Bates Numbering
Add unique sequential stamps to PDF pages — used in legal discovery and document management.
Uploading…
How to apply Bates numbering
-
1
Upload your PDF.Up to 150 MB. Multi-document discovery files welcome.
-
2
Configure the stamp.Pick a prefix (e.g. SMITH-), digit count (typically 6), starting number, optional suffix, and which corner to stamp.
-
3
Download.Each page gets a unique sequential stamp. Original content untouched.
Who is this for?
Built for lawyers, paralegals and in-house legal departments who need to Bates-stamp discovery sets, exhibits and productions to a firm convention. It also fits document-management and compliance teams who index large archives, contracts and audit records that demand a unique, traceable label on every page.
Help Us Improve
Rate this tool, your feedback is valuable!
What is Bates numbering?
Bates numbering is a sequential stamp on every page of a legal document — typically a prefix (firm initials, case ID) plus zero-padded sequence (000001, 000002...). Originally a mechanical numbering machine invented by Edwin Bates in the 1890s, now standard in discovery, depositions and court filings.
Each page gets a unique identifier so any reference (witness deposition, brief, exhibit list) can pinpoint exactly which page is meant. PDF7 lets you set prefix, suffix, digits and starting number — entirely client-friendly.
A typical example: a law firm preparing exhibits for litigation uploads a 4,000-page discovery set, sets the prefix "ABC" with a 6-digit counter starting at 1, and every page is stamped ABC000001 through ABC004000. Each page now has a permanent, citable label, so a brief or deposition can point to ABC002317 and everyone opens the exact same page. The same workflow indexes contracts, audit binders and case files where consistent referencing is non-negotiable.
Why apply Bates numbering with PDF7?
Legal standard
Bates numbering is the industry standard for legal discovery.
Flexible format
Set prefix, suffix, digit count and starting number exactly as you need.
6 positions
Top or bottom, left/center/right — your corner of choice.
Fast + free
No watermark, no signup, finished in seconds.
FAQ
Can I continue from a previous batch?
Yes. Set the "start at" number to where the last batch ended (e.g. 5001 if previous ended at 5000).
What's a typical legal format?
Common: ABC000001 (3-letter firm prefix + 6 digits). Federal courts often want a case number prefix. Match the existing convention in your case files.
Can I undo Bates stamps?
No — stamps are merged into the page like print. Keep the original PDF before stamping.
Is this admissible in court?
Bates numbers are universally accepted as referencing labels. The legal weight depends on chain-of-custody — keep records of when stamps were applied.
Can I set a custom prefix, starting number and zero-padding?
Yes. Choose any prefix (and optional suffix), the number to start from, and how many digits to pad to — so page one can read ABC-000001 instead of ABC-1. Set the digit count to match the size of your set so the numbers stay aligned, for example 6 digits for tens of thousands of pages.
Are my files private, and is anything uploaded to a third party?
Your PDF is processed by pdf7.org and never sent to any external API or third-party service. Files are handled only for the stamping job and are deleted automatically afterwards — nothing is stored or shared, which matters when the documents are privileged or confidential.