# Bates numbering — sequential legal labels, no upload

> Apply Bates-style sequential labels (PREFIX-000001) to every page of a PDF, with configurable prefix, start number, and digits. Runs in your browser, no upload.

Apply Bates-style sequential labels — like PREFIX-000001 — to every page, with a configurable prefix, start number, and digit width. The stamping runs on your device, so the file isn't uploaded.

Bates numbering is essential in legal work: every page gets a unique, sequential identifier so documents can be cited precisely across a case. This tool stamps those labels with a configurable prefix, start, and padding.

Because it runs locally, sensitive discovery material never leaves your machine. For plain page position instead of case identifiers, use Page numbers.

## How to

1. **Open the PDF.** Drop the document set you need to number.
2. **Configure the label.** Set the prefix, starting number, and digit width.
3. **Download.** Export the PDF with Bates labels on each page.

## FAQ

### What is Bates numbering?

A legal and business convention that stamps each page with a unique sequential identifier, often a prefix plus a zero-padded number, for reliable reference in discovery and filings.

### Can I set the prefix and starting number?

Yes. Choose the prefix, the first number, and how many digits to pad to, so labels match your case or matter.

### Is my document uploaded to stamp it?

No. Bates labels are applied with pdf-lib in the browser, keeping sensitive case files on your device.


## Related tools

- [Page #](https://www.safepaper.app/docs/page-numbers)
- [Header/footer](https://www.safepaper.app/docs/header-footer)
- [Redact](https://www.safepaper.app/docs/redact)
- [Merge](https://www.safepaper.app/docs/merge)

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Canonical HTML: https://www.safepaper.app/docs/bates
Markdown: https://www.safepaper.app/docs/bates.md

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