Bates Numbering
Add legal Bates numbers to your PDF pages.
About Bates Numbering
What Is Bates Numbering?
Bates numbering is a method of indexing legal documents for identification and retrieval. Each page gets a unique sequential identifier — typically a prefix, a zero-padded number, and optionally a suffix. The standard format looks something like ABC000001 or CASE-001234-EX.
OxygenPDF stamps Bates numbers directly onto your PDF pages. You configure the prefix, suffix, starting number, digit count, position, font size, and margin. Everything runs in your browser.
Who Uses Bates Numbering
Bates numbering is a requirement in legal proceedings and regulated industries where every page of every document must be uniquely identifiable.
Litigation & Discovery
Court rules require Bates-stamped documents for discovery productions. Every page gets a unique number so attorneys can reference specific pages in motions and depositions.
Regulatory Compliance
Government agencies and regulators expect sequentially numbered pages in submissions. Bates numbers create an audit trail.
Document Management
Large document sets become navigable with Bates numbers. Each page has a permanent reference that doesn’t change if documents are reorganized.
Archival & Records
Medical records, financial audits, and insurance claims benefit from Bates numbering for traceability and cross-referencing.
Configuration Options
Prefix and suffix are optional text that bookend the number. Digit count controls zero-padding — set it to 6 and page 1 becomes 000001. The start number lets you continue a sequence from a previous document.
Nine position options place the Bates number wherever it’s needed. Font size and margin are adjustable. The preview updates in real time as you change settings.
How It Compares
Bates numbering is primarily a legal tool. Most PDF editors treat it as a premium feature.
| Feature | OxygenPDF | Adobe Acrobat | Foxit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom prefix and suffix | |||
| Configurable digit padding | |||
| Nine position options | |||
| Custom start number | |||
| Batch processing | Desktop only | Desktop only | |
| No file upload required | Desktop only | Desktop only | |
| Free to use |
Your Legal Documents Stay Private
Legal documents are exactly the kind of files you should never upload to a random website. Discovery productions contain privileged communications, sensitive financial data, and personal information.
OxygenPDF handles Bates numbering entirely in your browser. Your documents stay on your device. The numbered output downloads locally. Nothing passes through a server.
Bates Numbering: Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this tool and how it works.
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