Need to add page number to odds but not skip numbers

[DCurry]

We periodically get a mailing job that is already has all the addresses merged so it doesn't run through our variable data software. The problem is we want a record number to print somewhere on the page. I thought maybe using Add Page Numbers would work and it would work if this was a one-sided document, but it is 2-sided so all the even pages are the backs of the preceding odd page.
That means that if I add page numbers, page 3 of the PDF is really record #2 but it puts a 3 on it because it is the third page in the document. I want to the 3rd page to say 2, the 5th page to say 3, etc.
The only way I can see doing this in Pitstop is to first delete all the even pages, add the page numbers to the remaining pages, then somehow bring the deleted pages back (I know a couple methods to bring them back so I'm not worried about figuring that part out.)
I was just hoping there might be an easier way without deleting any pages? (Pitstop 13.)

[Joe]

Haven't tried it but have you tried just running the action on just the odd numbered pages or is Pitstop to smart to fall for that?

[beermonster]

probably no help but if you dropped your job in indesign as a multi page job you can re-arrange the pages - then run a script to add page numbers. might need a bit of picking about with though

[DCurry]

Joe - that doesn't work because Pitstop looks at the page position in the document to determine what number it adds.

Beer - that's a creative solution but I'm trying to keep it as 1-stop-shopping as possible.

[pspdfppdfxhd]

I do this all the time but we have Quite Imposing. A nice addition to your pdf toolbox.

[Joe]

Joe - that doesn't work because Pitstop looks at the page position in the document to determine what number it adds.

I figured Pitstop was too smart for that.

[DCurry]

Or... not smart enough?

[zox]

pspdfppdfxhd is right, Quite had this option forever and is easy to use.

However, new action in Pistop 2020 "Overlay PDF" might be solution for you.
It is bit of a longer way than Quite but still doable.
You would create separate PDF with numbers 1-... and use Overlay PDF on ODD pages.
It works like charm

[DigiCorn]

I know I am late to the party, but since you're already doing a merge, add another field and number it 1~whatever, and then create an extra spot for the page number.

[DCurry]

I'm not already doing a merge - the file is coming to me merged by the client.

I like zox's idea for when I eventually upgrade in a couple years.

[Joe]

You could try a free trial of Pitstop 2020 to show your bosses that you need it now.

[DCurry]

Ain't nobody spending any money right now! We're still open and I'm not gonna rock that boat. And actually, my bosses are good about buying us what we need so if it was a real issue we'd get it when things go back to quasi-normal.

In truth, I don't really care if I find a good way to do this little trick or not - the mail guy is bitching about it but last week when he was out we ran the job and the other guy had no problem at all. It's not even presorted so if someone drops the load and it gets out of order it doesn't matter at all.  I was just tinkering in case it comes up again.

[born2print]

Forgive me if this is stupid, but what about extract even pages, then numbering action, then put even pages back-in??

[DCurry]

The only way I can see doing this in Pitstop is to first delete all the even pages, add the page numbers to the remaining pages, then somehow bring the deleted pages back (I know a couple methods to bring them back so I'm not worried about figuring that part out.)

[delooch]

How often do you need to do this? how many records in a job? is the data sensitive?

I may have a solution, it's a bit of a path but it will do what you are asking