Bates Numbering for PDF — Stamp Legal Documents Offline
Apply fixed-width Bates numbers — a matter prefix, a zero-padded counter and an optional suffix — to every page of a PDF, entirely inside your browser.
Apply fixed-width Bates numbers — a matter prefix, a zero-padded counter and an optional suffix — to every page of a PDF, entirely inside your browser.
How It Works in 4 Simple Steps
Number a document for production in four steps, without it leaving your machine.
Choose the PDF you need to produce or file. Nothing is uploaded when you open it.
Enter the matter prefix, the digit width (six by default) and the number to start from.
Each page gets its zero-padded stamp embedded as vector text, in browser memory.
Save the production-ready file straight to your own disk.
100% Client-Side
Files never leave your browser RAM. Zero network transmission.
Zero Server Logs
No documents, filenames, or metadata are stored or tracked.
Lightning Fast
Instant processing with zero upload queues or download delays.
What a Bates Number Actually Is
A Bates number is not a page number. It is a fixed-width identifier stamped on every page of a production so that any page in a case can be cited unambiguously — SMITH000042, not page 42. Three parts make it up: a prefix identifying the matter or producing party, a counter zero-padded to a constant width, and sometimes a suffix such as -CONFIDENTIAL.
The constant width is the part that matters and the part generic page numbering gets wrong. Padding every counter to the same number of digits means SMITH000009 and SMITH000010 sort correctly as text, stay aligned when printed, and survive being read back by opposing counsel's software. PDFCore Studio reads each page's MediaBox, computes the margin offset, and embeds the stamp as vector text directly into the page stream in browser memory — six digits by default, adjustable from none to twelve.
| Dimension | Plain page numbering | Bates numbering |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Variable — 9, then 10, then 100 | Constant — 000009, 000010, 000100 |
| Scope of the number | Restarts at 1 in every document | Continues across a production via the starting number |
| Identifies the matter | No — a bare counter | Yes — the prefix names the party or case |
| Citing one page | Ambiguous outside its own file | Unique across the whole production |
Common Real-World Use Cases
How legal and compliance teams use Bates numbering day to day.
Discovery Productions
Stamp a producing-party prefix across every page so each document can be cited by number in requests and depositions.
Trial Exhibits
Number exhibit bundles so the bench, the witness and opposing counsel are all looking at the same page.
Confidential Client Files
Privileged material never leaves the machine — the stamp is applied in browser memory, with no upload step to review.
Audit & Compliance Bundles
Give regulators and auditors a stable reference for every page of a submission.
Technical Specifications & Architecture
Detailed performance parameters, supported specifications, and privacy engineering guarantees.
| Technical Engine Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Numbering Formats | Page {n} of {total}, {n}, Custom Bates Stamping Prefix (e.g. DOC-{n}) |
| Positions | Bottom-Center, Bottom-Right, Top-Right, Top-Left |
Important Note & Best Practices: Calculates page dimensions dynamically; ensure adequate margin clearance (recommended 24pt margin).
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about applying Bates numbers with PDFCore Studio.
What is Bates numbering?
Bates numbering stamps a unique, fixed-width identifier on every page of a document set — typically a prefix naming the matter or producing party, followed by a zero-padded counter, such as SMITH000042. It exists so any single page in a production can be cited without ambiguity.
Can I set my own prefix and number of digits?
Yes. Set any prefix up to 24 characters and a digit width from 0 to 12; six digits is the default because it is the common convention in litigation support. A suffix such as -CONFIDENTIAL can be added as well.
Can I continue numbering across several documents?
Yes, by setting the starting number. Stamp the first document from 1, note the last number it used, and start the next document at the following number. PDFCore numbers one document per run — it does not walk a folder and carry the sequence for you.
Is my document uploaded to a server to be numbered?
No. The PDF is parsed and the stamp embedded entirely in your browser memory. Nothing is transmitted, which is the point for privileged material.
Does this replace dedicated litigation support software?
No, and it is not meant to. Tools such as Relativity or Concordance manage load files, production logs and endorsement across an entire review platform. PDFCore applies Bates numbering to a PDF you already have, privately and without an upload.
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