How to apply sequential bates numbers to legal discovery documents
- Step 1Determine the Bates range — Confirm the prefix and starting number with your litigation team or opposing counsel.
- Step 2Upload the discovery PDF — Drop the document into the Bates numbering tool.
- Step 3Enter prefix and starting number — Set your prefix (e.g., SMITH-) and the first number of this production batch.
- Step 4Download the Bates-numbered PDF — Save and include in your discovery production set.
Frequently asked questions
What format should Bates numbers use?+
Convention is PREFIX-NNNNNN (e.g., ABC-000001). Use leading zeros to zero-pad the number to at least 6 digits for large productions.
Can I continue a sequence from a previous production batch?+
Yes — set the starting number to the next number after your previous production's last Bates number.
Where on the page should Bates numbers appear?+
Bottom right is the standard position for Bates numbers on legal documents. Confirm with your court's local rules.
Privacy first
All PDF processing runs locally in your browser using PDF-lib and pdf.js. No file is ever uploaded — only metadata counters are saved for signed-in dashboard stats.