PDF guides
How to Add Page Numbers to Only Part of a PDF
Sometimes only part of a PDF should show numbers: a cover stays blank, an appendix needs its own sequence, or front matter is skipped. Add Page Numbers supports All pages, Skip first page, and Custom ranges. This guide is selection-first—how those modes work with start numbers, sorted ranges, and the limits that still apply.
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Selection modes
All pages stamps every page. Skip first page leaves page 1 unnumbered and stamps from page 2 onward—it fails on a one-page PDF because no page remains to number. Custom ranges use syntax such as `1-5, 8, 10-12`. Custom selections are processed in ascending page order even if you type tokens out of order.
- Invalid range syntax is rejected.
- Out-of-range page numbers are rejected.
- Duplicates are rejected.
- Reversed ranges such as 8-3 are rejected.
- At least one page must remain selected.
Start numbers and Page X of Y
The start number is independent of the physical PDF page index. Example: select pages 3–10 and start at 1 so the first stamped page shows 1 (or Page 1). If you use Page X of Y, Y remains the full document page count—not the length of your selection—so a subset can still read “Page 1 of 40.”
Practical examples
Leave a cover unnumbered with Skip first page. Number only an appendix with a custom range such as 21-30. After front matter on pages 1–2, select 3-20 and start at 1 so visible numbering begins with the body. Preview shows only the first 30 document pages, but export applies to the full valid selection. The download is typically named like your-file-numbered.pdf.
Limits and privacy
The source may be one PDF up to 25 MB and 100 pages. Processing runs in the browser; PDF contents are not uploaded to Looty Tools for this workflow. Encrypted and password-protected PDFs are unsupported—unlock them first.
Number Only Part of a PDF FAQ
- Why does Skip first fail on a one-page PDF?
- Skipping the only page leaves zero pages to number. Use All pages or a custom selection that includes at least one page.
- Are custom ranges sorted?
- Yes. Valid custom selections are applied in ascending page order.
- Can the start number differ from the PDF page index?
- Yes. Start number controls the visible sequence and is independent of the physical page number.
- Does Page X of Y use the selected count for Y?
- No. Y is always the full document page count.
- What size and page caps apply when numbering a subset?
- One PDF, up to 25 MB and 100 pages. Preview shows the first 30 document pages.
- Where are formats and positions documented?
- See /guides/pdf-page-number-formats-and-positions. Open the tool at /tools/add-page-numbers-to-pdf.
Related guides
- How to Add Page Numbers to a PDFAdd customizable page numbers with position, format, ranges, font size, color, and margin—processed locally with current limits.
- PDF Page Number Formats and PositionsCompare PDF page-number formats and six placement options, then choose the right margin, font size, color, and starting number for your document.
- How to Organize PDF PagesRearrange PDF pages locally in your browser—reorder, rotate, duplicate, delete, and reset—with current file and page limits.
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