Quickly Bates Number PDFs, Word Documents, Images & More — No Acrobat Required

Court-Ready Bates Numbering Without PDF Production Headaches

A focused, easy workflow—no Acrobat, installation, or subscription required.

Quickly apply consistent Bates numbering across entire document sets without buried menus or repetitive setup, while catching common problems before they turn into last-minute surprises.

Configure numbering once, review sample pages, and generate clean, court-ready PDFs plus PDF and CSV Bates indexes.

Files are processed securely and automatically deleted based on your retention settings.

Start One-Off Create Free Account & Upload

One-Time / Occasional Productions

On-demand Bates numbering with no account or subscription required. Preview before paying, finish the job, and get it off your desk. Starts at just $29, with larger jobs priced by uploaded job size. One-off tiers

Create Free Account

Best for smaller Bates numbering productions, testing the full workflow, saving Bates settings, reusing defaults, and upgrading when you need larger jobs or more monthly capacity.

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Preview before processing

Illustrative Preview

Review sample pages from the production to confirm numbering, placement, and formatting.

Legal professional reviewing a Bates production with continuous numbering, sample documents, and production-ready status

Confirm before processing

Review sample pages so numbering, placement, and styling look right before the full job runs.

Catch production issues early

Confirm formatting, page size, duplicate uploads, and output details before final processing.

Avoid rework

Generate clean, consistent Bates sequences with fewer surprises, corrections, or reruns.

Preview, adjust, and easily rerun as needed until everything looks right. Built to help prevent costly mistakes, broken sequences, and time-consuming production rework.

No SI/AI prompts. No popups. No buried menus. Just a straightforward workflow for legal document productions.

Start with the files you have. Finish the production and move on.

Upload PDFs, Word documents, EML email files, supported image files, and ZIPs without first converting everything to PDF, reorganizing folders, rotating upside-down scans, or resizing oversized pages. BatesNumbers handles the awkward prep work so you can produce a clean, consistent final set without buying software or committing to a subscription you may not need.

Keep productions organized

Preserve ZIP folder structure, avoid duplicate output names, and keep the finished production easy to navigate and review.

Upload photos and images directly

Add JPG, PNG, WebP, and iPhone/Apple photos in HEIC or HEIF format without converting them to PDF first. Supported images are automatically prepared for Bates numbering.

Fix upside-down PDFs

Rotate upside-down scanned documents before processing so the pages and Bates numbers appear correctly.

Resize oversized PDFs

Resize unusually large pages to standard Letter or Legal dimensions so Bates numbers remain properly proportioned and easy to read.

Supported non-PDF files are automatically prepared as PDFs for Bates numbering, saving you the time and hassle of converting them first. Supports: PDFs, ZIP document sets, scanned images and photos including JPG/JPEG, PNG, WebP, iPhone/Apple HEIC and HEIF, and TIFF, plus Word documents, RTF and ODT files, and EML email files. Learn more about supported files and conversion.

Why BatesNumbers

BatesNumbers is not just a PDF stamping tool. It is a focused production workflow built to do one job exceptionally well: get a properly numbered Bates production completed, delivered, and off your desk. Instead of making you buy or subscribe to bloated software, navigate buried menus, deal with constant SI/AI prompts, or configure features unrelated to the job at hand, BatesNumbers gives you a clear path from upload to finished production while helping prevent common production problems such as missing numbers, duplicate numbers, broken sequences, and inconsistent formatting. Preview the work, catch problems before processing, generate the final PDFs and indexes, and move on with confidence.

Catch mistakes before production

Preview numbering and formatting before processing, catch duplicate uploads and page-size issues, then adjust settings and rerun until the job looks right.

Maintain clean numbering

Keep Bates sequences consistent across single files, multi-file jobs, and document productions without gaps, resets, or unexpected jumps.

Process complex document sets

Apply continuous Bates numbering across PDFs, Word documents, scanned documents, images, and ZIP-based productions while preserving document order.

Production-ready deliverables

Generate numbered PDFs plus CSV and printable PDF Bates indexes to make productions easier to review, print, reference, organize, and deliver.

How Bates Numbering Works

A simple, predictable workflow for adding Bates numbers across mixed document productions, previewing results before processing, and generating production-ready PDF output.

Step 1

Upload your documents

Upload documents, images, or organized ZIP sets. Supported non-PDF files are automatically prepared for Bates numbering. Order is preserved, and files can be manually reordered if needed.

