# Add Page Numbers to PDF: Arthize vs PDFtk

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/vs/pdftk/page-numbers-pdf_

To add page numbers to a PDF, Arthize offers a free, private add page numbers to pdf with no watermark — a focused alternative to PDFtk. Adding page numbers stamps consistent numbering in the position and format you choose, so a combined or scanned document paginates correctly.

## Arthize's add page numbers to pdf vs PDFtk

PDFtk is a command-line PDF toolkit. PDFtk is a free command-line tool for scripted PDF operations.

**Arthize's approach:** Adding page numbers stamps consistent numbering in the position and format you choose, so a combined or scanned document paginates correctly.

- A visual workspace instead of memorising command-line flags.
- 50+ tools live in one workspace, so you don't jump between single-purpose pages.
- Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job — never sold or used to train models.
- Handles conversion, OCR, signing and editing that PDFtk doesn't.

## How to add page numbers to a PDF with Arthize

Page numbers can start from any value and sit in any corner.

Numbering is essential after merging documents that lost their pagination.

The numbering is written into the file, not just displayed.

## How to add page numbers to a PDF with Arthize

1. **Open the page-number tool** — Sign in and open the page-number tool.
2. **Add your PDF** — Upload the document to number.
3. **Choose format and position** — Pick the style, starting number and corner.
4. **Download** — Get a paginated PDF.

## FAQ

### Is Arthize a good PDFtk alternative to add page numbers to a PDF?

Yes. Adding page numbers stamps consistent numbering in the position and format you choose, so a combined or scanned document paginates correctly. Arthize does it free with no watermark and deletes the file after the job. PDFtk is excellent for developers automating simple, repeatable PDF tasks from scripts.

### How do I add page numbers to a PDF?

Adding page numbers stamps consistent numbering in the position and format you choose, so a combined or scanned document paginates correctly. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.

### Can I start numbering from a specific page?

Adding page numbers stamps consistent numbering in the position and format you choose, so a combined or scanned document paginates correctly. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.