Bates number multiple PDFs with a continuous counter
Updated 2026-09-06.
Select up to ten unlocked PDFs under 25 MB each. Move documents up or down into the required order, then set a prefix, start number, minimum digit count, optional suffix and stamp corner. The preview shows the batch’s first and last labels. Create the copies and inspect the first and last page of each document before sharing the batch.
A counter continues across the selected files in order. With prefix CASE-, start 17 and six digits, the first label is CASE-000017. If the first file has three pages, the next file begins CASE-000020. Minimum digits adds leading zeros without truncating a larger number. Each stamp is visible PDF text positioned inside the page crop box.
Stamp placement does not automatically detect occupied margins. Choose another corner if a number overlaps source content. Rotated page coordinates are rejected in this version to avoid misplaced stamps; prepare upright pages before numbering. Editing invalidates existing digital signatures, and numbering alone does not establish document authenticity.
Decide whether the numbering should begin at zero, one or a number reserved for this batch before selecting files. Changing the order changes which document receives each label. Keep a record of the final order with the original PDFs.
For an appendix added later, use the next unused start number and confirm that the new range does not duplicate an earlier batch. Download the individual copies or the ZIP, then compare the boundary labels in the saved files.
Continue a Bates counter between documents
| Document | Pages | Labels |
|---|---|---|
| Report | 3 | CASE-000017 to CASE-000019 |
| Appendix | 2 | CASE-000020 to CASE-000021 |
| Settings | Start 17, six digits | Prefix CASE-; no suffix |
Arrange the files before running the tool. Review the boundary between documents to ensure the next label follows the previous one. The minimum digit count pads small numbers but does not truncate larger values. Inspect every selected corner for overlap with source text; numbering does not certify chain of custody or document authenticity.