Step 2

Configure Bates numbers and preview

Set your Bates numbers, prefix, numbering format, placement, and style. Preview sample pages, make adjustments if needed, and confirm everything looks correct before processing.

Step 3

Process and download

Generate clean, sequentially numbered documents and download your files, including CSV and printable PDF Bates indexes, ready for filing, production, or internal use.

Learn more about numbering options and formatting →

Prefer a quick walkthrough? Watch how it works →

See BatesNumbers in action

Want to see the workflow first? Watch a brief walkthrough from upload through review, revision, and production-ready Bates-numbered output.

1. Upload PDFs, Word documents, ZIPs, and supported image files in the same job.
2. Set your Bates prefix, numbering, placement, and advanced options.
3. Skip covers, flip upside-down scans, resize oversized PDFs, and preserve ZIP folders.
4. Preview and revise before processing the final files.
5. Add team members on supported plans with no per-seat billing surprises.
6. Download production-ready numbered PDFs plus Bates indexes in PDF and CSV.

Watch on YouTube Start One-Off Create Free Account & Upload

Bates Numbering Features & Formatting Controls

Control numbering across entire productions—from individual PDFs to bulk Bates numbering workflows.

BatesNumbers gives you more than basic Bates stamping. Control numbering format, placement, styling, exhibit labels, output packaging, CSV and printable PDF Bates indexes, and reusable defaults so each job matches your workflow instead of forcing you into a one-size-fits-all setup.

PDF, Word, image, and ZIP production support

Upload PDFs, Word documents, supported images, and ZIP-based document sets without first combining or manually converting everything into one PDF. BatesNumbers keeps numbering consistent and preserves ZIP folder organization for cleaner review and handoff.

Automatic document and image conversion

Supported Word documents, scans, photos, and images are automatically converted into PDF-ready production files during intake, so you can start with the files you actually received instead of manually converting them first.

Normalize oversized PDFs

Fit unusually large scanned or image-generated PDFs, including full-resolution phone photos converted to PDF, architectural plans, engineering drawings, and other oversized document pages, to standard Letter or Legal sizes so Bates numbers remain readable and professionally proportioned.

Duplicate file protection

BatesNumbers compares uploaded files using a file hash, not just the filename, so duplicate documents can be caught before they create numbering confusion, production rework, or an embarrassing duplicate in the final production.

From mixed files to one clean Bates production

Review sample pages before processing to verify numbering, alignment, styling, and formatting. Adjust settings and easily rerun the job until everything looks right, with no additional charge or usage against your plan allowances for reruns.

Built-in Bates range indexes

Include CSV and printable PDF Bates indexes showing document names, Bates ranges, and page counts so finished productions are easier to review, print, audit, and reference.

Sample indexes: PDF · CSV

Continuous or per-file numbering

Run one continuous Bates sequence across the full job or restart numbering for each file when a matter requires separate file-level numbering.

Custom numbering format

Set prefixes, starting numbers, padding length, and optional suffixes to match matter naming, production format, or court preferences.

Output filename controls

Prefix output filenames with the Bates start number, add custom suffix text, and safely handle duplicate output names so files are not overwritten or lost.

Flexible placement and margins

Position Bates numbers consistently, fine-tune left/right and top/bottom margins for cleaner placement on every page, and optionally shrink page content to make room near the selected Bates position, especially on edge-to-edge police reports.

Font, size, color, bold styling, and stamp backgrounds

Adjust typography and stamp styling with selectable font family, font size, stamp color, bold text, and optional white backgrounds for better readability on dark or image-based documents.

Omit first page when needed

Leave cover pages unstamped and uncounted by skipping Bates numbering on the first page of every document or selected individual documents.

Exhibit labels

Add exhibit labels per document with alphabetic or numeric modes, choose the starting value, set a custom exhibit prefix, and control placement.

Additional line text

Add optional secondary text such as case numbers, confidentiality labels, or other custom references directly in the stamp.

Separator control

Choose how Bates numbers, exhibit labels, and additional text are separated when combined on one line, including bullet, dash, or pipe styles.

ZIP output packaging

Download large productions as a single organized ZIP package, making review, delivery, and production handoff easier.

Preserve ZIP folder structure

Maintain original folder organization from ZIP uploads so completed productions remain familiar, organized, and easy to review.

Save as my defaults

Save your preferred Bates settings once and reuse them across future productions to reduce setup time and maintain consistency.

