Desksera
Find a tool

Bates Numbering

Stamp every page of one or many PDFs with a unique Bates number, such as SMITH000001, in one running count. Get the files named by range and a CSV log. Nothing is uploaded.

Updated by Khokhar Sab

How do I add Bates numbers to a PDF?

Press Choose PDF files and pick every document in the set. Put them in order by dragging or with the arrows; each shows its range as you go. Type a prefix such as a case name, the starting number and how many digits to pad to. Pick a corner and press Add Bates numbers, then Download the ZIP.

  1. Press Choose PDF files and add every document.
  2. Drag files into order; check each file’s range.
  3. Set Prefix, Start at and Digits.
  4. Pick a Position and, if needed, an Extra label.
  5. Press Add Bates numbers, then Download.

What is a Bates number?

A Bates number is a unique identifier stamped on each page of documents in legal cases, usually a short prefix plus a zero-padded number, such as SMITH000001. The name comes from the Bates numbering machine, patented by Edwin G. Bates in 1891. Numbers run on across all documents produced, so each page in a production has its own.

How does numbering continue across several files?

Files are numbered in the order shown. The first file starts at your starting number, and each next file starts one after the last page of the file before it. This example was computed with the tool's own code for three documents with the prefix SMITH and six digits.

FilePagesBates rangeSaved as
Complaint.pdf12SMITH000001 to SMITH000012SMITH000001-SMITH000012.pdf
Exhibit A.pdf3SMITH000013 to SMITH000015SMITH000013-SMITH000015.pdf
Emails 2024.pdf48SMITH000016 to SMITH000063SMITH000016-SMITH000063.pdf

What goes in the CSV log?

One row per file: its name, page count, and first and last Bates number. Legal teams keep this record with a production to answer which document holds a given page. It opens in any spreadsheet program, and it is included in the ZIP whenever you number more than one file.

File,Pages,First Bates,Last Bates
Complaint.pdf,12,SMITH000001,SMITH000012
Exhibit A.pdf,3,SMITH000013,SMITH000015
Emails 2024.pdf,48,SMITH000016,SMITH000063

Where should a Bates number go on the page?

The lower right corner is the most common choice, about a third of an inch from the edges, because it rarely covers text. Some courts or agreements name a spot, so follow those rules first. Keep the white box behind the number on, so it stays readable over photos, tables or dark scans.

Limits and fixes

  • Covering content: the number is drawn over the page. Check pages with text near the edge and pick another corner if needed.
  • Digital signatures stop being valid in the stamped copies, because the files change.
  • Locked PDFs need their password removed first with Unlock PDF.
  • Very large sets: phones handle about 120 MB at once; use a laptop for larger productions.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free?

Yes, with no sign-up, no file limit and no watermark of ours.

Are my files uploaded?

No. Numbering happens in your browser, which matters for privileged or confidential documents.

Can I continue numbering from an earlier production?

Yes. Set Start at to one after the last number you used before.

Can I add CONFIDENTIAL to each page?

Yes. Type it in Extra label; it goes in the opposite corner on the same edge.

Is this legal advice?

No. Follow the rules of your court or agreement for format and placement.

How this tool was built and tested