How to bates-stamp contract exhibit pages for legal reference
- Step 1Compile all exhibit PDFs — Merge all exhibits into one PDF if needed, or process them individually with a continued sequence.
- Step 2Upload and Bates-stamp — Apply a Bates series to the exhibit PDF.
- Step 3Update references in the contract body — Add Bates page references to the relevant contract clauses (e.g., 'See Exhibit A at EXA-000012').
- Step 4Finalise and sign — Ensure the main agreement and all Bates-stamped exhibits are included in the final execution set.
Frequently asked questions
Should each exhibit have a separate prefix?+
Yes — using a distinct prefix per exhibit (EXA-, EXB-, EXC-) makes cross-references unambiguous in the main agreement text.
Can I Bates-stamp a PDF that already has page numbers?+
Yes — Bates numbers and page numbers can coexist. Position the Bates stamp at the bottom right and page numbers at the bottom centre.
Does the Bates stamp affect the contract's legibility?+
A small stamp in the bottom margin does not interfere with contract body text. Use a font size of 8-10 pt for a minimal footprint.
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.