Last reviewed July 1, 2026

Exhibit Stamps vs Bates Numbers: Different Tools for Different Tasks

Bates Blaster does Bates numbering for discovery. ExhibitPrep does exhibit stamping for trial—with 26 templates, automatic TOC, and Trial Binder Mode.

Key facts at a glance

Bates numbering applies a sequential identifier such as ABC000001 to every page for discovery production; exhibit stamps label entire documents such as Exhibit A or Plaintiff's Exhibit 1.
Bates Blaster is a $29.99 one-time purchase focused on Bates numbering and does not create exhibit labels.
ExhibitPrep costs $4.99 per use and includes 26 legal exhibit templates such as Plaintiff's Exhibit and Defendant's Exhibit.
Bates Blaster is installed desktop software; ExhibitPrep runs in the browser with no installation.
ExhibitPrep generates an automatic table of contents in combined PDFs and supports Trial Binder Mode; Bates Blaster offers neither.
A common workflow uses Bates Blaster to number documents during discovery production, then ExhibitPrep to stamp the selected documents offered as exhibits.

ExhibitPrep

$4.99/use

Exhibit stamps + TOC + Trial Binder

Bates Blaster

$29.99

Bates numbering (one-time)

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.

26 Legal Templates

ExhibitPrep includes 26 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 26 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 26 templates, automatic TOC, and Trial Binder Mode—$4.99 per use.

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