◆ Acrobat · combine

Insert additional metadata with Bates numbering

I have a stack of legal [exhibit]s for the [case] that must be archived in order. Apply sequential Bates numbers acros…

3ready prompts
2real tasks
3roles

When to use it

real situations

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one
AExecute — “help me do it”Add Bates numbering and extra metadata to my PDF file called...…+
Add Bates numbering and extra metadata to my PDF file called [filename]. Use these details: [list metadata fields and values].
when the reply comes backWant to know how to export your PDF with all metadata?
BImprove — “do it better”Review my PDF's metadata and suggest clearer Bates numbering or...…+
Review my PDF's metadata and suggest clearer Bates numbering or better metadata fields for [purpose or audience].
when the reply comes backNeed tips for keeping Bates numbers consistent across documents?
CDecide — “help me choose”Help me pick the best Bates numbering format for a...…+
Help me pick the best Bates numbering format for a [type of document or situation], and explain why.
when the reply comes backCurious about what metadata fields are most useful for your case?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
  1. 1

    Open the PDF file you want to Bates number in Adobe Acrobat Pro.

  2. 2

    Go to the Tools pane and select Edit PDF.

  3. 3

    Click on More in the secondary toolbar and choose Bates Numbering, then select Insert additional metadata with Bates numbering.

  4. 4

    In the Bates Numbering dialog, click Add Files to select and add all PDFs you want to include.

  5. 5

    Click Output Options and set your output folder and file naming preferences, then click OK.

  6. 6

    Click OK to open the Add Header and Footer dialog.

  7. 7

    In the header or footer text fields, type your desired metadata (e.g., date, case number) before or after the Bates numbering placeholder (such as "Case 1234 | [Bates Number] | 2024-06-01").

    Best practiceYou can use the header/footer fields to add any combination of static text and Bates numbering, such as client name, date, or case number, for better document tracking.

  8. 8

    Click Insert Bates Number to place the Bates number at the desired position within your metadata string.

  9. 9

    Adjust font, size, and position as needed to ensure all metadata and Bates numbers are visible and properly formatted.

  10. 10

    Click OK to apply the header/footer with your metadata and Bates numbering to all selected files.

  11. 11

    Save the processed PDF(s) when prompted.

You can preview how your metadata and Bates numbers will appear on each page before finalizing the changes.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page
MetadataMetadata is hidden information about a file, such as who created it or when it was changed.ExampleChecking a photo's metadata reveals the camera model and the exact date it was taken.
Bates NumberingA way to give each page in a document a unique number.
Adobe AcrobatA program used to view and edit PDF files.ExampleYou use Adobe Acrobat to open and read the instruction manual.

The real tasks

all 2, listed here
Add bates numbering to a package of title documents so each page is uniquely referenced in reports.
Add bates numbering to a closing packet so legal and compliance can reference pages during audits.

Who does this

3 roles
ParalegalLitigation Support SpecialistRecords Manager

FAQ

about this task

In Adobe Acrobat, you can add Bates numbering to each page and also insert extra metadata like author, title, or keywords. This helps organize and track your documents, especially for legal or academic work.

Bates numbering gives every page in a document a unique number, making it easier to find, reference, and organize pages, especially in large files or legal cases.

Yes, you can add custom metadata fields in Adobe Acrobat, such as case number, client name, or any other information that helps identify and manage your document.

Bates numbering is special because it creates a unique, trackable number for each page, often including a prefix or code, which is more detailed than simple page numbers.

Adding metadata along with Bates numbering helps you search, sort, and understand your documents faster, which is very useful when handling many files or sharing with others.

Sources

where this comes from
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