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Add page numbers to PDFs with ease

Effortlessly arrange any document with Canva’s dynamic page numbering. Add PDF page numbers and enhance readability in a snap.

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How to add page numbers to a PDF

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1

Upload your PDF

Select the “Upload your file” button or easily drag and drop your file into the section.

2

Edit your file

Add page numbers to your PDF using our beginner-friendly editor.

3

Download your file

Finally, download your file as a new PDF document.

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Quickly add page numbers to your PDF

Quickly add page numbers to your PDF

Say goodbye to lengthy, unorganized files. Be it a thesis you’re finishing or a marketing deck you’re pitching, adding page numbers to your PDF is an easy task on Canva. Simply upload your file, and watch your PDF transform in a few clicks—no complex tools or pricey software needed.


Need a last-second fix? Canva’s free PDF Editor lets you merge files or add extra pages. Your page numbers automatically get updated, so everything stays in sequence.

Create professional and on-brand files

Create professional and on-brand files

For marketing and sales teams who need to cite specific pages in long PDFs, numbered documents offer instant clarity and quick referencing.


Plus, you can do more than just add PDF page numbers on Canva. Set up your Brand Kit (Canva Pro) to use identifiable fonts, colors, and elements in your file. Explore our templates library for design inspiration. You can also try our AI-powered tools like Magic Write to come up with witty copy, or Magic Media to generate striking visuals.

Make easy-to-follow learning materials

Make easy-to-follow learning materials

Adding page numbers is essential for lesson plans, worksheets, and handouts, as it allows teachers and students to flip to the right page without losing focus. Likewise, paginated onboarding handbooks, product manuals, and safety guides help employees find the information they need fast.


Once you’re done adding page numbers to your PDF, you can even opt to use our PDF Translator to make learning materials in different languages. With Canva, creating informative and organized PDFs is easy.

Collaborate on your PDF

Collaborate on your PDF

You don’t have to add page numbers to a PDF or work on your design alone. Simply invite others to collaborate through a link or email. Tag teammates to assign tasks, share ideas by leaving comments, and work as one to create the best version of your PDF. Once you’re done, export your file to share it online or print it for free.

How to add page numbers to a PDF

  1. Open Canva and upload your PDF

    Log into your Canva account. Click the Upload your file button to import your PDF, or drag and drop the file directly into the canvas.

  2. Insert automatic page numbers

    Click Text on the editor side panel. Under Dynamic text , select Page numbers. Drag the number box to your desired spot. Then, tweak the font, color, or size.

  3. Format your page numbers

    From the dropdown, choose a format (Numbers only, Page + number, or Page X of Y) and decide which pages should show the numbers. Then, click Apply properties to all pages.

  4. Customize your design

    Personalize your PDF using Canva’s intuitive design tools. Update elements that are already present, or add in new photos, graphics, and text.

  5. Share your PDF

    Once you’re satisfied with your file, click the Share button. Download, present, publish, or email your PDF in just a few clicks.
How to add page numbers to a PDF

Frequently asked questions

  • Add page numbers to a PDF for free by using online tools or visual editors. Our free online PDF editor allows you to add page numbers to an existing PDF in under a minute. Upload a PDF of up to 300 pages or a maximum size of 100 MB at no extra cost. Aside from customizing the page numbers, you can modify the text or images before you export the PDF. Download or share the newly paginated file in standard PDF size. If needed, upgrade to Pro for high-resolution, print-ready files.

  • There isn’t a universal standard for paginating PDFs, but most style guides recommend skipping preliminary pages like the front cover, title page, and foreword.


    Alternatively, some choose to use Roman numerals on these pages instead of leaving them unnumbered. Arabic page numbers, on the other hand, typically start when the substantive content begins (e.g., introduction or chapter 1). This makes it easier for the reader to look up these sections in the table of contents.

  • No, numbering a PDF should not affect its security or encryption. The act of adding page numbers to your PDF is a content update, similar to how one adds a header or footer. Security and encryption are two features that protect your document from unauthorized viewing or changes. If the PDF is password-protected, you’ll need a password to open and edit it. Once you’ve gained access, numbering won’t weaken the security settings you’ve applied.

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