Choose “Bates number” in the tool above, add a prefix, set the first number, download. Every page gets its own stamp like ACME-000121, and the numbers can run on across a whole set of files. Nothing is uploaded — which matters for privileged material.
What is Bates numbering?
A Bates number is a unique ID for every page in a legal matter. Instead of each file starting again at page 1, the numbers run on from one document to the next, so “ACME-000087” points to exactly one page in the whole case.
- Contract, 40 pages — ACME-000001 to ACME-000040
- Emails, 80 pages — ACME-000041 to ACME-000120
- Invoices, 20 pages — ACME-000121 to ACME-000140
It is used for litigation and discovery, court exhibits, regulatory responses, audits and insurance claims — anywhere people need to point to a page in thousands. The name comes from Edwin G. Bates, whose 19th-century hand stamp printed a number and moved on to the next one with every press.
What a Bates number is made of
- A prefix — usually the client, party or matter, such as ACME- or SMITH_. It can also be left empty.
- A number with leading zeros — always the same width (000087, not 87), so pages sort in the right order everywhere.
If the court or the other side asks for a set format, match it: prefix, number of digits and where the stamp sits.
How to Bates-number a PDF
Drop your PDF into the box above.
In Style, choose Bates number — it is already picked on this page. Add a prefix, choose how many digits, and set the first number. The example under the fields shows what the first page will get.
Pick a position — bottom right is usual. Tick “Make room” so the stamp never covers text or an existing footer.
Click Add page numbers and download. We show the last number used and where the next file in the set should start.
A whole set of files in one go · Premium
Choose Bates number, then click “Number a set of files in one go” and select all the PDFs.
Put them in order with the arrows — numbers follow that order.
Click Number all files. The numbers run on from file to file.
Download a ZIP with each file numbered separately plus bates-index.csv — which file holds which numbers — or everything as one PDF.
Good to know
- The page counter in Acrobat or Preview shows the Bates numbers too, so anyone can jump straight to ACME-000087.
- Stamps become part of the page and can't be switched off later. Keep your unnumbered originals.
- Password-protected PDFs need the password removed before numbering.
- This stamps numbers onto PDF pages. It doesn't create load files (such as DAT or OPT) for e-discovery platforms — check what the receiving side needs.
- On the free plan every page counts toward 15 pages a day. Larger productions need Premium.
Desktop software such as Adobe Acrobat Pro, or an online tool that uploads your documents to its server.
Works inside your browser. Privileged and confidential documents never leave your device — nothing to upload, nothing for us to store.
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