Bates Numbering
Stamp sequential Bates numbers across hundreds of PDFs
The legal-production workhorse. One continuous counter across every page of every file. Custom prefixes, digit padding, six-position placement, and confidentiality labels — configured once, applied to the whole set.
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From raw production set to Bates-stamped deliverable in three steps
Configure Numbering
Set the prefix (e.g. ABC), suffix, starting number, and digit padding. A live sample shows exactly what the first stamp will look like — ABC000001, SMITH-000042, whatever your production format requires.
Position & Label
Pick the stamp corner from the six standard positions, tune the font size and margin in inches, and optionally add a confidentiality label like CONFIDENTIAL or ATTORNEYS’ EYES ONLY opposite the Bates number.
Stamp the Set
Run. The counter advances continuously across every page of every file in list order. Results include first/last numbers and page counts per file, with output written to a new folder so your originals stay intact.
Key Capabilities
Production-grade Bates numbering built for legal teams
Numbering Format
- Configurable prefix and suffix (e.g.
SMITH-000001-DEF) - Custom starting number — resume a set at any index
- Digit padding (1–10 digits) for consistent width
- Live sample preview updates as you type
- One continuous counter across the entire batch
Placement & Appearance
- Six positions: top/bottom × left/center/right
- Font size in points, margin in inches
- Confidentiality label on the opposite edge of each page
- Clean monospaced stamp that won’t overlap content
- Preserves the underlying page content and forms
Page & File Handling
- Optional “Skip first page of each file” for cover sheets
- Choose whether the counter advances on skipped pages
- Opt-in support for signed/encrypted input (stamps may invalidate signatures)
- Per-file results: first number, last number, pages stamped
- Fail-isolated: one bad file won’t stop the batch
Output & Pipeline
- Add-suffix, Save-to-folder, or Overwrite output modes
- Preserve original subfolder structure in the output folder
- Chainable inside the Batch Pipeline (e.g. Redact → Bates → Encrypt)
- Full operation log with every stamped page recorded
- All processing runs locally — nothing uploaded
Use Cases
Every production set, numbered correctly the first time
Discovery Production
A litigation team hands over 4,500 pages of responsive documents. A single run stamps SMITH000001–SMITH004500 across the entire set — continuous, zero gaps, ready to ship to opposing counsel.
Privileged Review Binders
A paralegal builds attorney review binders with ATTORNEYS’ EYES ONLY on every page plus Bates numbers starting at 500,001. One configuration, one click, consistent across 300 files.
Regulatory Submissions
A compliance team assembles a submission with prefix REG-2026- and 6-digit padding. Cover pages are skipped, the counter holds on those pages, and the remainder is stamped in a single automated run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bates numbering?
Bates numbering is the legal industry standard for identifying pages across a document production set. Each page receives a unique, sequential stamp — typically something like ABC000001, ABC000002, … — so attorneys, courts, and opposing counsel can reference any page unambiguously during discovery, depositions, and trial.
Can I stamp across files with a single continuous counter?
Yes. Load every PDF you want to number, configure one prefix/start number/digit pad, and run. The counter advances continuously through every page of every file in list order, so the last page of file 1 flows straight into the first page of file 2.
Can I control where the Bates stamp appears on the page?
Yes. Pick from all six standard positions — top-left, top-center, top-right, bottom-left, bottom-center, bottom-right — and set the page margin in inches along with the font size. Your stamp lands exactly where production standards require.
Can I add a confidentiality label alongside the Bates number?
Yes. The Confidentiality label field adds text like CONFIDENTIAL, ATTORNEYS’ EYES ONLY, or HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL on the opposite edge of the same page, so each stamped page carries both the Bates number and the protective-order designation.
Can I skip the first page of each file (e.g., cover pages)?
Yes. Enable “Skip first page” and every file’s cover is left untouched. You can independently choose whether the counter should advance through skipped pages or hold until the next stamped page — both behaviors are supported.
Can Bates Numbering run as part of a batch pipeline?
Yes. Drop Bates Numbering into a Batch Pipeline and chain it with Redact, Optimize, Digital Sign, Encrypt, and the rest. A common production workflow is Redact → Bates Numbering → Encrypt, all in one click across hundreds of files.
Production-ready Bates stamps in one click.
Continuous numbering across every file, confidentiality labels, six-position placement. Complimentary 14-day trial.
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