From simple PDF numbering to exhibit-ready productions, BatesNumbers gives legal teams the controls needed for real-world document productions, including CSV and printable PDF Bates indexes, production packaging, reusable defaults, and shared firm access on supported plans.

Common Bates Numbering Workflows

BatesNumbers helps legal teams and document-heavy organizations produce clean, sequential numbering across everything from exhibits and discovery productions to large internal document sets.

Litigation and discovery production

Apply consistent Bates numbering across entire document sets—without cover page mistakes, broken sequences, or rework.

Exhibit preparation

Number exhibits and supporting documents for hearings, filings, and production-ready exhibit sets.

Internal document organization

Organize and reference large collections of documents with clear, sequential numbering.

Large-scale document productions

Apply bulk Bates numbering across hundreds or thousands of pages while maintaining a clean, continuous sequence.

Multi-file case organization

Keep related documents grouped, ordered, and numbered correctly across folders, ZIP uploads, and multi-file productions.

Client-ready and internal deliverables

Produce clearly numbered documents and Bates indexes for internal review, client delivery, or court-ready submission.

Bates Numbering FAQs

Common questions about Bates numbering software, Bates stamping tools, document productions, formatting options, multi-file workflows, and Bates numbering best practices.

What is Bates numbering?

Bates numbering, often called Bates stamping, adds a unique sequential identifier to each page of a document set. It is commonly used in legal, discovery, compliance, and document production workflows to organize and reference files. BatesNumbers is online Bates numbering software designed to automate that process.

Do I need Adobe Acrobat to add Bates numbers?

No. BatesNumbers lets you complete a Bates production online without buying Adobe Acrobat, installing desktop software, or starting a subscription for an occasional job. Its focused workflow takes you from upload and preview to finished numbered files and Bates indexes.

Can I add Bates numbers to multiple PDFs, Word documents, email files, images, or ZIP document sets at once?

Yes. You can upload multiple PDFs, Word documents, EML email files, images, ZIP-based document sets, or a mix of these and apply a continuous Bates numbering sequence across the full job. Supported non-PDF files are automatically prepared for Bates numbering, and ZIP uploads can preserve the original folder structure in the processed output.

Can I upload Word documents without converting them to PDF first?

Yes. BatesNumbers can accept supported Word document formats and automatically convert them to PDF during intake before Bates numbering is applied. You do not need to manually convert each document before uploading it. Supported formats include DOC, DOCX, DOCM, DOT, DOTX, DOTM, RTF, and ODT.

Do I need to merge all documents into one PDF before Bates numbering?

No. In most cases, it is better to upload the original individual PDFs, Word documents, supported images, or ZIP/folder structure instead of merging or converting everything into one large PDF first. BatesNumbers can apply one continuous Bates numbering sequence across the full job while still letting you review document order, filenames, page counts, source files, and per-document options before final processing. Per-document page limits help protect the reliability of large jobs and prevent unusually large merged files from slowing down, failing, or disrupting processing.

Can I preview Bates numbers before finalizing?

Yes. You can review numbering placement, formatting, exhibit labels, and other settings on sample pages before running the full job. If adjustments are needed, update your settings and rerun the job at no additional cost or use of plan allowances until everything looks right.

Can I adjust settings and rerun my Bates numbering job if something doesn't look right?

Yes. You can review sample pages, adjust numbering settings, placement, formatting, exhibit labels, and other options, then rerun the job without re-uploading your files. Simply update the settings and rerun at no additional cost or use of plan allowances. This helps catch issues early and reduces the risk of production rework.

Does BatesNumbers create a Bates index?

Yes. Completed jobs can include Bates indexes in both structured CSV and clean, printable PDF formats. Each index shows document names, Bates ranges, and page counts, making productions easier to review, print, organize, audit, reference, and deliver.

Sample indexes: PDF · CSV

Can BatesNumbers handle oversized scanned or image-based PDFs?

Yes. If a PDF contains unusually large pages, often caused by high-resolution images or phone/scanner exports converted to PDF, architectural plans, engineering drawings, or other large-format documents, BatesNumbers can optionally normalize those pages to Letter or Legal size before final processing. Use the Document Options tab to enable this for the documents that need it.

What happens to my files after processing?

Uploaded files and generated outputs are automatically removed according to your plan’s retention settings. You can also delete files yourself after processing for additional control.

Why are files uploaded instead of processed entirely in my browser?

