What Is Bates Numbering and How to Add It to a PDF

When thousands of pages are exchanged in a legal case or audit, “page 5 of the third file” is not precise enough. Bates numbering gives every page its own unique identifier, so anyone can refer to it exactly.

What does a Bates number look like?

A Bates number usually combines a prefix and a sequential number padded with zeros, such as ABC000001, ABC000002 and so on. The prefix often identifies the party, case or client.

Who uses Bates numbering?

• Law firms during discovery and document production.
• Auditors and compliance teams.
• Businesses archiving contracts, invoices or medical records.

How to add Bates numbers

1. Open Bates Numbering.
2. Select your PDF.
3. Set your prefix and starting number.
4. Choose where the stamp appears on the page.
5. Download the numbered file.

Try it now: Bates Numbering is free, works in your browser and needs no signup.

Numbering across many files

Numbers must continue without gaps across a document set. If file one ends at ABC000150, start file two at 151. Alternatively, combine everything first with Merge PDF and number the whole set at once.

Best practices

• Agree on the prefix and format before you start.
• Keep a log of number ranges per file.
• Place stamps where they will not cover content, usually the bottom right.

Your documents are processed in your browser and not uploaded. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Try it now: Bates Numbering is free, works in your browser and needs no signup.