How to Use This Tool
Enter Your Text
Type directly into the input area, paste content with Ctrl+V, or upload a .txt file by clicking Upload or dragging the file onto the input.
Configure Options
Set the starting number (default 1) and separator (default period-space). Toggle Skip empty lines on or off to control whether blank lines get numbered.
See Results Instantly
The numbered output updates live as you type or change any setting. Numbers are right-aligned and padded to match the width of the highest number.
Copy or Download
Click Copy to put the numbered text on your clipboard, Download to save it as a .txt file, or Clear All to start over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tool really free?
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Yes, completely free with no limits, no sign-up, and no watermarks. Everything runs in your browser.
Is my text uploaded to a server?
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No. Your text never leaves your device. All numbering happens directly in your browser.
Can I start numbering from a number other than 1?
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Yes. Change the Start from field to any positive integer. Use it to continue numbering from a previous section.
What separators can I use?
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Any text you like. The default is a period and space. Try a colon, closing parenthesis, dash, tab, or leave it empty for no separator.
What does Skip empty lines do?
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When on (the default), blank lines are left untouched and do not get a number. Turn it off to number every line including empty ones.
Are the numbers aligned?
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Yes. Numbers are right-aligned with leading spaces so they line up neatly, matching the width of the highest number.
Can I upload a file instead of pasting?
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Yes. Click Upload to pick a .txt file, or drag and drop a text file directly onto the input area.
Will my text be saved if I refresh?
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Yes. Your input is saved on your device automatically. Click Clear All to wipe everything.
How do I remove line numbers later?
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Use the Remove Line Numbers tool on this site, or use Find and Replace with a pattern to strip the number prefix.
Is there a line limit?
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No hard limit. The tool handles large files efficiently and updates in real time.
What Is Add Line Numbers?
Add Line Numbers is a free tool that prepends a sequential number to every line in your text. You control the starting number, the separator between the number and the content, and whether empty lines get numbered or skipped. Numbers are right-aligned for clean formatting. Everything runs in your browser - no text is sent to any server.
The output updates live as you type. Use it for code snippets, legal documents, manuscripts, data files, or any text where you need to reference specific lines by number.
Features Explained
Custom Starting Number
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Start numbering from any positive integer. Use it to continue numbering from where a previous section left off.
Custom Separator
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Choose any separator between the line number and the text content. The default is a period and space. Try a colon, parenthesis, dash, or leave it empty.
Skip Empty Lines Option
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When on (the default), blank lines are left untouched and do not receive a number. Turn it off to number every line including empty ones.
Right-Aligned Numbers
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Numbers are padded with leading spaces so they line up neatly. A 100-line document will show single-digit numbers with two leading spaces.
Live Real-Time Output
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The numbered output updates instantly as you type in any field - the input, separator, or start number. No button press needed.
File Upload and Drag-Drop
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Click Upload to pick a .txt file, or drag and drop a text file directly onto the input area. The file content replaces the current input.
Copy to Clipboard
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Click Copy to put the entire numbered output on your clipboard, ready to paste anywhere.
Download as Text File
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Click Download to save the numbered text as a .txt file named numbered-lines.txt.
Automatic Persistence
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Your input text is saved on your device automatically between sessions. Refresh the page and your text is still there.
100% Browser-Based Processing
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All numbering happens directly in your browser. Your text is never uploaded to any server.
Who Is This Tool For?
Developers
Add line numbers to code snippets for documentation, code reviews, or bug reports.
Writers
Number lines in manuscripts and scripts for easy reference during review and collaboration.
Editors
Add line numbering to drafts so authors and reviewers can reference specific lines.
Teachers
Number lines in poems, prose passages, or exam questions for student reference.
Students
Number lines in study materials and notes for organized referencing and discussion.
Lawyers
Add line numbering to legal documents, depositions, and contracts for court formatting.
Data Analysts
Number rows in data exports, CSV content, or log files for quick row identification.
Technical Writers
Add line numbers to code examples and command references in documentation.
QA Engineers
Number test steps and log entries for precise bug reporting and reproduction.
Project Managers
Number action items, meeting notes, and task lists for easy reference.
Researchers
Number interview transcripts and survey responses for citation and analysis.
Translators
Number source text lines so translated versions can be aligned line by line.
Journalists
Number interview transcripts and article drafts for editorial review.
Bloggers
Add line numbers to code blocks and examples before publishing.
Accountants
Number financial line items and ledger entries for audit reference.
HR Professionals
Number policy documents and employee handbook sections for compliance review.
Customer Support
Number troubleshooting steps and support scripts for easy reference.
Marketers
Number keyword lists and campaign checklists for team coordination.
Designers
Number design specification lines for precise feedback and revision.
Freelancers
Number deliverable lists and scope items in client contracts.
Social Media Managers
Number content calendar items and posting schedules.
Event Planners
Number run-of-show items and vendor task lists for event coordination.
Non-Profit Workers
Number grant application sections and compliance checklist items.
Anyone
Add line numbers to any text for referencing, organizing, or formatting - no sign-up needed.
Common Separator Formats
| Separator | Example Output | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| ". " | 1. First line | Ordered lists, general numbering |
| ": " | 1: First line | Log files, code references |
| ") " | 1) First line | Numbered lists, outlines |
| " " | 1 First line | Tab-aligned columns, data files |
| " - " | 1 - First line | Readable numbered lists |
| "" | 1First line | Compact format, custom parsing |
Tips for Best Results
Continue from a previous section
Set Start from to the next number after your last section. If section A ends at line 25, set Start from to 26 for section B.
Use with code snippets
Add line numbers to code before pasting into documents, emails, or presentations where line references are needed.
Try different separators
Use ) for outlines, : for log-style output, a dash for readable lists, or leave it empty for compact format.
Skip empty lines for cleaner output
Keep Skip empty lines on to avoid numbering blank lines, which keeps the output cleaner and more readable.
Numbers align automatically
Numbers are right-aligned with leading spaces, so single and multi-digit numbers line up neatly.
Upload large files
For long documents, use Upload or drag-drop a .txt file instead of pasting manually.
Pair with Remove Line Numbers
If you need to strip numbers later, use the Remove Line Numbers tool on this site.
Download for records
Click Download to save the numbered text as a .txt file you can share or archive.
Use for legal documents
Many court filings require line-numbered pages. Add numbers here, then paste into your document editor.
Privacy is built in
Your text is processed entirely on your device. Click Clear All to wipe everything.
Privacy & Security
This tool runs 100% in your browser. Your files stay entirely on your own device. Nothing is uploaded, nothing is shared, and no server, advertiser, or third party has access to your files.
If a tool saves your work on your own device, you can remove it at any time using the Clear All button. Some tools rely on an external service to return their result; in those cases, only the minimum data required for the request is sent, and never your files or content. Any ads shown on this page run in an isolated frame and cannot read, touch, or transmit anything you upload, paste, type, or download here. Advertisers may see standard visit information like your IP address and which page you're on, as described in our Privacy Policy, but your data itself stays fully under your control.
