Edit PDF tool

Add Bates Numbers to PDF

Add consistent Bates identifiers to discovery sets, exhibits, records, and production documents without uploading the PDF.

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Trust and output notes

Use this quick checklist before replacing an important PDF.

What stays local

Your selected PDF is handled in this browser session. BQ PDF Tools does not add your document to the offline cache or upload it to an application server.

What this tool preserves

  • Changes are applied to a new PDF copy.
  • The page preview helps catch placement issues.
  • Warnings explain when signatures or hidden content may be affected.

What to check

Visible additions are not secure redaction or legally binding signatures. Review the result before sharing.

Practical examples

Example 1

Add page numbers before sending a report.

Example 2

Place a draft watermark before review.

Example 3

Clean common metadata before sharing a public copy.

How to add bates numbers to pdf

Step 1

Choose a PDF and the pages to number.

Step 2

Set the prefix, starting value, padding, suffix, and placement.

Step 3

Apply the Bates sequence and verify the first and final identifiers.

What this tool does

Choose a prefix, starting value, digit padding, suffix, page range, position, and font size. Each selected page receives the next identifier while unselected pages remain unchanged.

Privacy note: selected files are handled by JavaScript running on your device. The application does not intentionally transfer document contents to a BQ server. Browser extensions, managed-device policies, and the browser itself remain outside the site’s control.

Compatibility note: PDF is a complex format. Very large, encrypted, malformed, digitally signed, or unusually constructed files may not process correctly. Keep the original document until you have checked the result.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bates numbering?

It is a sequential page-identification method commonly used for legal discovery, records, and document production.

Can I start at a custom number?

Yes. Set any non-negative starting value and choose the minimum number of digits.

Are unselected pages counted?

No. The sequence advances only across the selected pages.

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