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Bates stamp a PDF

Enter a prefix (e.g. ACME-), choose the digit width and starting number. The sequential Bates label is stamped on every page, entirely in your browser, nothing is uploaded.

How Bates Numbering works

Bates Numbering stamps a sequential, uniquely identifying label on every page of a PDF. Each label is built from a configurable prefix, a zero-padded number, and an optional suffix, for example ABC-000123 or CASE2024-0001-EX. The labels are drawn by pdf-lib inside your browser, and your document is processed entirely on your own computer with no network transfer involved.

Bates labels differ from plain page numbers in a key way: they are designed to remain unique across an entire document production, not just within a single file. The fixed-width zero-padded numbering guarantees sort order and makes each page citable in correspondence or court filings. The prefix, digit count, starting value and suffix are all configurable so the labels match your firm, case, or audit numbering scheme. For simple page numbers use the Add page numbers tool; for free-form margin text with tokens use Header and Footer.

Written by Bastien Sulyan

How to use Bates Numbering, step by step

  1. Load your PDF into the Bates Numbering tool.
  2. Set the prefix, for example your firm abbreviation or case code.
  3. Choose the number of digits for zero-padding and the starting number.
  4. Optionally add a suffix.
  5. Select the position on the page where the label should appear.
  6. Click apply and download the stamped PDF.

Common use cases

  • Stamp a document production for legal discovery so every page has a unique reference that both parties can cite.
  • Number a batch of accounting records before sending to auditors so each page can be referenced in queries.
  • Mark exhibits in a court filing with a case code prefix and sequential number for precise cross-referencing.
  • Prepare a set of contract annexes with consecutive Bates labels so any individual page can be located and cited quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How is Bates numbering different from plain page numbers?

Plain page numbers restart per document and are intended for navigation. Bates labels carry a fixed prefix and zero-padded width so each page has a unique identifier across an entire document set. This makes them traceable in legal and audit contexts where multiple documents are produced together.

Can I set the starting number to something other than 1?

Yes. You can set the starting value to any number, which is useful when continuing a Bates sequence across multiple separate files.

How many digits of zero-padding should I use?

Choose enough digits to accommodate the largest number in your production. Six digits (000001 to 999999) covers most document sets; eight digits is common in large-scale litigation productions.

Is the PDF processed on a server when I apply Bates labels?

No. pdf-lib draws the labels directly onto each page inside your browser tab. The document sits in browser memory from start to finish, and only the finished PDF is written out as a local download. Your file is never transmitted over the network.

Where on the page do the labels appear?

You can choose the corner or edge of the page for the stamp. Common positions are the bottom-right corner for legal work and the top-right corner for some accounting conventions.

Can I apply Bates labels to a specific page range rather than the whole document?

The tool stamps every page in the loaded PDF. To label only a subset of pages, extract that range into a separate file first using the PDF organise tool, apply Bates numbering to it, then merge the labelled and unlabelled parts back together if needed.

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