Bates Stamp PDFs
Without Uploading Them
Add sequential Bates numbers to legal PDFs for discovery, court filings, or document management. Processed entirely in your browser — your PDF never touches a server.
What Is Bates Stamping?
Bates stamping is the process of adding sequential identification numbers — called Bates numbers — to every page of a legal document. The format is typically a prefix identifying the producing party plus a zero-padded number, for example SMITH-000042. It's required in litigation discovery so that every page can be uniquely referenced across depositions, motions, and court filings.
Adobe Acrobat has been the industry standard for Bates stamping, but at $240/year it's a significant cost for solo practitioners, paralegals, and small firms who only need this one feature. This tool replicates the same output — permanently stamped text on every page — entirely in your browser using pdf-lib, with no upload required.
Bates Stamper Comparison
| Tool | File Uploaded? | Free? | Attorney-Client Safe? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ResourceCentral | Browser only | Free, unlimited | ✓ Yes |
| Adobe Acrobat | Local only | $240/yr required | ✓ Yes |
| Sejda | Uploads to server | 50MB / 3 tasks/hr | ✗ Risk |
| DeftPDF | Uploads to server | 1 file at a time | ✗ Risk |
| BatesStamp.com | Browser only | Free | ✓ Yes |
How to Bates Stamp a PDF
SMITH- or DEF-), your starting number, and digit padding (e.g. 6 digits = 000001).Attorney-Client Privilege & Cloud Tools
ABA Model Rule 1.6 requires lawyers to make reasonable efforts to prevent unauthorized disclosure of client information. Uploading privileged documents to a third-party server — even temporarily — creates risk. When a tool processes your PDF in the browser, no third-party server is involved. This is the same principle as Adobe Acrobat, but free.
FAQ
Is it safe for confidential legal documents? +
Yes. Your PDF is processed using pdf-lib entirely in your browser. No file is uploaded to any server. You can verify this by opening DevTools → Network tab and watching for zero outgoing file requests while stamping.
Does this meet court discovery requirements? +
Yes. The tool produces sequential Bates numbers with configurable prefix, zero-padding, and position — the standard format required for discovery productions. The output is a standard PDF with permanently embedded text, the same as Adobe Acrobat produces. Always review before filing to confirm your jurisdiction's specific requirements.
Can I stamp multiple PDFs with continuous numbering? +
Yes. Note the last Bates number on each stamped document, then set the start number for the next document to continue the sequence. For example, if the first PDF ends at SMITH-000042, set the next document to start at 43.
Does it work on Mac, Windows and Chromebook? +
Yes. Because it runs in the browser using pdf-lib (JavaScript), it works on any operating system — Mac, Windows, Linux, Chromebook and iPad. No software installation required.
Can it handle large discovery productions (500+ pages)? +
Yes. Browser-based processing is limited only by your device's RAM, not an arbitrary server cap. Modern laptops handle 500MB+ PDFs comfortably. There's no upload timeout, no queue, and no "upgrade to process larger files."