Bates Numbering
Stamp sequential Bates numbers — with your own prefix — across every page.
Drop your file hereTap to add your file
or click to choose · nothing leaves your device
Private by design. This tool runs entirely in your browser — your file is processed on your device and is never uploaded to us. How this works
Bates Numbering stamps a unique, sequential identifier on every page — like ABC-000001, ABC-000002 and so on. It’s the standard way legal, accounting and eDiscovery teams label documents so any page can be referred to unambiguously across a case or an audit.
The numbering is applied in your browser, so sensitive case files never leave your device — free, private, no account and no watermark. Set a prefix and a starting number, and Ream stamps the rest in order.
How it works
Ream adds a bold identifier to the bottom-right of each page: your prefix followed by a zero-padded number that increases by one per page, starting from the number you choose. Because it stamps in order, you can carry on from where a previous batch left off simply by setting the start number.
How to Bates Numbering
Add your PDF
Drop the file onto the box above or click to browse. It stays on your device.
Set prefix & start
Enter a prefix (e.g. ABC-) and the number to start from.
Stamp & download
Ream numbers every page in sequence and gives you the stamped PDF.
What is Bates numbering?
Named after the Bates automatic numbering machine, Bates numbering gives every page in a set a unique, sequential label. In litigation and eDiscovery it makes documents citable and traceable — a lawyer can point to “ABC-000142” and everyone knows the exact page. A consistent prefix identifies the producing party or matter; the running number keeps order.
Working across batches
- Use a prefix that identifies the case, party or set (e.g. SMITH-).
- To continue a sequence, set the start number to one past where the last file ended.
- Bates numbers are permanent once printed — if a document also needs sensitive parts hidden, redact it first, then stamp.
Why choose Ream
Sequential & unique
Every page gets its own number, in order, so any page is easy to cite.
Your prefix, your start
Set a prefix and starting number to match your case or continue a batch.
Private by design
Sensitive case files stay on your device — nothing is uploaded.
Free, no watermark
No account, no watermark, no limits.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add Bates numbering to a PDF?
Add the file, set a prefix and a start number, and click. Ream stamps a sequential number on the bottom-right of every page.
Can I set a custom prefix?
Yes — enter any prefix (like ABC-), and it’s placed before the running number on each page.
How do I continue numbering across files?
Set the start number to one after where your previous file ended, and keep the same prefix.
Where does the number appear?
In the bottom-right corner of every page, as a bold, zero-padded identifier (for example ABC-000042) that scales to the page size so it stays legible.
Is my file uploaded?
No. Bates numbering runs entirely in your browser, so confidential files stay on your device.
Is it free?
Yes — free, no sign-up, and no watermark.