Exhibit Stamps vs Bates Numbers: Different Tools for Different Tasks
Bates Blaster does Bates numbering for discovery. ExhibitPrep does exhibit stamping for trial—with 25+ templates, automatic TOC, and Trial Binder Mode.
Bates Numbers vs Exhibit Stamps
Bates numbering (e.g., ABC000001) applies sequential identifiers to every page—used for discovery production. Exhibit stamping (e.g., "Plaintiff's Exhibit 1") labels entire documents—used for court filings and trial. Different tasks, different tools.
The honest take
Bates Blaster is excellent value for Bates numbering at $29.99. But Bates numbering and exhibit stamping are different things. If you need exhibit stamps with legal templates and automatic TOC, ExhibitPrep is the right tool.
Key Differences at a Glance
Exhibit Stamps vs Bates
ExhibitPrep creates exhibit stamps ("Plaintiff's Exhibit 1"). Bates Blaster creates Bates numbers ("ABC000001"). Different use cases.
25+ Legal Templates
ExhibitPrep includes 25+ legal exhibit templates (Plaintiff's, Defendant's, Joint, Deposition, Arbitration). Bates Blaster has no exhibit templates.
Automatic TOC Generation
ExhibitPrep generates a clickable table of contents when combining exhibits. Bates Blaster focuses only on numbering, not combining.
Trial Binder Mode
ExhibitPrep offers per-exhibit page numbering (A1, A2, B1, B2) for trial binders. Bates Blaster doesn't have this feature.
Browser-Based
ExhibitPrep runs in any browser—Mac, Windows, iPad. Bates Blaster requires installation. Both process files locally.
Pricing Models
ExhibitPrep: $4.99/use pay-as-you-go. Bates Blaster: $29.99 one-time. Both affordable for their respective use cases.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | ExhibitPrep | Bates Blaster |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibit-specific templatesKey Feature | ||
| Automatic TOC generationKey Feature | ||
| Trial Binder ModeKey Feature | ||
| Combined PDF output | ||
| Browser-based (no install) | ||
| Batch Bates numbering | Basic | |
| Customizable prefixes | ||
| Flexible positioning | ||
| One-time purchase | $29.99 | |
| Starting price | $4.99/use | $29.99 one-time |
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Watch how to stamp exhibits with automatic numbering, combine them, and generate a table of contents.

When to Use Each Tool
Use ExhibitPrep when...
- You need exhibit stamps (not Bates numbers)
- You need automatic TOC generation
- You need Trial Binder Mode
- You want browser-based access
- You need legal exhibit templates
Use Bates Blaster when...
- You primarily need Bates numbering for discovery
- You want the cheapest one-time purchase
- You process high volumes of discovery documents
- You need flexible prefix customization
- You don't need exhibit-specific features
Use Both Tools in Your Workflow
Discovery and trial prep are different phases
Common workflow: Use Bates Blaster during discovery production to apply Bates numbers to all documents. Later, use ExhibitPrep to stamp selected documents as exhibits for motions and trial—with exhibit labels, automatic TOC, and Trial Binder formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Bates numbering and exhibit stamping?
Bates numbering applies sequential identifiers (like ABC000001) to every page for discovery production. Exhibit stamps label entire documents (Exhibit A, Plaintiff's Exhibit 1) for court filings. Bates Blaster does Bates numbering; ExhibitPrep does exhibit stamping.
Is Bates Blaster cheaper than ExhibitPrep?
For exhibit stamping: No, because Bates Blaster doesn't do exhibit stamps—only Bates numbers. For Bates numbering: At $29.99 one-time vs $4.99/use, Bates Blaster is cheaper if you need it 6+ times.
Can Bates Blaster create exhibit labels?
No. Bates Blaster is focused on Bates numbering for discovery. ExhibitPrep creates exhibit stamps with 25+ legal templates (Plaintiff's Exhibit, Defendant's Exhibit, etc.).
When would I need both tools?
Use Bates Blaster during discovery production to number documents. Use ExhibitPrep to stamp selected documents as exhibits for motions and trial.
Ready to stamp exhibits?
Create professional exhibit stamps with 25+ templates, automatic TOC, and Trial Binder Mode—$4.99 per use.
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