Add Line Numbers to Text

Add customizable line numbers to any text. Free, fast, and powerful line numbering tool with advanced formatting options.

Input Text

1 lines • 0 characters

Numbering Options

Start Number: Choose which number to start from. Use negative numbers for countdown lists.

Increment: How much to add to each line number. Use 2 for even numbers, 5 for multiples of 5, etc.

Separator: Character between the line number and text. Common separators include colon (:), period (.), and tab.

Pad with Zeros: Add leading zeros to align numbers (001, 002, 003). Useful for sorting numbered files.

Right-Align: Align numbers to the right with spaces. Makes numbers line up vertically without zeros.

Skip Empty Lines: Don't number blank lines. Useful for preserving paragraph spacing in documents.

Prefix/Suffix: Add custom text before the number or after the separator. Example: "Line 1: " or "Step 1 - "

Why Use Our Line Numbering Tool?

Our free line numbering tool makes it easy to add line numbers to any text document. Whether you're formatting code, preparing documentation, or organizing lists, our tool offers the flexibility and customization you need.

Key Features

  • Customizable Start Number: Begin numbering from any number, including negative numbers for countdowns
  • Flexible Increment: Set custom increments for even numbers, multiples of 5, or any pattern
  • Multiple Separators: Choose from colon, comma, period, pipe, or tab separators
  • Zero Padding: Automatically pad numbers with leading zeros for consistent alignment
  • Right Alignment: Align numbers to the right using spaces instead of zeros
  • Skip Empty Lines: Option to preserve blank lines without numbering them
  • Custom Prefix/Suffix: Add text before numbers or after separators
  • Real-time Preview: See changes instantly as you adjust settings

Common Use Cases

1. Source Code Documentation

Add line numbers to code snippets for documentation, tutorials, or code reviews. Make it easy to reference specific lines when discussing code with teammates or writing technical documentation.

2. Legal Documents

Number lines in contracts, agreements, and legal documents for easy reference. Standard practice in legal documents where specific clauses need to be referenced by line number.

3. Educational Materials

Create numbered worksheets, exercises, or study materials. Perfect for teachers creating assignments where students need to refer to specific line numbers in their answers.

4. Log File Analysis

Add line numbers to log files for easier debugging and error tracking. Quickly identify and communicate the location of errors or important events in system logs.

5. Poetry and Verse

Number lines in poems, songs, or scripts for performance or analysis. Essential for theatrical scripts and academic poetry analysis.

6. Meeting Minutes

Number lines in meeting notes or transcripts for easy reference during follow-up discussions. Makes it simple to refer back to specific points made during meetings.

Numbering Formats and Examples

Standard Sequential Numbering

1: First line
2: Second line
3: Third line

Zero-Padded Numbering

001: First line
002: Second line
003: Third line

Custom Increment (Even Numbers)

2: First line
4: Second line
6: Third line

With Custom Prefix

Line 1: First line
Line 2: Second line
Line 3: Third line

Advanced Formatting Options

Right-Aligned Numbers

When dealing with varying number lengths, right-alignment ensures that all numbers line up vertically, making lists easier to read. This is particularly useful for long documents where line numbers can reach hundreds or thousands.

Separator Choices

Different separators serve different purposes:

  • Colon (:) - Most common, used in code editors and documentation
  • Period (.) - Traditional style for legal documents and formal writing
  • Pipe (|) - Clear visual separator, good for data tables
  • Tab - Creates consistent spacing, ideal for import into spreadsheets
  • Comma (,) - CSV-compatible format for data processing

Skipping Empty Lines

Enable "Skip Empty Lines" to preserve paragraph structure in documents. This is perfect for prose, articles, or any text where blank lines serve as section separators and shouldn't be numbered.

Tips for Effective Line Numbering

Tip 1: Choose the Right Start Number

If you're numbering a section of a larger document, start with the appropriate line number to maintain continuity. For example, if this is section 2 starting at line 100, set start number to 100.

Tip 2: Use Padding for Sortability

When creating numbered files or lists that will be sorted alphabetically, use zero padding. This ensures "001.txt" comes before "010.txt" instead of after "1.txt".

Tip 3: Custom Increments for Formatting

Use increment of 10 to leave room for insertions later. This is common in BASIC programming and allows you to add lines between existing numbers without renumbering everything.

Tip 4: Prefix for Context

Add descriptive prefixes like "Step ", "Line ", or "Item " to make numbered lists more readable and self-documenting.

Workflow Integration

Our line numbering tool integrates seamlessly into your workflow:

  1. Paste your text or upload a file
  2. Customize numbering settings to match your needs
  3. Preview the results in real-time
  4. Copy the numbered text or download as a file
  5. Use in your documents, code, or wherever needed

Privacy and Security

Your text never leaves your browser. All line numbering is performed locally using JavaScript, ensuring complete privacy. We don't store, transmit, or have any access to your content.

Browser Compatibility

Our tool works in all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera. No installation or registration required - just open the page and start numbering your lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start numbering from any number?

Yes! You can start from any number, including 0 or negative numbers. This is useful for countdowns or continuing numbering from a previous section.

How do I create a countdown?

Set your start number to the highest number and use a negative increment (e.g., -1). For a countdown from 10 to 1, set start to 10 and increment to -1.

What's the difference between padding and right-align?

Padding adds leading zeros (001, 010, 100) which is better for file sorting. Right-align uses spaces instead of zeros, which looks better in text editors but may not sort correctly.

Can I number specific lines only?

Use the "Skip Empty Lines" option to avoid numbering blank lines. For more selective numbering, you can manually prepare your text to only include the lines you want numbered.

Is there a limit to how many lines I can number?

No! Our tool can handle documents of any size, from a few lines to thousands of lines, all processed instantly in your browser.

Start Numbering Your Lines Now

Our free line numbering tool is ready to use - no registration, no downloads, no limitations. Add professional line numbers to your text in seconds with complete customization and privacy.

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