Legal production set
Use a matter prefix such as SMITH- and six digits so pages become SMITH-000001, SMITH-000002 and continue in order.
Bates Numbering PDF
Add Bates numbers to a PDF locally in your browser.
Browser-local legal PDF tool
Use Bates Numbering PDF
Stamp a consistent Bates sequence onto a PDF with a prefix, suffix, starting number and fixed-width padding. The file is processed locally in this browser.
First stamp preview: CASE-000001
Use after merging and organizingBates numbering works best once the final page order is fixed. Merge, insert or reorder pages first, then stamp the finished sequence so every page receives a stable identifier.
About Bates Numbering PDF
Bates numbering gives every page in a legal, compliance or review bundle a stable identifier. Ordinary page numbers say where a sheet appears in one document; Bates numbers identify the sheet itself with a prefix, a padded sequence and often a matter or production code. That is why the workflow is separate from casual page numbering. Uploading a legal packet to a random converter is also the wrong default, so this tool stamps the sequence inside the browser. Choose a PDF, set the prefix, suffix, starting number, digit padding and position, then download the numbered copy.
How it works
- Choose the final PDF after merging, inserting or reordering pages. Bates numbering is most useful once the page order is stable.
- Set a prefix such as CASE- or PROD-, choose the first number, and pick the number of digits to keep the sequence aligned.
- Add an optional suffix when a production set, exhibit group or volume marker needs to appear after the number.
- Choose a corner or edge position. Rotated pages are handled against the page as the reader sees it.
- Stamp the file locally and download a new PDF. The original file on your device is not changed.
In practice
Exhibit packet after organizing
Merge PDFs and images, arrange the pages, then Bates-stamp the finished packet so every sheet has a stable identifier.
What to watch for
- Bates numbers are drawn onto the visible page. They are not hidden metadata and they do not update automatically if pages are later moved.
- Stamp after organizing the document. If you merge or reorder afterwards, the Bates sequence may no longer match the final production order.
- Any PDF modification can invalidate a digital signature. Keep the signed original when legal proof of signing matters.
- Very long prefixes or suffixes can overlap page content. Keep the code short or move the stamp to another position.
- This is a numbering utility, not legal advice or an e-discovery platform.
Questions
What is Bates numbering?
It is a page-identification system used for legal and document-review sets. A visible code is stamped on each page, usually with a prefix and zero-padded sequence.
Should I add Bates numbers before or after merging PDFs?
After. Merge, insert, delete and reorder pages first, then add Bates numbers to the final sequence.
Are my legal documents uploaded?
No. The PDF is opened and stamped in the browser tab, and the download is generated locally.
Is this different from normal page numbering?
Yes. Page numbers are usually simple reader navigation. Bates numbers are stable document identifiers with a prefix, padded sequence and production-style formatting.
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