Bates Numbering PDF vs Permanently Redact PDF: which should you use?

In disclosure work these two run in sequence: redact what cannot be shared, then apply Bates numbering so every remaining page has a stable reference.

When to use Bates Numbering PDF

Choose Bates Numbering PDF when a bundle needs continuous, citable page identifiers for court or arbitration.

Add sequential Bates numbering to documents for tracking and reference.

When to use Permanently Redact PDF

Choose Redact PDF Permanently when privileged or personal content must be removed before the bundle is produced.

Ensure sensitive data is permanently removed. Redact and flatten PDFs for safe sharing.

The verdict

Always redact before numbering — renumbering a corrected bundle breaks every cross-reference already circulated.

Both tools run inside your session, are UK GDPR-aligned, and every uploaded file is purged within 1 hour under our non-persistence guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

What prefix formats are supported for Bates numbers?
Custom prefixes, start numbers and zero padding, matching common UK and US bundle conventions.
Does numbering alter the underlying pages?
Numbers are stamped onto the page; flatten the result to lock them in place.
Can I number a bundle after merging?
Yes — merge, redact, then number so the sequence is continuous across the whole bundle.

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