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Batch Bates Numbering

Beta

Add one continuous Bates number sequence across up to 20 PDFs, in the order you set.

How to Bates number multiple PDFs

  1. Press Add PDFs and choose up to 20 PDF files.
  2. Press Add to batch on each PDF in the order the numbers should run. Drag or use the arrows to reorder.
  3. Set the prefix, suffix, start number, zero-padding digits, font size and placement.
  4. Check the first and last label shown for each file in the sequence plan.
  5. Press Apply Bates numbers and download the numbered files.

Options

Order
The batch order sets the sequence. The second PDF starts one number after the last page of the first.
Prefix
Text before the number, such as "ACME" or "SMITH-". Up to 40 characters.
Suffix
Text after the number, such as "-CONF". Up to 40 characters.
Start number
The number on the first page of the first PDF. Any whole number from 1 up.
Zero-padding digits
How many digits each number is padded to, from 1 to 16. The default is 6, so 1 prints as 000001. A number longer than the padding is printed in full.
Font size
6 to 48 points in standard Helvetica. The default is 12 pt.
Placement
One of seven positions: top left, top, top right, centre, bottom left, bottom or bottom right. The default is bottom right.

What you get

  • One numbered PDF for each source file. The files are not merged.
  • Each file is named after its source with its place in the batch added, such as "(Bates 02 of 05)".
  • You can download the files one by one or together as a ZIP.
  • Every page gets a label. Page count, order, size and rotation stay the same.

Limits

  • Up to 20 PDFs and 10,000 pages in total per batch.
  • Password-protected PDFs must be unlocked before they can join the batch.
  • Every page of every PDF is numbered. You cannot skip pages or files inside the batch.
  • Prefix and suffix support Western Latin characters on one line.
  • Labels are drawn at full opacity in a dark colour. There is no colour or box option.
  • Adding labels rewrites each PDF, so existing digital signatures may stop validating.

Check the result

Open the first and last file of the batch and compare their first and last labels with the sequence plan. Check that the label on the last page of one file and the first page of the next are consecutive.

Questions

What is Bates numbering?

Bates numbering gives every page in a set of documents a unique, sequential label, such as ACME000001. It is common in legal discovery and document production.

Does the numbering continue from one PDF to the next?

Yes. The sequence runs through the PDFs in the order shown. If the first file has 12 pages and starts at 1, the second file starts at 13.

Will my PDFs be merged into one file?

No. Each source stays a separate PDF with its own share of the sequence. Use Merge PDF afterwards if you need one file.

Can I continue a sequence from an earlier production?

Yes. Set Start number to the next unused number, and keep the same prefix and padding as the earlier set.

How many files can I number at once?

Up to 20 PDFs with up to 10,000 pages between them. Split a larger production into several batches and carry the start number forward.

Are my files uploaded?

No. The PDFs are numbered in your browser and are not uploaded.

Can I search for a Bates number in the result?

Yes. Labels are added as selectable text, so a PDF reader can find them.

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