How to Add Bates Numbers to a PDF
Bates numbering assigns a unique sequential identifier to every page in a document set — essential for legal discovery, litigation, regulatory filings, and medical records. Each page gets a stamp like 'ABC-000001' that makes it easy to reference and track. OneClickPDF adds Bates numbers to your PDFs in your browser — no expensive legal software needed.
Updated 24 February 20261 min read4 steps
On this page · 3 sections
Step-by-Step Guide
Open the Bates Numbering tool
Navigate to the Bates Numbering page on OneClickPDF.Upload your PDF
Drop the document onto the upload zone. It loads locally in your browser.Configure your Bates scheme
Set a prefix (e.g., 'ABC-'), starting number, number of digits (padding with zeros), and optional suffix. Choose the position on the page (top or bottom, left/center/right) and set font size and color.Apply and download
Click Apply. Every page receives its unique Bates number. Download the stamped PDF ready for filing or production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bates numbering?
Bates numbering is a method of indexing legal documents by stamping a unique sequential number on each page. Named after the Bates Automatic Numbering Machine, it's the standard for document identification in legal proceedings.
Can I set a custom prefix and suffix?
Yes. Common formats include 'SMITH-000001', 'EX-A-0001', or 'DOC000001'. You control the prefix, suffix, starting number, and zero-padding.
Does it number across multiple documents?
The tool numbers pages sequentially within a single PDF. For multi-document sets, process each document separately with consecutive starting numbers.
Where can I position the Bates number?
Six positions: top-left, top-center, top-right, bottom-left, bottom-center, bottom-right. Bottom-right and bottom-center are the most common for legal documents.
Bates numbering is a legal requirement for document production in litigation and regulatory contexts. OneClickPDF handles it in seconds — with full customization and zero data exposure to external servers.
