Add Page Numbers to PDF Without Acrobat in 2026

Adding page numbers to a PDF is an important step in making sure that the file is organized. It helps the reader quickly locate the information they need in a long document and can also facilitate citing the source of the data.

In this article, you will learn 5 solutions on how to add numerous page numbers to a PDF without Acrobat Reader.

How we picked the methods to add page number count in a PDF:

To compile this list, we considered versatility and accessibility.

Some users find alternative PDF editors more convenient and less resource-intensive than Adobe Acrobat, which can be perceived as complex or slow, particularly with large files.

Most often page numbers are not the only modification needed to be completed when working with a PDF. Therefore, we chose those ways that also provide other tools for further customization.

Additionally, to cater to different needs, we describe a web-based platform and OS-specific programs, so creators can find a solution for their particular preferences.

Option 1. PDF Candy

One of the easiest ways to insert any page numbers in PDFs is utilizing an online service. For example, PDF Candy offers a variety of instruments for working with digital documents, including PDF pagination.

How to add needed page numbers to a PDF online

1. Go to the website and hit "Page numbers".
2. With the "Add File" button, import your paper or drag and drop it directly into the area. Upload from Google Drive or Dropbox is supported too.
3. Select the format of PDF page numbering that suits you (1,2,3..., page N, or page N of M) and the position where it will be displayed. You can also adjust the settings to not enumerate the first or last sheet.
4. Click "Add page numbers" to apply the changes.
5. Download the draft when it's ready or continue editing it with other instruments.

Why choose the online service?

Here are some key features that make our website the best alternative to Adobe Acrobat for inserting page numbers in PDF:

• It's secure. The privacy of all your files is preserved. Materials are automatically deleted after 2 hours. We never store your information nor do we share it with any third parties.
• No watermarks. Your downloaded paginated PDFs will not have any marks applied to them. However, if you want to protect your copyrights for the content, you can add your own watermark.
• Access from anywhere. You don't need to worry about the system requirements or the OS. The tool can be opened with any modern browser on all devices.

Honestly, I love how easy PDF Candy makes placing count to PDFs. Students can label their essays in seconds, and teachers can quickly paginate handouts or tests without any hassle.

It’s super handy for office folks too—think reports, contracts, or long presentations—because you don’t have to install anything or mess with complicated software.

Option 2. Clever PDF

Many desktop PDF software also offer the functionality to number the pages of a PDF. Windows users may turn for this to Clever PDF. This versatile program has various instruments for working with electronic documents and is available for free.

How to paginate a PDF on Windows

1. Get the application from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Open the program. Hover over "Page Number".
3. Click the "Add" button to import the file.
4. Choose the desired font, size, and position for your numbers. Also, indicate the page range, the margins, and the first count.
5. Once all settings are customized, pick the output folder and hit "Start".
6. When PDF page numbers are inclined, you will see the result in the "Status" area.

Pros:

• Fast and efficient utility to add page numbers to a PDF without Acrobat.
• Extra options include combiner, converter, password-protector, and more.
• Batch processing is available.

Cons:

• The features in the free version are limited. Only PDFs of less than 3 pages can be operated.

Option 3. Preview

If you're using a Mac, inserting page numbers to a PDF can be done quickly and easily in the Preview app. This default Apple viewer offers some editing capabilities, including PDF numbering.

How to apply pagination to a PDF without Acrobat on macOS

1. Launch your file in Preview.
2. Go to the "View" menu and select "Show Markup Toolbar".
3. Find the text tool, and click on it. As the words appear on the page, type in the number, and change the font, style, and color by pressing the "Aa" icon.
4. Place the box where you want a page number to appear.
5. Repeat the procedure for all sheets.

Pros:

• PDF pagination can be done in various typefaces, bold or italic.

Cons:

• Numbering pages in PDF has to be done manually for each page, which may result in inconsistent layout.

Option 4. Microsoft Word

The process is also possible through Microsoft Word. Even though the primary working format of this program is DOCX, you can import your PDF into it.

How to add page numbers in PDF with Microsoft Word

1. Launch the app. Go to the "File" menu and click "Open". Locate your PDF and select it. The utility will automatically convert your archive to a suitable extension.
2. Tap the "Insert" menu in the upper left corner of the window and opt for "Page Numbers". Alternatively, locate "Numbering On/Off" .
3. Adjust the settings such as location of numbers, font, etc.
4. To export the document as a paginated PDF, go to the "File" menu. Choose "Save As" and elect "PDF" from the dropdown list.

