Select All tools > Organize pages > Page labels.
Last updated on
Sep 23, 2025
Learn how to update or customize page numbers in your PDF to match the document’s structure and improve navigation.
The page numbers shown in thumbnails and the navigation toolbar may not match the printed numbers on the document. Page numbers are added sequentially by default, starting with 1, but PDFs often include front matter, like a cover page or table of contents.
To match the displayed page numbers with your document’s structure, use Roman numerals for introductory pages, standard numbers for body pages, and add prefixes for chapter-based numbering. For example, 1-1, 1-2 for Chapter 1 and 2-1, 2-2 for Chapter 2.
In the Page labels dialog box that opens, specify a page range.
Choose one of the following options:
- Begin new section: Start a new numbering sequence. Choose a style and enter the starting number and optionally add a prefix.
- Extend numbering used in preceding section to selected pages: Continue numbering from previous pages without resetting the sequence.
Select OK to apply.
Note
The Page labels tool only changes the labels shown in thumbnails and page navigation; it doesn’t add visible page numbers. To display page numbers on the document itself, use the Header and footer tool.
