Number PDF pages after the page order is final

Merge, remove, rotate, and reorder pages before adding numbers. Decide whether a cover page counts, where numbering starts, and whether the displayed page number should match the document's physical page position.

Use PDF page numbers on a copy, then open the exported file in another viewer. Inspect the first, middle, and last pages plus any section break. Check that numbers do not overlap footers, crop marks, or existing text. For a long document, spot-check the count against the final page list.

Keep the unnumbered source until the output is approved.