Bates Numbering

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Adding Bates Numbers

Applying Bates numbering...

About Bates Numbering

Bates numbering (Bates stamping) adds a unique sequential identifier to every page of a document. It is the standard method for page identification in:

  • Legal proceedings — discovery, depositions, court filings
  • Medical records — patient file management
  • Regulatory compliance — audit trails, filings
  • Business documents — contracts, invoices, reports
Illustration showing Bates numbers being added to a PDF
Tip: Bates numbers are stamped permanently onto each page and cannot be removed once applied.
Tips for Best Results
  • Use a consistent prefix per case or project (e.g., "ABC-")
  • 6 digits is standard for most legal proceedings
  • Start numbering from page 1 unless cover pages should be excluded
  • Footer placement is most common for Bates stamps
  • Use facing pages for double-sided printing layouts
Frequently Asked Questions

Bates numbering (also called Bates stamping) is a method of applying a unique sequential identifier to each page of a document. Each stamp consists of a prefix, a zero-padded number, and optionally a suffix — for example, "CASE001-000001". It is widely used in legal, medical, and business document management.

Upload your PDF, set a prefix (e.g., "DOC-"), choose the number of digits (typically 6), select the starting number and position, then click Add Bates Numbers. The tool stamps every page with a unique sequential identifier.

While not always legally mandated, Bates numbering is standard practice in litigation, discovery, regulatory filings, and compliance documentation. It ensures every page can be precisely referenced and verified.

Currently you can Bates-number one PDF at a time. To continue numbering across multiple files, set the starting number of the second file to the next number after the last page of the first file.

Common formats include case identifiers ("CASE001-"), party names ("SMITH-"), document types ("EXH-"), or project codes ("PRJ-"). Choose a format that is consistent and meaningful for your workflow.

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