Creating a Sequential Stamp

This article explains how to create a sequential stamp in Foxit PDF Editor that automatically increments numbers or letters each time the stamp is applied to a document. Sequential stamps are ideal for labeling, version control, and tracking documents in healthcare, legal, and business workflows.

From the Comment tab, click the Stamp dropdown and select Create Sequential Stamp from the menu.

Step 1 — Define Category and Name

In the Appearance section on the left side of the dialog:

1. • Category: Select an existing category from the dropdown or enter a new category name. Categories help organize your custom stamps.
   • Name: Enter a descriptive name for this sequential stamp (e.g., "Document Number", "Approval - Sequential").
     
     

Step 2 — Set the Stamp Style

From the Stamp Style dropdown, select a predefined style that will be the base design for your sequential stamp. Common options include:

• Header: A horizontal banner-style stamp
• Rectangle: A boxed stamp
• Standard shapes: Circle, diamond, or custom shapes
  
  

Step 3 — Configure Stamp Title and Header Text

For your selected style, you will see editable fields:

• Stamp Title: Enter the main text that will appear on the stamp (e.g., "APPROVED", "REVIEWED").
• Header Text: (if applicable to your style) Enter text for an additional header line (e.g., "Document #").
  
  

Step 4 — Set the Prefix (Optional)

In the Prefix field, optionally enter text that will precede the sequential number or letter (e.g., "DOC-" to display as "DOC-001").

Step 5 — Choose Font Color

Click the Font Color swatch at the bottom left to select the color for your stamp's text. Default is black.

You will see a live preview of your stamp configuration in the Preview box on the right side of the dialog.

Step 1 — Choose Incrementing Method

In the lower section of the dialog, select one of three incrementing methods:

ℹ️ Only one incrementing method can be active per stamp. Choose the one that best fits your workflow.

1. Auto Incrementing (Recommended for most users)
   
   

1. 1. 1. Select the **Auto Incrementing** radio button. This automatically increments a number or letter each time the stamp is applied.
         
         
      2. Choose Starting Number (default: 1) or Starting Letter (default: A) and set your desired starting point.
         
         
      3. The stamp will increment: 001 → 002 → 003, or A → B → C, each time applied.

1. Manual Entry (For custom values per stamp)
   
   

1. 1. 1. Select the Manual Entry radio button to be prompted for custom text each time you apply the stamp.
         
         
      2. A dialog will appear asking you to enter the text for that specific stamp application.

1. File Name (For document-based stamping)
   
   

Select the File Name radio button to automatically insert the filename of the PDF into the stamp each time it is applied.

Step 1 — Preview Your Configuration

Review the Preview pane on the right side of the dialog to ensure your sequential stamp appears as desired. Adjust Appearance, Prefix, or Font Color settings if needed.

Step 2 — Click OK to Save the Stamp

Once satisfied with your configuration, click the OK button to save your sequential stamp.

The dialog closes and the sequential stamp is now registered in your Foxit stamp library.

After clicking OK, your sequential stamp is created and available for use. You can now apply it to your PDF:

• Go to Comment > Stamp dropdown menu
• Select your newly created sequential stamp by name (it will appear in the stamp list under its category)
• Click on the PDF to place the stamp
• For Auto Incrementing stamps: The first placement shows the starting number/letter; each subsequent application increments by 1
• For Manual Entry stamps: A dialog appears each time prompting you for the text to display
• For File Name stamps: The document's filename is automatically inserted into the stamp

Issue: The stamp does not increment

Possible causes and solutions:

• Cause: Manual Entry or File Name method selected instead of Auto Incrementing. | Solution: Delete the stamp and recreate it using the Auto Incrementing option.
• Cause: Different stamp instances instead of the same sequential stamp. | Solution: Ensure you are selecting the same sequential stamp from the dropdown each time.

Issue: The starting number or letter is incorrect

Possible causes and solutions:

• Cause: Starting value was set incorrectly during creation. | Solution: Use Manage Stamps option (Comment > Stamp > Manage Stamps) to edit the sequential stamp and adjust the starting value.

Issue: Cannot find the stamp in the Stamp dropdown menu

Possible causes and solutions:

• Cause: The stamp was saved with a category that is not displayed by default. | Solution: Use Manage Stamps to verify the stamp exists and confirm its category name.
• Cause: Stamp was not saved (dialog was closed without clicking OK). | Solution: Recreate the stamp and click OK to save it.

Issue: The stamp preview does not match the applied stamp

Possible causes and solutions:

• Cause: PDF zoom level or display settings affecting how the stamp is rendered. | Solution: Zoom to 100% and apply the stamp again. The appearance should match the preview.

Issue: Manual Entry or File Name stamp not working as expected

Possible causes and solutions:

• Cause: For Manual Entry, no dialog appears when placing the stamp. | Solution: Ensure Manual Entry is selected and click OK. Test by applying the stamp again.
• Cause: For File Name, the filename does not appear on the stamp. | Solution: Check that the PDF file has been saved with a filename (not "Untitled.pdf"). Resave and try again.

• How to Create Custom Stamps in Foxit PDF Editor
• How to Deploy Custom Stamps to End Users (For Enterprise Customers)
• How to Manage and Edit Existing Stamps
• Using Stamps for Document Approval Workflows