Explainer
What is Bates numbering?
Bates numbering is a way to add a unique page-by-page reference to a document
production so every page can be cited clearly. The most common format is a
prefix plus a zero-padded number, such as SMITH-000001.
What a Bates number looks like
A Bates number usually combines three parts: a prefix, a delimiter, and a
running number. For example, CLIENT-000245 uses the prefix
CLIENT, a hyphen, and a six-digit sequence.
The important part is consistency. Once a production starts at page 1, the numbering should continue in order through every page of every file in the set.
Why teams use Bates numbering
- It gives every page a stable reference for review, discussion, and production logs.
- It keeps multi-file productions in one continuous sequence instead of resetting by file.
- It pairs cleanly with load files and production logs when documents are handed off.
How to add Bates numbers to a PDF
- Upload one or more PDF files in the order you want them stamped.
- Set the prefix, digit count, starting number, and stamp position.
- Download the stamped PDFs plus the supporting production files.
If the question is really about Acrobat, read the step-by-step guide to Bates numbering a PDF without Adobe Acrobat .
Need the tool instead of the definition?
The commercial landing page covers what the software does, and the tool page lets you stamp PDFs immediately in your browser.