BatesNumbers uses secure server-side processing because browser-only processing can become unpredictable on larger jobs, depending on the user’s device, available memory, browser limits, and whether the session remains open. Server-side processing provides a more controlled and consistent workflow for multiple files, ZIP folders, image-to-PDF conversion, oversized-page normalization, page scaling, previews, Bates indexes, and production-ready output. Files are never manually reviewed unless you explicitly request support and authorize access to the job, are never sent to SI/AI models, are automatically deleted according to your plan’s retention period, and can be manually deleted at any time.

Can I add Bates numbers to images?

Yes. BatesNumbers supports direct JPG/JPEG, PNG, WebP, HEIC, and HEIF image uploads, along with TIFF where supported. HEIC and HEIF are commonly used by iPhones and other Apple devices. Supported images are automatically converted into production-ready PDFs before Bates numbering is applied. Images can be uploaded individually or inside ZIP-based document sets.

Can I Bates number cell phone photos or scanned images?

Yes. Photos from iPhones and other phones, screenshots, and scanned images can be uploaded directly in supported formats. This includes common iPhone/Apple HEIC and HEIF photos, along with JPG/JPEG, PNG, and WebP. BatesNumbers automatically prepares supported images as PDFs before Bates numbering is applied.

Can I upload images without converting them to PDFs first?

Yes. Supported JPG/JPEG, PNG, WebP, HEIC, and HEIF images can be uploaded directly, along with TIFF where supported. This includes common iPhone and Apple photo files. BatesNumbers automatically converts supported images into production-ready PDFs before processing, eliminating the need for manual PDF conversion.

Can I customize the Bates number format?

Yes. Our Bates numbering software lets you configure prefixes, suffixes, starting numbers, padding, placement, margins, font styling, exhibit labels, additional line text, output naming, ZIP packaging, and other advanced settings to match your workflow or court requirements.

Can I continue Bates numbering from an existing sequence?

Yes. You can set any starting number so your next job can continue an existing Bates sequence without interruption.

Can I add exhibit labels like Exhibit A or Exhibit 1?

Yes. You can add exhibit labels per document using alphabetic or numeric modes, define the starting value, set a custom exhibit prefix, and control how the exhibit label appears with the Bates stamp.

Can I skip Bates numbering on cover pages?

Yes. You can skip Bates numbering on the first page of all documents in a job or selectively skip the first page of specific documents from the Document Options tab, which is useful for cover pages, title sheets, and exhibit separators.

Can output files be renamed with Bates numbers?

Yes. You can prefix output filenames with the Bates start number and add custom filename suffix text to make larger document sets easier to organize.

Can I save my Bates numbering settings for future jobs?

Yes. You can save preferred Bates settings as defaults so repeat jobs can be configured faster without re-entering the same options each time. On supported team plans, account owners can establish shared firm defaults that team members inherit for new jobs.

Can multiple staff members use the same BatesNumbers account?

Yes. Supported plans allow law firms and staff members to securely share BatesNumbers account access using individual logins. Team members can create and manage their own Bates numbering jobs, while the account owner can view all jobs under the account.

Will my original PDF files be changed?

No. Your original files remain unchanged. BatesNumbers generates new numbered output files for download. If you upload ZIP document sets, original file and folder structure can be preserved in the output.

Can one-off jobs be used across multiple batches over time?

No. One-off jobs are for a single production and are available for 48 hours. They are not prepaid page banks. After 48 hours, the one-off job files and temporary one-off user account are automatically deleted.

If more documents arrive later, you can run another one-off job and set the starting Bates number to continue from the prior batch. For ongoing access, a subscription plan may be a better fit because it has no contract, can be canceled anytime, can be resumed later at the subscription level you need, supports team member access, and lets you save firm-wide defaults for repeated Bates numbering work.

Who Uses BatesNumbers

Common industries and teams that use BatesNumbers for document productions, exhibits, discovery workflows, and organized document sets.

Law Firms & Litigation Teams

Apply consistent Bates numbering across discovery productions, court filings, and case documentation. Ensure every page is properly labeled and easy to reference.

eDiscovery & Legal Support Providers

Process high-volume document sets with reliable, continuous numbering across multiple files and batches.

Corporate Legal & Compliance Teams

Organize internal investigations, regulatory submissions, and compliance records with structured, sequential numbering.

Government & Public Records Offices

Standardize document releases and records management with clear, trackable page identifiers.

