Bates Numbering
Stamp sequential Bates numbers on every page of one or many PDFs, continuing across files.
Drop your PDF files hereChoose files to get started
Add one PDF or a whole set — numbering continues across files. Free tier: up to 50MB total.
Processed in your browser — files never leave your device
How to Add Bates Numbers to PDF Documents
Bates numbering gives every page in a set of documents its own permanent identifier — typically a short prefix and a zero-padded number like ABC000001. Law firms, courts, and compliance teams rely on it during discovery and document production so anyone can point to a single page without ambiguity: "see ABC000347" means the same page to everyone in the case. PDFDoco stamps Bates numbers on one PDF or a whole batch, numbering continuously across files, with a live preview — and because the work happens in your browser, privileged documents never leave your computer.
- 1
Add your PDFs
Upload one document or a whole production set. Drag files into the order they should be numbered.
- 2
Set the Bates format
Enter a prefix such as a case or client code, an optional suffix, the starting number, and how many digits to pad to.
- 3
Place the stamp
Pick one of six positions, then adjust size, color, and margin while watching the live preview.
- 4
Download
One file downloads as a PDF; several download together as a ZIP, each named with a -bates suffix.
Continuous across files
Numbering carries on from one document to the next, so a production set never repeats or skips a number.
Range for every file
See the first and last Bates number of each document before and after stamping — ready for your production log.
Stays on your device
Stamping happens in your browser. Confidential case files are never uploaded to a server.
Why Bates numbers matter in legal work
In litigation, thousands of pages can change hands between parties. Ordinary page numbers restart in every file, so "page 3" could mean hundreds of different pages. A Bates number is unique across the entire production, which makes it the reference used in privilege logs, deposition exhibits, briefs, and court filings. It also makes missing or added pages obvious, because the sequence should never have gaps.
Choosing a prefix and number format
Most firms use a prefix that identifies the producing party, client, or matter — for example SMITH, ACME-, or the case number — followed by six to eight digits. Zero-padding keeps every identifier the same length so they sort correctly in spreadsheets and review platforms. A suffix is handy for marking confidentiality levels or production volumes. Always confirm the required format with the agreement or court order that governs your production.
Numbering a production set across many files
Add every file in the production and arrange them in the order they should be numbered — drag the handle or use the arrows. The list shows the exact range each file will receive, so you can copy it straight into your production log. After stamping, each document is saved with a -bates suffix in its file name, and multiple documents are bundled into a single ZIP so nothing gets mixed up.
Placing the stamp so it stays readable
The bottom-right corner is the most common position because it's easy to find while flipping through pages and rarely collides with letterheads. If a document already has content near that corner, choose another position or a larger margin and check the preview. Black text at 9–11 pt is standard and stays legible when pages are printed or scanned again.
Pro tip: keep a record of the last number you used. When the next production comes, enter the following number as the start value with the same prefix and digit count, and your Bates sequence continues without gaps or duplicates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bates number?
A Bates number is a unique identifier stamped on every page of a set of documents, usually a short prefix followed by a zero-padded sequential number, such as ABC000001. It lets lawyers, courts, and opposing counsel refer to any single page precisely.
Does the numbering continue across several PDFs?
Yes. Files are numbered in the order shown in the list. If the first file ends at ABC000012, the next file starts at ABC000013. Drag files or use the arrows to change the order before stamping.
How do I continue numbering from an earlier production?
Set the start number to the next unused number. For example, if your last production ended at ABC000450, start at 451 with the same prefix and digit count.
Which characters can I use in the prefix and suffix?
Letters, numbers, spaces, and common punctuation such as hyphens, underscores, periods, and slashes work, including Western European accented letters. Characters the standard PDF font can't display, such as Chinese, Japanese, or emoji, are flagged before you stamp.
Will the stamp work on landscape or rotated pages?
Yes. Each page is measured individually, so the number appears upright in the corner you chose on portrait pages, landscape pages, and pages saved with a rotation.
Is the Bates number searchable?
Yes. The number is added as real text, not an image, so you can search the stamped PDF for a specific Bates number and copy it. The rest of the page is left untouched.
This tool adds identifiers only. It doesn't redact content or give legal advice.