers, choose the prefix, how many digits (1 to 10, six by default), where to start and an optional suffix, then pick where the stamp goes. Add an exhibit label if you need one. Place the stamp in the header or footer, left, centre or right; the default is footer right. Pick Times, Helvetica or Courier.
Can I Bates number many PDFs at once?
Yes, add the whole set and numbering runs continuously through every file, or restarts in each one. Output files can keep their names or be named by the Bates range they contain.
Numbers are stamped into new files, so keep your originals. For ordinary page numbers, use Add page numbers; to combine the set into one file, use Merge PDF. The tool runs on your device and nothing is uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bates numbering?
A way to give every page in a set of documents a unique, sequential identifier, such as ABC000001. Law firms use it in discovery so any page can be cited exactly.
How do I Bates stamp a PDF?
Add the PDFs, set the prefix, number of digits, start number and position, then select Apply Bates numbers. Each page gets the next number in the sequence, such as ABC000001, then ABC000002.
Can Bates numbering run across several files?
Yes. Choose continuous, and the count carries on from one file to the next. Or restart in each file.
How are the output files named?
By their original file name, or by the Bates range they cover, such as ABC000001-ABC000045.
Do I keep my original files?
Yes. Stamping makes new files. Keep a copy of your originals, since the numbers are part of the new files.
Are confidential files uploaded for Bates numbering?
No. This tool runs in your browser, so your files stay on your device. Nothing is uploaded unless you choose to share the result or save it to a cloud drive.
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Last updated October 23, 2026