Free tool to add Bates numbers, exhibit stamps, confidentiality notices to your PDF documents. All processing happens in your browser. Your files never leave your device.
Your document never leaves your browser. All processing is done locally. Maximum file size: 100MB.
Number of digits (e.g., 4 = 0001)
90% recommended - stamps are visible but won't completely obscure text underneath. Lower = more transparent.
About Bates Stamping
What is Bates Stamping?
Bates stamping (also called Bates numbering) is the process of applying unique, sequential identification numbers to legal documents and evidence. Originally developed by the Bates Manufacturing Company in the late 1800s, this system has become the gold standard for organizing discovery documents, depositions, and trial exhibits in legal proceedings.
Why Use Our Free Bates Stamping Tool?
Our tool provides professional-grade Bates stamping without the cost of expensive legal software. Unlike desktop applications that require installation or cloud services that upload your sensitive documents, our tool processes everything locally in your browser for maximum privacy and security.
🔒 Privacy First
Your documents never leave your device. All PDF processing happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript - no server uploads, no cloud storage, no privacy concerns.
💰 100% Free
No subscription fees, no credit card required, no trial periods. Professional Bates stamping available to everyone - solo practitioners, large firms, and law students alike.
⚡ Instant Results
No waiting for uploads or processing queues. Stamp your documents and download immediately. Process documents up to 100MB in size.
🎨 Fully Customizable
Custom prefixes, suffixes, starting numbers, colors, positions, and fonts. Add exhibit stamps alongside Bates numbers. Professional results every time.
Perfect For Legal Professionals
- Litigation Attorneys: Organize discovery documents, depositions, and trial exhibits with consistent Bates numbering
- Paralegals: Quickly prepare document productions and respond to discovery requests
- Legal Assistants: Manage case files and prepare exhibits for court filings
- Solo Practitioners: Access enterprise-level document management without software costs
- Law Students: Learn proper document handling and exhibit preparation for future practice
- Corporate Legal Departments: Maintain document control in internal investigations and litigation
Key Features
- Sequential Bates numbering with customizable prefix and suffix
- Exhibit stamp creation (e.g., "EXHIBIT A", "EXHIBIT 1")
- Multiple position options (top, bottom, left, right, center)
- Custom text colors and font sizes
- Configurable number padding (0001, 001, 01, etc.)
- Optional Bates numbers - add exhibit stamps without numbering
- Option to stamp first page only or all pages
- Support for documents up to 100MB
- Works on all devices - desktop, tablet, or mobile
Privacy & Security
We take your privacy seriously. Unlike other online PDF tools, your documents are never uploaded to any server. All Bates stamping and exhibit stamping is performed locally in your web browser using JavaScript and the pdf-lib library. This means:
- Your sensitive legal documents remain completely private
- No data is transmitted over the internet
- No files are stored on our servers (because we don't have servers!)
- Works offline once the page is loaded
- Complies with attorney-client privilege requirements