Insurance & Claims Processing

Maintain organized, sequential documentation across claims files, reports, and supporting materials.

View more industries →

Pricing for professional Bates numbering workflows

Built for real legal productions where sequence integrity, document order, preview control, and reliable deliverables matter—not merely placing a number on each page.

Free account

Best for small Bates numbering jobs or testing the full workflow with production-quality output. Upgrade within your account anytime if you need higher limits.

One-Off

Best for occasional productions. BatesNumbers automatically matches your uploaded job to the lowest eligible one-time tier before payment. No subscription required.

View one-off tiers

Monthly plans

Best for recurring Bates numbering work, larger monthly capacity, reusable Bates defaults, team access, and ongoing account access between matters.

Compare plans

Monthly plans have no contract. Upgrade or downgrade as your workload changes, cancel anytime, and resume later at the plan level you need.

Every option includes the full BatesNumbers workflow: multi-file numbering, preview before processing, Bates indexes, organized output downloads, mixed PDF, Word document, image, and ZIP support, and automatic retention-based cleanup. Higher subscription tiers add increased capacity, larger job limits, firm-wide access, and selectable retention options where supported.

One-Off

Pay per occasional job

$29

starting price

Upload, configure, preview, pay, and download. Ideal for urgent filings, one-time productions, and occasional Bates numbering projects.

One-off pricing ranges from $29 to $199 based on job size, with the highest tier supporting up to 4,000 documents and 20,000 total pages.

■ Preview before payment
■ 1 job / one-time purchase
■ No subscription required
■ Starting tier: up to 2,500 pages per job
■ Starting tier: up to 1,000 documents
■ Files available for 48 hours
■ Starting tier: up to 2,500 pages per document

Start One-Off View One-Off Tiers

Free

Try the workflow

per month

Handle small Bates numbering jobs at no cost with full-quality output.

■ Up to 250 pages per document
■ Up to 250 pages per job
■ Up to 250 pages per month
■ Up to 100 documents per month
■ Test the full Bates numbering workflow with production-quality output
■ Files automatically deleted after 24 hours for security

Create Free Account & Upload

Starter

Recurring use

$29

per month

For solo attorneys and paralegals with recurring Bates numbering work.

■ Up to 2,500 pages per document
■ Up to 2,500 pages per job
■ Up to 5,000 pages per month
■ Up to 1,000 documents per month
■ Includes up to 2 team member accounts
■ Default retention: 7 days

Start with Free Account

Professional

Higher volume

$79

per month

For active litigation workflows with higher monthly Bates volume, more documents, and team access.

■ Up to 8,500 pages per document
■ Up to 8,500 pages per job
■ Up to 20,000 pages per month
■ Up to 2,500 documents per month
■ Includes up to 8 team member accounts
■ Default retention: 7 days

Start with Free Account

Firm

Firm-wide use

$199

per month

For law firms and litigation support teams.

■ Up to 10,000 pages per document
■ Up to 20,000 pages per job
■ Up to 60,000 pages per month
■ Up to 5,000 documents per month
■ Includes up to 25 team member accounts
■ Default retention: 7 days

Start with Free Account

High-volume litigation plans

Higher-capacity plans include the same Bates numbering, preview, output packaging, Bates indexes, and workflow features as the lower plans, with increased capacity for larger litigation workflows, high-volume document productions, and firm-wide usage. Contact us to activate a higher-capacity plan.

Litigation Operations

$399

per month

For high-volume litigation teams and active document production workflows.

■ Up to 10,000 pages per document

■ Up to 50,000 pages per job

■ Up to 150,000 pages per month

■ Up to 12,500 documents per month

■ Includes up to 50 team member accounts

■ 7-day default retention (1–14 day options)

Enterprise Production

$999

per month

For large-scale litigation production teams with frequent high-volume Bates numbering workflows.

■ Up to 10,000 pages per document

■ Up to 100,000 pages per job

■ Up to 400,000 pages per month

■ Up to 30,000 documents per month

■ Includes up to 100 team member accounts

■ 7-day default retention (1–14 day options)

Want to compare plans side by side?

Compare job limits, monthly capacity, team access, and retention across all monthly plans.

Compare Plans

One-Off jobs are analyzed after upload, and if a larger supported one-time tier is needed, BatesNumbers may offer that option at checkout before processing. You can delete uploaded documents and generated output files at any time for added security. See the FAQ for details. For unusually large or specialized workloads, contact us to discuss custom options.