For password protected PDFs, the main point is access. Page numbers or Bates numbers can be added only when you know the correct password or have permission to edit the document. If the file is locked by the owner, first open it with the valid password, then apply numbering. Trying to work on a PDF with an unknown password is not the right method, especially for legal or official files.
Open the PDF with the right password, then work on a copy instead of the original file. According to my experience, the PDF Champ PDF Bates Numbering is a good offline alternative here, as it allows you to add page numbers or Bates stamps without having to upload the document anywhere. When using legal, audit or office PDFs, set the number format carefully and check placement before saving, especially around signatures, footer notes, stamps or scanned margins. This small review step matters because a wrong position can make the final PDF look unprofessional or hide important content.
Before saving the final copy, test it on a duplicate PDF and ensure that the number does not cover signatures, footer notes, or stamps.