Pros:

• You can rapidly embed page numbers to PDF without Acrobat avoiding manual typing.
• Various font and size options are available to pick from.

Cons:

• If you are working with a scanned PDF, the page numbering may not be accurate.

Option 5. PDF-XChange Editor

PDF-XChange Editor inserts pagination directly into the core layer rather than relying on external overlays or annotation objects. Characters can be positioned within headers, footer, or any defined coordinate system, enabling precise alignment across diverse page dimensions.

Instruction for numbering PDF pages

1. Open the "Organize" menu, select "Header & Footer", then click "Add" to create a new layout.
2. In the configuration window, choose the desired placement zone. Adjust horizontal and vertical offsets, and specify the range of pages.
3. From the drop-down options, adopt either "Page Number" for simple sequencing or "Page Numbering Style" for advanced formatting.
4. Confirm with "OK" to embed the sequence.

Pros:

• Setting can be controlled with exact coordinates.
• Supports diverse formats, including Roman numerals, Arabic digits, or alphanumeric codes.

Cons:

• Once inserted, numbers cannot be easily toggled off without re-editing the file.

Reasons to add desired page numbers to PDF

There are several possible causes why one might need to attach page labels into PDFs:

• Credibility. Incorporating citations gives it a professional appearance. It shows that you have devoted time to modify your document properly and that you take its content seriously.
• User Experience. Organizing sheets also makes it easier to read articles. Instead of having to constantly scroll up and down looking for a particular section, readers can simply employ the figures as a reference.
• Branding. Utilizing page markers is an excellent means of including your own branding or logo.

Tips

1. Choose Allocation Wisely – Position indices in the header, footer, or margins for visibility while keeping the content clean.
2. Select a Readable Font – Opt for a simple, legible lettering in an appropriate size.
3. Customize Style – Pick formats such as 1, 2, 3, i, ii, iii, or A, B, C depending on your needs.
4. Define Page Range – Number specific sections, like excluding the cover page or table of contents.
5. Preview Changes – Ensure alignment and formatting are correct before finalizing your draft.

PDF page numbering: FAQ

1. Why can't I add figures to a PDF?

Answer: The issue may arise if the PDF editor you're using doesn't support this feature, or if the document is locked or encrypted.

2. Can page numbers be added to a secured PDF?

Answer: Yes, you can apply them to a protected PDF after removing the password from it.

3. Is it possible to number the pages of a scanned PDF?

Answer: Yes, you can use OCR technology to convert photocopied papers into editable PDFs and insert numbers.

4. Can I add multiple sets of page numbers in one item?

Answer: Yes, you can include multiple groups of citations in a single draft. The above-mentioned tools allow you to customize each set separately for greater flexibility.

5. Can add page numbers to PDF on mobile?

Answer: There are various PDF apps available for different mobile operating systems. As an alternative, you can always apply an online PDF editor on your phone. You only need a web browser to use it.

6. Does adding sheet figures to a PDF change its content?

Answer: No, the textual content of your file remains intact. When applying numeration, you can choose the specific location for it and can control that numbers do not overlay your text.

7. Can I paginate a PDF with mixed page orientations?

Answer: Yes, however, you are possibly better off putting numbers manually to each page rather than relying on automated insertion.

8. Can I remove or refine page numbers after incorporating them?

Answer: Yes, you can reopen the PDF in an editor, delete the existing ones, and add new if needed.

Bottom line

In conclusion, the process of adding page numbers to a PDF is relatively easy if you know the right utility to use. This article offers 5 simple solutions that can be employed even by beginners.

Depending on your operating system and personal preferences, you can choose the online service, a desktop program for Windows or macOS, or opt to work in the Microsoft Word.

By following the outlined instructions you can easily process your PDF with any of these methods. Try them out and pick the one that suits your needs best.

Explore more free PDF editing options

If you often work with PDFs, you might need to use other handy online tools:

• Reduce a PDF size if it is too large to attach to an e-mail.
• Delete pages from a PDF if some parts of it are private or unneeded.
• Merge PDF files in one document to share with your team.