Bates Numbering - Free Online Browser Tool

Apply legal Bates numbering prefixes & sequences (e.g. DOC-0001).

Bates numbering is the sequential identifier legal and discovery workflows depend on: a fixed prefix with zero-padded numbers that increments across the whole production, so every page has a unique, citable reference. This tool applies that scheme in the format your matter expects.

This bates numbering utility runs completely inside your web browser. Your document is opened locally and processed on your own device using JavaScript and WebAssembly, so your file is never uploaded to any server. There is no signup, no watermark and no limit on how many documents you can handle.

  • 100% client-side - files never leave your device
  • Instant processing, no upload wait
  • Works on desktop, tablet and mobile
  • Free forever, no account required

Common next steps: Dual Header/Footer Bates, Add Page Numbers, Create Simple Invoice PDF, Add Exhibit Sticker.

How to Use the Bates Numbering Tool

Four steps, and the whole thing runs locally on your own device.

  1. Load the document

    Drop in the PDF being produced for a matter or disclosure.

  2. Set the prefix and start

    Enter the prefix — DOC, ABC, a client reference — and the starting number for this document.

  3. Choose the format

    Pick a zero-padded pattern such as DOC-0001 and the position of the stamp on the page.

  4. Stamp and download

    Every page receives its sequential number, continuing exactly where your existing production left off.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bates numbering used for?

Giving every page in a legal or financial production a unique, sequential, citable identifier, so a reference in an filing points to exactly one page.

How do I continue numbering across multiple documents?

Set each document’s starting number to the next value after the previous one. For example, a 20-page document starting at 1 means the next starts at 21.

What format should I use?

Follow whatever the matter specifies. Zero-padded fixed-width formats such as ABC-000123 sort correctly and are the usual convention.

Where is the number normally placed?

Bottom-right is the convention. The position is adjustable, but consistency across the whole production matters more than the specific corner.

Are these numbers searchable?

Yes, they are drawn as real text, so a reviewer can search for a specific Bates reference and jump to that page.