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Add Bates Numbers
Stamp sequential Bates numbers with a prefix, start number, digit count and position.
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How to Add Bates Numbers
- Choose an unencrypted PDF and set the pages to stamp.
- Set the Bates prefix, starting number, digit count, position and pages.
- Review the numbered copy and download it.
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What Happens to Your File
OxnaPDF opens your PDF in browser memory, formats a zero-padded sequential identifier for each selected page (such as CASE-000001, CASE-000002), and writes the stamp into each page's content stream using standard Helvetica.
Placement automatically accounts for each page's CropBox and rotation, and the local engine verifies the output page count before saving a separate stamped PDF copy on your device without uploading anything.
Limits
- Accepts unencrypted, untagged PDFs up to 100 MB, 500 pages and 150,000 objects for Bates stamping; digitally signed, XFA, Collection and scripted files are refused.
- Prefix text supports up to 60 printable Western Latin characters, zero-padding supports 1 to 12 digits, and the starting number can be between 0 and 1,000,000,000.
- Font size ranges from 6 pt to 72 pt, margin inset ranges from 0 pt to 200 pt across 6 header and footer positions, and existing stamps are not removed.
Good to Know
- Note the last stamped Bates number when producing multiple document volumes so you can set the next volume's starting number to continue the sequence without gaps.
- If you only need standard reader pagination (1, Page 1, or 1 / 10) rather than zero-padded legal discovery identifiers, use Page Numbers instead.
- To stamp multiple PDF files in a single workflow, you can also use Batch PDF Tools.
Questions
- Can I Set a Custom Prefix and Fixed Digit Count?
- Yes, configure any prefix, starting number and zero-padded digit count for sequential stamping.
- Does Bates Numbering Modify My Original PDF?
- No, stamps are written into a separate PDF copy in your browser while your original stays unchanged.
- Are Legal Documents Uploaded During Bates Stamping?
- No, stamping runs locally in your browser on OxnaPDF's own engine so files stay on your device.
- How Many Zero-Padded Digits Can a Bates Stamp Use?
- You can choose between 1 and 12 zero-padded digits (for example 6 digits for 000001) with a prefix of up to 60 characters.
- Can I Stamp Bates Numbers on Only a Specific Page Range?
- Yes, switch from All Pages to a custom range such as 2-50 to stamp only those pages while skipping cover sheets.