Court Pleading Line Numbers - Free Online Browser Tool

Draw standard 1 to 28 court pleading line numbers along the left margin.

Pleadings in many courts are printed on paper with numbered lines down the left margin, and every page must carry the same 1-to-28 numbering so citations can reference line numbers rather than page numbers. This tool draws that numbering.

This court pleading line numbers 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: Add Exhibit Sticker, Add Headers.

How to Use the Court Pleading Line Numbers Tool

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

  1. Load the pleading

    Drop in the PDF of the document to be filed.

  2. Set the line count

    Twenty-eight lines is the standard for US pleading paper; the count is adjustable for other formats.

  3. Position the numbering

    The numbers are placed in the left margin at a spacing that matches the paper’s rules, clear of your text.

  4. Stamp and download

    Every page receives identical line numbering, ready for filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does numbering the lines change how courts cite my document?

It often does. Where pleading paper is used, citations reference line numbers, so consistent numbering across every page genuinely matters.

Should the numbers appear on every page?

Yes. Line numbering restarts identically on each page, which is what makes "page 4, line 12" a usable citation.

How many lines should I use?

Twenty-eight is the US standard. Some jurisdictions or document types differ, so check the rules that apply to your filing.

Will the numbers clash with my text?

They sit in the left margin. If your document already runs to the margin, adjust the margin or the numbering position so the two do not overlap.

Do I need to use pleading paper specifically?

Some courts still require physical pleading paper. Check your court’s current requirements — many now accept PDFs with numbered lines instead.