Batch Bates numbering without uploading legal files
Bates numbering gives every page in a document set a unique, sequential reference. Legal teams use those identifiers to locate an exact page during document review, discovery, depositions and other document-heavy workflows. The difficult part is rarely adding a number to one PDF. It is maintaining the correct sequence across many files while preserving a clear record of what was processed.
BatesBundle handles that repetitive workflow in the browser. You can review the file order, remove unwanted items, exclude exact duplicates, rename output copies and choose the prefix, starting number, number length and corner position. Numbering then continues from the last page of one file to the first page of the next.
What you can process
Multiple PDF files
Apply a single Bates sequence to a batch instead of numbering each PDF separately.
JPG and PNG scans
Convert image scans to one-page Letter PDFs before applying the continuous identifier range.
Nested folders
Select a folder, review the detected paths and sort by folder or filename before processing.
Large document sets
Use current Chrome or Edge on a desktop for professional batches and local folder output.
A controlled four-step workflow
- 1
Add the source documents
Select PDFs and images or choose an entire folder. BatesBundle reads page counts and identifies exact duplicate files.
- 2
Confirm the file order
Drag files into sequence, sort them, rename output copies and remove or exclude anything that should not be part of the set.
- 3
Choose the Bates format
Set a matter prefix, first number, zero padding, position, size and optional white background. Preview the first or last page.
- 4
Review and export
Check the document count, page total and final identifier range, then generate the numbered copies and control report locally.
Why local PDF processing matters
Many online PDF tools upload documents to a remote server for processing, even when they later delete those files. BatesBundle uses a different architecture: the browser reads and transforms the document bytes on the user’s device. Only account, page allowance and payment information are handled by the service. Document contents, filenames and folder names are not sent to BatesBundle.
This does not replace a law firm’s own security, retention or review procedures. It reduces one specific exposure by removing the need to transfer source documents to BatesBundle’s servers.
Important limits before you process a production set
- BatesBundle adds a new identifier; it does not remove or verify an existing page marker.
- Digitally signed PDFs are excluded because changing them could invalidate the signature.
- Password-protected or unsupported PDFs must be handled before they can be included.
- The output must be reviewed by the person responsible for the document set.
- The tool does not provide legal advice or decide whether a document should be produced.
Frequently asked questions
Can I Bates number multiple PDF files in one sequence?
Yes. BatesBundle applies one continuous identifier range across the included files in the order you set before processing.
Are legal documents uploaded to BatesBundle?
No. The PDF and image processing runs locally in the browser. BatesBundle does not receive or store the source documents.
Can BatesBundle convert scans to PDF?
JPG and PNG scans are converted into one-page PDF output files before continuous numbering. The original images remain unchanged.
Does BatesBundle remove existing Bates numbers?
No. It adds a new identifier and does not remove or validate an existing one. Users should preview the selected corner and review every output set.