Adding and Checking Bates Numbers

Bates numbers identify pages, for example ABC-0001 and ABC-0002. They are separate from exhibit labels, binder labels such as A1, and the page position shown by your PDF reader.

Set up the sequence

1. Arrange the source documents in their final order. Reordering documents can change which page receives each number.
2. Open Bates & Labels → Bates numbering and select Enable Bates numbering.
3. Set Prefix, Digits, optional Suffix, and Start at. For ABC-0001, use prefix ABC-, four digits, and a starting number of 1. Digits sets minimum zero padding; a larger number is not truncated.
4. Leave Continue numbering across documents selected for one sequence through the set. Clear it only if you intend every document to restart at the chosen starting number.
5. Choose the text size and color. The current text-size control offers 12–20 points. Enable Show background box when useful for readability.
6. Open Check placement. Use Edit Pagination Position to drag the number away from source text or other markings.
7. Prepare the set and review the first and last Bates numbers before saving.

What gets numbered

Bates numbering applies to every source-document page, even when the exhibit stamp is set to first page only. Contents and category divider pages are added later when combining; they do not receive numbers from this source-page sequence.

For a three-page first document followed by a two-page second document, starting at 1 with continuous numbering gives ABC-0001 through ABC-0005. Restarting each document gives ABC-0001 again at the start of the second file.

Check the finished result

Inspect the first page, the boundary between neighboring documents, and the last page. Confirm the prefix, padding, suffix, and sequence. Check pages with dense text or a different orientation. If this continues an earlier production, compare the new starting number with the last number already used.

Fix a common problem

• Every document starts at the same number: enable Continue numbering across documents, then prepare again.
• The starting value is rejected: enter a whole number of zero or greater and follow the displayed error. An invalid or overflowing sequence cannot be stamped.
• The number is covered or difficult to read: adjust its position, size, color, or background and check the finished page again. Do not rely on automatic placement to protect source text.
• An old Bates number is still visible: correction tape can visually cover an old marking before a replacement is applied. Check each area's page scope in Defined Areas.

Correction tape is not redaction. Covered content remains in the PDF and can be recovered. Use a proper redaction workflow for information that must be removed.

After a download, choose Make a change to revise numbering and review the new result. Previously saved copies keep their original numbers.