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Guides

Step-by-step Bates stamping workflows

Clear instructions for common production tasks, plus quick answers when something does not go as expected.

Workflows

Stamp your first production

The fastest way to add Bates numbers to one or more PDFs without uploading anything.

  1. Open the stamping tool at /tool.
  2. Drag and drop up to three PDFs into the drop zone.
  3. Pick a position for the Bates number. The bottom-right corner is the standard.
  4. Set your prefix, starting number, and zero padding.
  5. Click Stamp and download to save each stamped PDF and the production index CSV.

Add exhibit stamps and confidentiality designations

Combine Bates numbers, exhibit labels, and privilege designations in a single pass.

  1. Upload the PDFs you want to mark.
  2. Enable Exhibit mode and type the label, such as Exhibit A or Exhibit 1.
  3. Enable Confidential mode and choose a designation like CONFIDENTIAL or ATTORNEYS EYES ONLY.
  4. Configure the Bates prefix, starting number, and position as usual.
  5. Stamp and download. Each page carries all chosen marks.

Resume a Case Matter sequence

Keep every production in a matter in sequence without tracking numbers manually.

  1. Select the saved case from the case list in the sidebar.
  2. Confirm the prefix and the next available Bates number.
  3. Upload the next batch of PDFs.
  4. Stamp and download. The sequence continues from the last number automatically.
  5. Check the production index CSV to verify the new Bates range.

Build a multi-file production index

Generate the load file opposing counsel expects from a multi-document production.

  1. Upload the files in the order they should appear in the production.
  2. Set the Bates prefix and the starting number for the first file.
  3. Run Stamp and download.
  4. Open production_index.csv for the filename-to-range mapping.
  5. Use the CSV as a load file or attach it to your privilege log.

Troubleshooting

Quick answers to the most common Bates stamping questions.

Why is my PDF not stamping?

Make sure the file is a valid, non-password-protected PDF. BatesTool processes files locally in your browser, so very large or corrupted files may fail. Try a smaller batch or re-save the PDF before uploading.

Why did the Bates sequence restart at 1?

The sequence restarts when a new case is created or when browser storage is cleared. To continue an existing sequence, select the same Case Matter before stamping, or note the last Bates number and set the starting number manually.

Can I stamp scanned image PDFs?

Yes. BatesTool overlays text stamps on any PDF page, including scanned documents. It does not perform OCR, but Bates numbers and labels will still appear clearly on the image.

Why is the stamp cut off at the edge of the page?

The stamp may sit outside the printable or visible margin of the source PDF. Try a different position, such as the top-right or bottom-left corner, or check that the original PDF has normal margins.

Does BatesTool work offline?

Once the page is loaded, all stamping happens in your browser without a network connection. Do not reload the tab until you have downloaded your files, because the page must be online to load initially.

Where are my files stored?

Your files stay only in your browser memory. They are never uploaded to a server. Closing the tab clears them, so download your stamped PDFs and CSV before you leave.

Why is the download slow?

Large PDFs are processed page by page in the browser. Wait for the download to finish; do not close the tab. For very large productions, split the job into smaller batches to keep the browser responsive.

How do I remove a Bates stamp?

BatesTool burns the stamp into the output PDF. Always keep your original files in a separate folder. If you need an unmarked copy, use the original file rather than the stamped version.

Ready to stamp your next production?

Open the free stamping tool and try the workflows above. No signup, no upload, and no file leaves your device.

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