Common Confusion

Bates Numbering vs. Exhibit Stamps: What Do You Actually Need?

Searching for "Bates numbering"? If you're preparing trial exhibits, you probably need exhibit stamps instead. Here's the difference—and why it matters.

Bates Numbering

Every page: ABC000001

For discovery

Exhibit Stamps

Per document: Exhibit A

For trial

The honest take

If you're in discovery and need to number 10,000 pages for production, you need Bates software (Adobe Acrobat, Relativity, Bates Blaster). If you're marking documents as trial exhibits, you need ExhibitPrep. Different tools for different jobs.

Bates Numbering vs. Exhibit Stamps

Feature	Bates Numbering	Exhibit Stamps
Purpose	Document production (discovery)	Trial preparation (exhibits)
Numbering scope	Every page gets unique number	Each document gets one label
Example	ABC000001, ABC000002, ABC000003...	Exhibit A, Exhibit 1, Exhibit B...
When used	During discovery phase	Before trial/hearing/deposition
Who uses it	eDiscovery teams, litigation support	Trial attorneys, paralegals
Best tool	Adobe Acrobat, Relativity, Bates Blaster	ExhibitPrep

Visual Example: Same Document, Different Labels

Bates Numbered (Discovery)

Page 1:SMITH000142

Page 2:SMITH000143

Page 3:SMITH000144

Every page has a unique number for tracking during discovery.

Exhibit Stamped (Trial)

Page 1:PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT 7

Page 2:(same stamp)

Page 3:(same stamp)

One label for the entire document—it's now "Exhibit 7."

Which Tool Do You Need?

You searched "Bates numbering" but need exhibit stamps if...

You're preparing for trial, not responding to discovery requests
You want labels like "Exhibit A" or "Plaintiff's Exhibit 1"
You're marking documents for a deposition or hearing
You need party-specific labels (Plaintiff's, Defendant's, Joint)

You actually need Bates numbering if...

You're producing documents in response to discovery
You need every single page numbered uniquely (ABC000001, ABC000002...)
You're creating a production log with page ranges
You're working with eDiscovery software like Relativity

See Exhibit Stamping in Action

Watch how to stamp exhibits for trial in under 30 seconds—no Bates numbering needed.

Why ExhibitPrep for Exhibit Stamps

26 Legal Templates

Plaintiff's, Defendant's, Joint, Deposition, Arbitration—all the exhibit types you need, pre-built and ready.

$4.99 per Use

No monthly subscription like Adobe Acrobat ($22.99/mo). Pay only when you stamp—unlimited documents per session.

Files Stay Local

All processing in your browser. Trial exhibits never upload to cloud servers—critical for confidential documents.

Already Have Bates-Numbered Documents?

No problem! ExhibitPrep places exhibit stamps in the corner of your choice (top-right, bottom-right, etc.), so they don't cover your existing Bates numbers. Your documents keep their Bates stamps AND get exhibit labels for trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Bates numbering and exhibit stamping?

Bates numbering assigns sequential numbers to every page in a document production (e.g., ABC000001-ABC003500). Exhibit stamping labels complete documents as trial exhibits (e.g., Plaintiff's Exhibit 1). Bates is for discovery; exhibit stamps are for trial. They serve different purposes.

Do I need Bates numbering software for trial exhibits?

No. Bates numbering is for document production during discovery. For trial exhibits, you need exhibit stamping that labels documents as "Exhibit A" or "Exhibit 1"—not Bates numbers. ExhibitPrep is designed specifically for trial exhibit preparation.

Can ExhibitPrep do Bates numbering?

ExhibitPrep is focused on exhibit stamping, not Bates numbering. For Bates numbering during discovery, consider Adobe Acrobat Pro, Bates Blaster, or eDiscovery platforms like Relativity. Use ExhibitPrep when those Bates-numbered documents become trial exhibits.

What's a cheaper alternative to Adobe Acrobat for exhibit stamps?

ExhibitPrep costs $4.99 per use versus Adobe Acrobat Pro at $22.99/month ($275.88/year). For exhibit stamping specifically, ExhibitPrep is 95% cheaper and includes 26 legal-specific templates that Acrobat lacks.

Should I Bates number documents before making them exhibits?

Documents often get Bates numbered during discovery, then later designated as trial exhibits. The Bates numbers stay on the documents; exhibit stamps are added on top. ExhibitPrep places stamps in corners that don't cover existing Bates numbers.

What is exhibit numbering vs Bates numbering?

Exhibit numbering labels documents for trial (Exhibit 1, Exhibit A). Each exhibit gets one number regardless of page count. Bates numbering labels every single page with a unique number (PAGE001, PAGE002). Exhibit = document level; Bates = page level.

Ready to Stamp Your Exhibits?

26 legal templates, batch processing, $4.99/use. No Bates software required.

Try ExhibitPrep Now