Add bar numbers to an existing PDF score

[xavier]

Hello,

I have downloaded a score on IMSLP but unfortunately there is no bar
numbers on it (and no rehearsal marks).
I'd like to add the bar numbers at the beginning of the lines but I
do not know which method/software to use.

Would you have some advice about a method/software I could use in order
to edit the existing PDF and add the bar numbers on it?

Ideally I'd like an easy-to-use free software running on GNU/Linux but
a freeware running on Windows only would be OK too.
Could someone help me?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Xavier

[daphnis]

I don't see any other option than to manually hand-enter each measure number either as PDF comments or dumping the images, editing, then re-compiling.

[Philidor]

dumping the images, editing, then re-compiling.

Unless it's a huge manuscript that's probably the quickest way:

- load each page of the PDF into GIMP (free)
- do your editing - add bar numbers
- save as JPEG
- load JPEG into OpenOffice (free)
- export as PDF
- stitch new PDF pages together with... (I've forgotten what it's called... it's on another machine... someone will know - it's also free)

Another way I've not tried is to use Inkscape (free). Apparently it will load, edit and export PDFs as individual pages. It's a vector graphics programme but that's fine - just add each number as a vector graphic.

[coulonnus]

...stitch new PDF pages together with... (I've forgotten what it's called...

I guess you mean pdftk. And pdftk allows to split the initial pdf into pdf pages before you do the GIMP step. http://www.pdflabs.com/tools/pdftk-the-pdf-toolkit/

[Philidor]

I guess you mean pdftk. And pdftk allows to split the initial pdf into pdf pages before you do the GIMP step. http://www.pdflabs.com/tools/pdftk-the-pdf-toolkit/

That looks like a good one but I meant PDFill PDF Tools 7. It's free, non-watermarking, and will even insert meta-data. I use it for Journal PDFs, e.g. Current Perspectives on Porgy and Bess

[Philidor]

LOL Just checked the UK price of Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 Master Collection: £2,763.60 ($4,490.74). That's the sort of money this free software saves.

[carmar1791]

The easyest way on linux :
-import pdf in flpsed
-write bar numbers
-export file to pdf.
All free and simple.

Ps
Chosse to export your file to pdf , because the other ways to save your file in flpsed are "buggy",(but better you check yourself)

Greetings