How to Add and Format Page Numbers in Word

When creating a document in Microsoft Word, especially a long one, you may need or want to add page numbers. Whether you're required to include them or simply want to help readers, we show you how to add page numbers in Word and then format them as you wish.

How to add page numbers in Word

To add standard page numbers in Word, you can choose the location, position, and style you want. The steps are slightly different in Word on Windows versus Mac.

Add page numbers on Windows

1. Go to the tab "Insert" Select the drop-down box. page number In the header and footer section of the ribbon.
   
2. Move the cursor to the location you want the page numbers to be located: at the top or bottom of the page, inside the margins, or at the current cursor position.
   
3. Locate alignment Or pattern From the pop-up menu, you can position the numbers on the left, center, or right, or choose a style, such as bold numbers, brackets, or a circle.
   
4. You will see your page numbers in the location and position you specified.
   

Good to know: You can Using the Dictation Tool in Word .

Add page numbers on Mac

1. Go to the tab "Insert" , and select the drop-down box. "page number", and select "Page number".
   
2. In the pop-up window, use the drop-down menu. "The position" To select the top or bottom of the page.
   
3. Use the drop-down menu "Alignment" To place numbers on the left, center, right, inside, or outside. The last two options alternate pages at the inside or outside corners.
   
4. Optionally, check the box to display a number on the first page.
   
5. Locate "OK" To apply the numbers, they will appear in the location and position you specified.
   

How to add page numbers to titles, chapters, or articles

If you have headings in your document or use chapters or articles, you can include them with page numbers. For example, you can see "1-1" For Chapter 1, Page 1 and "1-2" For Chapter 1, Page 2.

To include headings, chapters, or articles with page numbers, your content must be formatted as a multi-level list using one of these types. If you've already done this, you can skip to step 3.

1. Locate Address Or the season Or Article name Go to the tab Home page , then click the drop-down arrow. multi-level menu To view the list.
   
2. You'll see two heading styles: one for chapters and one for articles. Choose the one you like and apply it to your text.
   
3. If you haven't already, go back to the tab. "Insert" , and select the drop-down menu. page number , and select the location and position as shown above. Then, reopen the menu and choose Page number formatting.
   
4. check box Include chapter numberYou will see fields directly below for you to customize. As you select options, you will see a preview next to Examples

• The chapter begins with the pattern: Select the address you want to start with from the drop-down list.
• Use of separator: Use a hyphen, period, colon, or dash as a separator between the title, chapter, or article number and the page number.
  

5. When finished, select "OK" To apply page numbers, you'll see the title, chapter, or article along with the page number and other options you selected.
Tip: You can Open DOCX file without Microsoft Office.

How to format page numbers in Word

You can make other changes to your page number format that you might find useful, such as starting with a specific number or using letters instead of numbers.

1. Back in the tab "Insert" and the drop-down menu page number , Choose Page number formattingYou will see the same box as shown above.
2. In the drop-down box Number formatting At the top, you can specify something other than simple numbers: numbers with dashes, uppercase or lowercase letters, or Roman numerals.
   
3. At the bottom of the box, you can choose where to start the numbering. Select “Continued from the previous section” For default numbering or "Start at" And enter the number you want on the right.                                                                                                                 
4. Locate "OK" To save your formatting changes.
   

Use a different front page

If you want to remove the page number from the first page of your document, this is a simple checkbox. This is useful if you have a title page for your document where a page number isn't required.

1. With the page numbers in place, double-click inside the header or footer containing the numbers. This opens the tab. Header and footer
   
2. Check the box for “Different front page” In section "Options" From the ribbon. The page number will be removed from the first page.
   
3. As mentioned earlier, on Mac, you can also select the drop-down menu. page number In the same tab and choose page number , then uncheck the box. Show number on first page.                                                                    

Note: If your document contains data, be sure to check out our guide on Create and customize tables in Word.

How to customize page numbers in Word

You may want your page numbers in a specific font style, color, or size. You can style the text for the numbers like other text in your document.

Double-click the header or footer where your numbers appear. Select Numbering and go to the Numbering tab. Home pageUse the options in the section. "The line" From the ribbon to adjust the style, size, color, or format.

How to remove page numbers in Word

If you change your mind after adding page numbers in Word, you can easily remove them. Do one of the following:

• Go to the tab "Insert" , select the drop-down arrow page number , and select “Remove page numbers”.
• in the tab Header and Footer Select the drop-down arrow. page number , and select “Remove page numbers.”
  

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Will page numbers be deleted if I remove a header or footer?
The answer: Since page numbers are part of the header or footer, yes, they will be deleted if you remove the header or footer from the document.

Alternatively, you can remove the header or footer, then add page numbers afterward or enter the header or footer area and remove the text you don't want but leave the page numbers.

Q2: Why do my page numbers start over in Word?
The answer: If you notice that your page numbers are no longer in consecutive order and start at number 1 again, you likely have a section break in your document. To see any breaks you may have, go to the tab Home page Select the button Show/Hide For paragraph marks in the paragraph section.

To correct the numbering while preserving the section break, select the page with the first incorrect number and go to Insert -> Page Number -> Format Page Numbers. Choose Follow-up from before and click "OK".

Q3: How do I fix page numbers in the table of contents?
The answer: when using Table of contents included in Word You may need to update it as you make changes – this includes adding page numbers or formatting.

Go to the tab "the reviewer" and select Update table In section "table of contents" in the tape.