Complete PDF Workflow — Scan, Compress, Merge, and Add Page Numbers

The Full PDF Document Workflow

Most PDF tasks are not isolated — you merge multiple files, then add page numbers, then compress for email. Or you receive scanned PDFs, extract the text, reorder pages, and prepare for filing. This guide covers the complete workflow from start to finish, using the right tool at each step.

Step 1: Fix Individual PDFs First

Before combining anything, fix each individual PDF:

• Wrong orientation? → Rotate PDF to fix sideways pages
• Extra pages? → Split PDF to remove unnecessary pages
• Scanned document? → PDF OCR to make text searchable
• Pages out of order? → Reorder PDF to rearrange

Step 2: Merge Into One Document

1. Open the Merge PDF tool
2. Upload all your prepared PDFs in the correct order
3. Drag to reorder if needed
4. Click Merge

Now you have one combined document instead of 5-10 separate files.

Step 3: Add Page Numbers

After merging, the original page numbers from individual documents no longer make sense. Add fresh sequential numbering:

1. Open the Add Page Numbers tool
2. Upload your merged PDF
3. Choose position (bottom-center is standard) and starting number
4. Download the numbered PDF

Step 4: Add Stamps or Watermarks (If Needed)

• Legal documents? → Legal Stamp to add CONFIDENTIAL, DRAFT, or PRIVILEGED
• Bates numbering for discovery? → Bates Numbering for sequential legal identifiers
• Branding? → Watermark PDF to add your logo or company name

Step 5: Compress for Delivery

The final step — shrink the file for email or upload:

1. Open the Compress PDF tool
2. Upload your finished PDF
3. Choose compression level based on your target: medium for most cases, high for large scans
4. Download and send

This workflow — fix → merge → number → stamp → compress — handles everything from simple email attachments to formal court filings.