Adding Continuous Page Numbers After Merging PDFs
Key points
- Merge first, set the order, add numbers last
- Numbering before merging causes duplicates
- The "1 / total" style lets you check for gaps
The right order
- Merge the PDFs into one with "Merge PDFs"
- If needed, fix orientation and order with "Rotate & Reorder PDF Pages"
- Last, add numbers with "Add Page Numbers to PDF"
Why last
If you number before merging, each PDF starts at "1" and the numbers duplicate after merging.
Recommended settings
- Use the "1 / 10" style so the total is visible
- If the cover doesn't need a number, set "First page" to "Don't add"
Checking
- Is the numbering continuous?
- Does the last page's number match the total page count?
Tools that go well with this
- Merge PDFs: Combine several PDF files into one, in the order you choose.
- Rotate & Reorder PDF Pages: Fix sideways pages, change the page order, or remove pages.
- Extract or Delete PDF Pages: Keep only the pages you need, or remove the pages you don't.