Manual Numbering

Last updated: 2026-03-23

Select files in the document browser, open the file menu, and choose Bates Number to stamp documents manually. The Bates Number Dialog lets you configure every option and preview the stamp before applying it.

Bates stamp preview

Preview showing stamp placement and format before applying

Preview
ABC000001
8.5" x 11.0"

How to manually apply Bates numbers to files

Go to the document browser and select the files you want to number. Open the file menu and choose Bates Number. The Bates Number Dialog opens with all configuration options and a live preview of how the stamp will look on the document.

Review the settings. Adjust the prefix, suffix, position, and typography as needed, then confirm. Hintyr processes the selected files and applies Bates numbers according to your configuration. The stamped documents appear in the viewer with numbers visible at the chosen position.

Smart defaults for re-stamping

When you open the Bates Number Dialog for files that already have stamps, the dialog auto-fills all settings from the existing configuration. Prefix, suffix, position, font, size, color, and mode all reflect what was previously applied. You can make incremental changes without re-entering every value. For more on this behavior, see smart defaults.

The start number defaults to the original start number of the selection, preserving the existing sequence. If you'd rather continue from the last number in the case, use the auto-continue feature described below.

Auto-continue numbering

When you number files that haven't been stamped before, the Start Index field automatically continues from the last assigned number in the case. If the most recent Bates number was ABC000050, the dialog suggests ABC000051 as the starting point. This prevents gaps and keeps the sequence intact across multiple sessions.

You can override the suggested start number if your workflow needs a different starting point. For example, you might number a supplemental production that begins at a Bates range agreed upon with opposing counsel.

Multi-select and batch Bates numbering

Select multiple files in the document browser before opening the Bates Number Dialog. All selected files are numbered in a single batch using the same configuration. Files process in the order they appear in the browser, and the sequence continues across all files without interruption.

When the selection includes document families, Hintyr respects family ordering rules: parents are numbered before their children, and emails appear before their attachments. This keeps family relationships reflected in the Bates sequence.

Visual preview

The Bates Number Dialog includes a live preview panel showing exactly where the stamp will appear and what it will look like. As you change position, font, size, or color, the preview updates immediately. This lets you verify the stamp before committing to the operation.

The preview uses the first page of your first selected document as the background, so you can see how the stamp interacts with real page content. If auto position is selected, the preview shows the default bottom-right placement. The actual position is determined individually for each page during processing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I undo Bates numbering after applying it?
You can re-stamp files with different settings or remove stamps through the file menu. The original document content is preserved.
What order are files numbered in a batch?
Files are numbered in the order they appear in the document browser. When document families are present, family ordering places parents before children.
Can I number a single file without affecting others?
Yes. Select only the file you want to number. The dialog applies only to your selection, and other files in the case aren't affected.
What happens if I select files with different existing Bates formats?
The dialog uses the settings from the file with the lowest existing Bates number as the default. You can adjust any setting before applying.

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