What Bates numbering is used for
Bates numbering gives pages unique sequential identifiers so lawyers, reviewers and document-production teams can refer to the same page consistently across a matter or production.
The exact convention depends on the receiving party, court or production protocol. Before stamping a document set, confirm the required prefix, starting number, digit width and placement.
Choose a consistent numbering format
A Bates label commonly combines a prefix with a zero-padded sequence number, such as ACME-000001. The U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division recommends a consistent format across a production and describes sequence numbers of 6–8 digits as a general example.
1into1 lets you set the prefix, optional suffix, starting number and digit padding so the stamped identifier matches the convention you need.
Continue the sequence deliberately
If one PDF ends at CONF-000250 and the next document should continue the same production, start the next PDF at 251 rather than resetting the sequence.
Court guidance can also require continuous numbering across multiple volumes. Keep a record of the last identifier used so later documents do not create gaps or duplicate numbers.
Place the stamp where it stays readable
The Bates number should not cover source text, signatures, exhibits or other important content. Court-specific requirements can also dictate a particular margin or placement.
Choose the available position and font size, then inspect the first, middle and final pages of the stamped PDF before sharing or filing it.
Review the output before production
Check that the sequence starts at the intended value, increments correctly, uses the expected prefix or suffix and remains visible on pages with different orientations or margins.
If the document also needs redaction or sanitization, complete those privacy steps deliberately and keep an unchanged source copy so the production can be audited if needed.
Official sources reviewed
- U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division — Electronic Production LetterDescribes consistent Bates-number formats and sequence-number conventions for electronic productions.
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit — Bates Numbering InstructionsProvides practical Bates-numbering instructions including prefix, digit count, start number and placement guidance.