Finalize the source pages
Resolve page rotation, missing pages and the intended file order. Check that there is a clear location for a visible identifier on every page size.
Plan the range. Check the output.
Prepare a PDF for Bates numbering. Make the sequence inspectable.
Calculate document ranges, check stamp placement and verify the delivered files. BatesFast applies the prefixed, zero-padded identifiers across your PDF set.
Browser-based Bates numberingPlan it here. Number it in BatesFast.
FROM FILE TO PRODUCTION01 / STUDIO
A little planning.A production you can defend.++
DOCUMENT1
DOCUMENT2
DOCUMENT3
One continuous sequence. Every page carries its own identifier.
THE QUICK ANSWER↗
A visible stamp is only part of the job.
A Bates workflow includes the numbering scheme, file order, continuous ranges and verification of the delivered files. Plan those here; BatesFast applies prefixed identifiers with the digit padding and batch continuity a production needs. Confirm any load-file requirement against the receiving specification.
A CLEAR PATH TO PRODUCTIONGood productions start
Good productions start
with the right scheme.
Agree the scheme, lock the file order, then number the set in BatesFast.
Calculate the expected range
Start from the first unused number. Add each file's page count, subtract one for its final number, and record the next starting point.
Number and inspect the result
Open BatesFast and choose the prefix, digit width, first number and stamp position. Run the set, then verify each document’s first and last identifier against the ledger.
THINK BEYOND THE PAGENumbered once.
Numbered once.
Cited for years.
The end of a range is start plus count minus one. Writing the arithmetic down prevents the next file from sharing the previous file's last number.
Catch off-by-one errors
The end of a range is start plus count minus one. Writing the arithmetic down prevents the next file from sharing the previous file's last number.
Protect page content
Mixed sizes, landscape exhibits and existing footers need a placement review so the stamp remains visible without hiding material.
Keep the output auditable
Compare the final files with the range ledger, including every document's first and last page and the total produced count.
THE DETAILS, MADE TANGIBLE
Continue a series without reusing a number.
The earlier production ended at DOC-000250. This illustrative continuation contains 18, 9 and 23 pages. Plan the continuation here, then apply it in BatesFast.
WORKED EXAMPLE| Document | Pages | BEGBATES | ENDBATES |
|---|---|---|---|
| File A | 18 | DOC-000251 | DOC-000268 |
| File B | 9 | DOC-000269 | DOC-000277 |
| File C | 23 | DOC-000278 | DOC-000300 |
18 + 9 + 23 = 50 pages; 300 − 251 + 1 = 50 identifiers. The next series would begin at DOC-000301. BEGBATES and ENDBATES refer to the first and last page identifiers of each document.
BEFORE YOU PRODUCESmall checks.
Small checks.
Fewer disputes.
Work through the essentials for this workflow.
Your checklist stays on this page.
0 of 6 checks complete
Bates number your PDFTHE FIELD NOTESA little know-how
Explore all guides A little know-how
goes a long way.
FIELD NOTE / 01
Batch Bates Numbering Across Multiple PDFs (Continuous Ranges)
How to run continuous Bates numbering across hundreds of PDFs: folder order pitfalls, collision checks, and output naming by Bates range.
Read the guide FIELD NOTE / 02Bates Numbers in Load Files: DAT, OPT, and Review Platform Imports
How BEGBATES, ENDBATES, and BEGATTACH work in Concordance DAT and Opticon OPT load files, and why mismatched ranges break review imports.
Read the guide FIELD NOTE / 03Numbering Scanned PDFs: OCR, Searchability and Image Pages
Scanned pages are images, so stamped identifiers and document text behave differently. How OCR, stamping order and searchable output fit together in a production.
Read the guideGOOD QUESTIONSBefore you
Before you
get started.
The practical details, explained plainly.
Can the linked tool stamp the prefixed ranges shown here?+
Yes. BatesFast is built for prefixed, zero-padded identifiers that continue across a multi-file set, which is the pattern used in the table above. Check placement on landscape and mixed-size pages before running the full production.
What does BEGBATES mean?+
BEGBATES identifies the first page of a document; ENDBATES identifies its last page. For a continuous range, the document's page count equals the numeric end minus the numeric beginning plus one.
Will combining PDFs preserve legal document boundaries?+
A merged PDF alone does not replace a document-level ledger or load file. Preserve the original boundaries and metadata required by the receiving workflow when preparing a combined working copy.
Should every PDF begin at 1?+
That is fine for ordinary page numbering but would repeat identifiers in a continuous Bates series. For a production, use the agreed unique format and confirm how numbering carries across files.
Does adding a visible number update the viewer's page labels?+
Visible page content and PDF viewer page labels are different things. Check both when they matter to the workflow; a stamp on the page does not imply that navigation labels have changed.
For the underlying legal and PDF conventions:
Does BatesFast fit this job?
Number a mixed PDF set while maintaining one sequence across files. Prepare scans and searchable text before final stamping when required.
What to verify
Check rotation, document boundaries, stamp overlap and exported ranges. Confirm OCR and load-file requirements separately.
Prepare scanned and mixed-size files →
Account and export terms
Google sign-in is required. One complete production is free, with downloads available for seven days. Further productions require a US$299 lifetime license per device, excluding tax.
View current BatesFast plans →
This is a product-operated field guide in the PDFImpose network. Confirm the exported result and current terms before paying.
TAKE IT FROM HERE
Number the set with a clear next step.
Apply the identifiers in BatesFast, then use the range plan above to verify every document before the production goes out.
Bates number your PDF