Q: How do I add page numbers to a Word Document?
A: Page numbers are a basic requirement for many documents and Microsoft Word provides several tools for numbering pages. Unfortunately, Word's many options can be confusing.
The first page number tool most people discover is Insert, Page Numbers... from the menu bar. This is not recommended since the page number text box may not line up with other margin text or may overlap it.
Step 1. Choose View from the menu bar, then highlight and select Header and Footer. This menu selection takes you to the margins of your document and allows you to edit the header or footer directly. The header and footer of your document will appear at the top and bottom margin of every page.
Step 2. By default your cursor will be flashing in the header of the page. If you must access the footer, click the Switch between Header and Footer icon of the Header and Footer toolbar.
Step 3. Use the Align Left, Center or Align Right icons to achieve the desired position of your page number and any required text.
Step 4. Having achieved your desired placement, the simplest way to insert a page number field is to use the Alt-Shift-p shortcut. (Mac users type Ctrl-Shift-p.) If you don't remember the keyboard shortcut, use the icons in the Header and Footer toolbar.
Step 5. Word inserts page numbers using the default page number format, not your current font style or size. Page numbers, however, can be highlighted and changed like any other text.
Step 6. Return to the body of your document by clicking on the Close button of the Header and Footer toolbar. Be aware that if you return to the Normal view, text in the header and footer is not visible. You may view your headers and footers in the Print Layout view or a Print Preview.
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