How to Add Custom Page Numbers to a PDF Using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Today’s post is a step-by-step guide to adding custom page numbers in a PDF. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC makes this easy through its “Page Labels” function.

Video Guide

When working with PDF documents—especially professional or academic ones—it’s often necessary to organize page numbers in different formats across different sections. For example, Roman numerals can be used for prefaces or contents, and standard Arabic numerals can be used for the main body of a document.

Open the “Organize Pages” Tool

Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and open the PDF. Navigate to the Tools pane and click on Organize Pages. This tool allows users to manage, rearrange, delete, or renumber pages in the document.

Use the thumbnail panel to select the pages that need a different page number format. Typically, this includes the front matter of a book or report, such as the table of contents, acknowledgments, or introduction. For example, select pages 1 to 20.

Open the Page Labels Dialog

With the target pages selected, right-click and choose Page Labels or find the Page Labels option in the top menu of the Organize Pages tool. A dialog box will appear for customizing page numbers.

Choose Begin New Section. This separates the selected pages from the rest of the document in terms of numbering. Choose the numbering style—such as Roman numerals, letters, or Arabic numerals—and set the starting number to 1. Confirm the changes. The selected pages will now display Roman numerals (e.g., i to xx) instead of standard numbers.

Reset Main Page Numbers

After the Roman numeral section, select the first page of the main content (e.g., page 21), open the Page Labels dialog again, and check Begin New Section. Select the standard Arabic numbering style and start at 1. The main content will now begin with page 1.

Accessibility Matters

Customizing page numbers in this way supports screen reader users by maintaining a logical structure, which is crucial for accessibility. Different sections with distinct numbering styles enhance clarity.

Renumbering improves readability and organization without altering the actual file order or content. It ensures a more professional structure for both print and digital versions of the PDF.

Use this method for reports, dissertations, manuals, or any document requiring a clear and formal structure.

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