Add Page Numbers & Edit Headers/Footers of PDF Locally

Skip risky online tools that force you to upload private files to third-party servers. Download PDF Agile to add page numbers, insert headers/footers, crop margins, and split dual-column pages — all processed locally on your computer. No file size limits, no daily caps, and absolute document privacy.

Download Free for Windows
🔒 No Credit Card Required 🛡️ Virus-Free & Secure ⭐ 4.7/5 on G2
Page Numbers Format 1, 2, 3... Location Bottom Center Start Page 3 Skip cover page Confidential Report — Q2 2026 Page 1 of 12 Desktop Processing 🔒 100% Local Processing 🛡 No Cloud Upload ⚡ Batch Processing 📄 No Watermarks
Simple 3-Step Process

Add Page Numbers in 3 Easy Steps

Download, open your PDF, and export. It's that simple.

1

Download & Install

Click the download button above. PDF Agile installs in a flash — small, lightweight, no sign-up, no credit card.

2

Open & Configure

Open your PDF in PDF Agile. Set page number format, start page (e.g. page 3), headers, footers, and margins.

3

Export Instantly

Click Apply and save. Your formatted PDF is ready — no watermarks, no upload, completely private.

PDF Agile Update Page Labels dialog
🔢 6 positions 📄 Custom start page 🔒 100% offline ⚡ No watermarks

Why Use PDF Agile to Add Page Numbers?

Other tools upload your files. We don't.

🔒

Truly Private — No Server Upload

Your PDFs never leave your computer. PDF Agile processes all pagination, cropping, and layout operations locally on your machine — no internet connection required for core features. Disconnect your internet and verify it yourself.

🔢

Flexible Page Numbering

Add page numbers in any format — Arabic (1, 2, 3), dash-enclosed (- 1 -), or "Page X of Y". Set any start page (e.g. page 3 to skip the cover). Choose from 6 positions. All in PDF Agile.

📋

Custom Headers & Footers

Insert confidentiality labels, company names, or copyright text. Batch-remove old headers before adding new ones. All within PDF Agile — no need for separate software.

✂️

Crop Margins & Split Columns

Trim excess white space for better tablet reading. Split dual-column academic papers into single-column pages. All in one desktop application, all offline.

PDF Agile Desktop vs. Web-Based PDF Tools

Why professionals choose a desktop solution over browser-based tools.

Feature 🛡️ PDF Agile Desktop 🌐 Web-Based PDF Tools
File privacy & compliance✅ Yes
100% Secure Local		❌ No
Cloud upload
Batch pagination✅ Yes
One-click batch		❌ No
Manual
Unlimited file size✅ Yes
No limits		❌ No
Size capped
Password-protected PDF✅ Yes
Local decrypt		❌ No
Cloud decrypt
Start page offset✅ Yes
Skip covers		❌ Rarely
Page 1 only
System font match✅ Yes
Any font		❌ No
Presets only
Margin cropping & split✅ Yes
Both		❌ No
Not available
No watermarks✅ Yes
Clean		❌ Often
Watermarked

Who Needs PDF Page Numbering?

From students to lawyers — anyone who works with multi-page documents.

🎓

Academic & Thesis Writing

Universities require page numbers starting after the table of contents (typically page 3). Our tool lets you set any start page offset instantly — no more manual renumbering.

⚖️

Legal & Bates Numbering

Law firms need Bates stamps for e-discovery. Add sequential Bates numbers to hundreds of pages, then strip confidential headers before sharing with opposing counsel.

🏢

Corporate Reports & Contracts

Add "Confidential" headers and page numbers to board reports, financial audits, and vendor contracts. Remove old headers when documents change classification.

More Free PDF Tools for Every Workflow

Explore our full suite of secure, offline PDF utilities.

🔢 Add Page Numbers 📋 Remove Headers 📖 Split Columns ✂️ Crop Margins ⚖️ Bates Numbers 📄 Page X of Y

Top Reviews on G2

Rated 4.7/5 by verified buyers — see all reviews on G2 →

★★★★★

The most fully-featured PDF editing and creation tool at a competitive price — Electronic Signatures, Password Protection, advanced OCR, and document converters, all within an intuitive, clutter-free UI.

DP

Darren P.

CTO, Small Business

G2 Verified Buyer

★★★★★

Lightweight and a good replacement for Adobe DC. The only solution that handles all my content creation and document management needs, including PDF forms, at a fantastic price.

MM

Moe M.

Manager, Small Business

G2 Verified Buyer

★★★★☆

The UI is brighter than others, features are well-arranged for ease of use. The OCR and form features are unbelievable. The color scheme could be improved, but overall it's great.

LS

Lovepreet S.

Civil Engineer, Mid-Market

G2 Verified Buyer

Why Choose PDF Agile?

Two powerful advantages that set us apart

Desktop-Based PDF Processing

Sensitive documents (audits, contracts, rosters) need local processing. Online tools force uploads to remote servers—a security risk.

✓

PDF Agile runs 100% locally on your Windows machine. Your private files never leave your computer or traverse the internet.

Batch Processing Power

Manual page-by-page formatting wastes time and creates bottlenecks.

✓ Process multiple files at once
✓ Apply templates (page 3 start, headers, footers)
✓ All without leaving your desktop

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add page numbers to PDF starting on page 3?
To add page numbers starting on page 3, open your PDF in PDF Agile, access the Page Numbers panel, set "Start Page" to 3, choose your preferred format and location, and click Apply. The software automatically skips the cover and index pages, starting page numbering on page 3 as 1.
Can I batch remove headers and footers from my PDF offline?
Yes! By using PDF Agile's local crop margins function or header replacement mode, you can strip existing headers, footers, or redundant watermarks from your files entirely locally. Your raw text layers and formatting remain completely untouched.
How does the two-column split feature work?
When you enable the Split Columns option, PDF Agile reads the page layout coordinates, splits each wide landscape page exactly down the vertical center, and stitches them into two separate single portrait pages offline. This is perfect for journal reading on mobile or Kindle devices.
Are my PDF documents safe when cropping margins?
All pagination, cropping, and layout operations are processed 100% locally on your Windows computer without any cloud upload or server involvement. Your files never leave your machine.