PDF Bates Numbering
Apply legal-style Bates numbering to PDF pages: sequential, zero-padded identifiers with custom prefix and suffix. Standard for legal discovery, litigation, evidence binders, and document production. Runs entirely in your browser.
Drop PDF here or click to upload
Legal-grade Bates stamping · Private, in your browser
PDF Bates Numbering runs 100% in your browser
Your files are never uploaded to any server. All processing happens locally on your device using modern browser technology. Private, fast, and free.
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How to Apply Bates Numbering to a PDF Online
Open the PDF Bates Numbering tool
Navigate to the tool. No signup, no upload to a server.
Upload your PDF
Drop the document you need to Bates-stamp — typically a discovery production, evidence binder, or deposition exhibit.
Configure the Bates label
Set the prefix (e.g., SMITH or CASE2024), starting number, padding (how many digits, usually 6), and any suffix. Pick a corner position. Live preview shows exactly what each page will look like.
Apply and download
Hit Apply — every page gets a unique sequential Bates label. Download the stamped PDF, ready for production.
Pro Tips
- •Standard legal padding is 6 digits (000001). Some firms use 5 or 7 — match what opposing counsel or your firm’s style guide specifies.
- •For complex productions, use a project-specific prefix (e.g., ‘PLNT2024-’) to keep documents from different cases distinct.
- •Bottom-right is the standard Bates position. Top-right is sometimes preferred to avoid conflict with footer page numbers.
- •If you’re re-Bating a previously-stamped PDF, crop or re-bates with the same dimensions to avoid overlap.
- •After stamping, follow up with our PDF Compressor if the document is large — helps for e-filing systems with size limits.
Who needs PDF Bates Numbering?
Students
Academic work and assignments
Professionals
Business and office tasks
Creatives
Design and content creation
Everyone
Personal everyday tasks
When to Use PDF Bates Numbering
Discovery production
Apply unique Bates numbers to every page of a document production before sending to opposing counsel.
Evidence binders
Stamp every page of an evidence binder so exhibits can be referenced precisely in briefs and oral argument.
Deposition exhibits
Pre-number deposition exhibits with consistent Bates ranges so the court reporter and deponent track easily.
Internal document management
Apply Bates-style numbering to internal client files for organization, even outside formal discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. Bates stamping happens entirely in your browser using pdf-lib. Your document never leaves your device — important for privileged or confidential legal materials.
What’s the difference between Bates numbering and page numbering?
Bates numbering is sequential across an entire production with custom prefixes (SMITH-000001, SMITH-000002...). Page numbering just adds page count per file. Bates labels are legally unique identifiers; page numbers reset per file.
Can I number across multiple PDFs in one production?
Currently, each upload starts fresh. To Bates-number across multiple files, merge them first with our Merge PDF tool, then apply Bates numbering, then split if needed.
How many digits should I use?
6 is most common in US litigation. For very large productions (100,000+ pages), use 7. For smaller cases, 5 is fine. The padding determines how the numbers display: 6 digits means 1 displays as 000001.
Does this work for image-based PDFs?
Yes — Bates numbers are added as a layer over the existing content, regardless of whether the underlying content is text or image-based.
PDF Bates Numbering vs Alternatives
Bates numbering is essential in legal practice. Most options are expensive subscription tools.
Adobe Acrobat Pro
Industry standard
Key difference: Excellent Bates support but costs $20+/month — expensive for solo practitioners or paralegals doing occasional Bates work.
Specialized legal tools (Bates Pro, etc.)
Industry-specific software
Key difference: Powerful for high-volume Bates work, but expensive subscriptions and complex installs for what should be a simple task.
Online legal services
Various web tools
Key difference: Convenient but require uploading privileged or attorney-client material to third-party servers — a real risk in litigation.
Free, browser-only, attorney-client privilege preserved (no upload), proper padding and prefix support, instant. Great for solo practitioners.
Good to know
- All processing happens in your browser. Very large files may be slower on mobile devices or older computers.
- Results depend on the quality and format of your input. For best results, use high-quality source files.
- Once you close the browser tab, all data is gone. Make sure to download your results before closing.
Key Features
100% Free
No hidden fees, no premium tiers, no limits on how much you use it. Free today, free tomorrow, free forever.
Complete Privacy
Your files never leave your device. Everything is processed locally in your browser — we physically cannot access your data.
No Registration
Start using the tool immediately. No account, no email, no personal information required. Just open and use.
Works Everywhere
Compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge on desktop and mobile. Works offline once the page has loaded.
Full Step-by-Step Guide
Detailed walkthrough with pro tips and best practices for getting the best results every time.
Read guideFrequently Asked Questions
Every common question answered — file limits, privacy, supported formats, compatibility, and more.
View FAQCompare Alternatives
See how PDF Bates Numbering stacks up against Adobe, Smallpdf, and other paid and free alternatives.
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