What is the standard Bates numbering format?

A Bates number is usually a short prefix that identifies the party or case, followed by a zero-padded sequence number, such as ACME000001. Six to eight digits are common. Each page gets the next number, and numbers never repeat within a production.

How do I continue Bates numbers across several PDFs?

Set the start number to one more than the last number of the previous volume, for example 251 after ACME000250, and keep the prefix and digit count the same. You can also merge the files first so the whole production is numbered in one pass.

What is Bates numbering and why do I need it?

Bates numbering is a sequential page-identification system used in legal, medical, and business settings. Each page receives a unique identifier (typically a prefix plus a sequential number, like 'SMITH-000001'). Courts and regulatory bodies require Bates numbering during litigation discovery, patent filings, and compliance audits to ensure every page can be precisely referenced and verified. Without Bates numbers, opposing counsel or regulators may challenge the completeness of your document production.

Can I set a custom starting number for continuation across document sets?

Yes. You can specify any starting number, so if your previous batch ended at SMITH-000450, you can start the next batch at SMITH-000451. This is essential for multi-volume discovery productions where numbering must be continuous across hundreds of documents.

Will Bates numbering affect the original content of my PDF?

The Bates stamps are added as an overlay in the header or footer margins of each page. Your original document content, formatting, and layout remain completely untouched. The stamps can be placed in any of six positions to avoid overlapping with existing headers or footers.

Is this secure enough for privileged legal documents?

Absolutely. Unlike cloud-based Bates numbering services that require uploading sensitive case files to remote servers, our tool processes everything locally in your browser using WebAssembly. Attorney-client privileged documents, work product, and confidential evidence never leave your computer. There is no server transmission, no cloud storage, and no third-party access.

Bates Numbering

Powerful Bates Numbering Features

Court-Ready Format

Produce Bates-numbered documents that meet legal standards for discovery, depositions, and regulatory filings.

Privilege Protected

Process attorney-client privileged documents locally. No uploads, no cloud storage, no third-party access.

Fully Configurable

Custom prefix, starting number, digit count, font, size, color, and placement to match your firm's standards.

How To Bates Numbering Online for Free

Upload Your Legal Documents

Drag and drop your PDF files into the tool. All documents stay on your device throughout the entire process.

Configure Bates Stamp Format

Set your prefix text, starting number, digit count, and position. Preview the stamps on your pages before applying.

Download Numbered Documents

Apply the Bates numbers and download your stamped PDFs instantly. Pages are sequentially numbered and ready for filing.

Apply sequential Bates numbers to your PDF documents directly in the browser, meeting legal and regulatory requirements for document identification. Bates numbering is the standard method used by law firms, courts, and compliance departments to uniquely identify each page in a document set during litigation, discovery, and regulatory filings. Our tool lets you configure prefix text, starting number, number of digits, and placement position. The entire process runs locally using WebAssembly, so privileged legal documents, case files, and confidential evidence never leave your device. Perfect for paralegals preparing discovery packages, attorneys organizing trial exhibits, and compliance teams assembling audit documentation.

Everything You Need in a Bates Numbering

Custom Prefix & Suffix

Add case numbers, firm names, or exhibit labels as prefix or suffix text alongside the sequential number.

Flexible Numbering

Set starting number, increment, and zero-padded digit count. Continue numbering across multiple document sets.

Multi-Document Batches

Apply continuous Bates numbers across multiple PDFs in a single operation for large discovery productions.

Live Preview

See exactly how stamps will appear on each page before applying. Adjust placement and formatting in real time.

Local Processing Only

WebAssembly technology ensures all documents are processed on your device. Nothing is transmitted to any server.

Instant Application

Number hundreds of pages in seconds. No waiting for server processing or upload queues.

How it works locally

Bates numbers are drawn into each page in your browser, in order across the whole document, using your prefix, suffix, start number and digit count. Because the number is part of the page, it prints and survives copying. Your discovery documents never leave your device.

Legal & compliance toolkit

More tools for preparing confidential and legal PDFs, all running in your browser.

View Metadata
Check what a PDF reveals: properties, XMP, forms and restrictions.
Remove Metadata
Delete author, software, dates and XMP history from a PDF.
Sanitize PDF
Strip metadata, scripts, attachments, comments and form data before sharing.
Redact PDF
Permanently remove confidential text, not just cover it.
Edit Metadata
Set a clean title, author and subject on a PDF.
Flatten PDF
Turn form fields and comments into fixed page content.
Header & Footer
Put case numbers or confidentiality notices on every page.
Add Stamps
Mark pages CONFIDENTIAL, DRAFT, APPROVED or your own text.
Sign PDF
Add a visible signature to a contract or form.
Protect PDF
Encrypt with AES-256 and an open password.
Change Permissions
Allow or block printing, copying, editing and comments.
Remove Restrictions
Lift printing, copying and editing restrictions you're entitled to.
Validate Signature
Check the digital signatures in a signed PDF.

All secure PDF tools for legal work

Frequently Asked Questions

Document Work Made Easy

Process your PDFs with our collection of free, privacy-first tools. No uploads to servers, no registration required. Everything runs directly in your browser.