Forum Discussion
Page numbering isn't working
Hi, I am trying to set numbers on the pages but it's not working properly. For example, it starts from the first page as 1, then the second page takes the number 2, then the third page takes the number 1, the forth page takes the number 2, the fifth the number 1 adn it repeats itself.
The way I tried to numbering the pages was:
- Insert -> Page number -> Bottom page
- Insert -> Footer -> Page number -> Bottom page
But the result is the same. Also, I tried to remove all the footers and page numbers by selecting remove footers and page numbers and then re-adding the page numbers but again, the same issue.
When I use the bar on the right to scroll up or down, it shows the Page number. But when I am at page 12 (out of the 13) for example, it says Page 3.
An example of what I mean:
Any idea why that might be? I cannot share the document because it is a paper to be published.
Microsoft Word version 2401 (Build 17231.20236 Click-to-Run), Windows 10.
6 Replies
I also had this problem, but the necessary field was only available in the online version of Word
In the full version of Word for Windows, you can add the total page count by adding the NUMPAGES field in your header (or footer). Activate the header/footer view, for example by double-clicking the header area. Use Insert tab > Text group > Quick Parts > Field to access the Field dialog box.
nicholas1105 Your document almost certainly contains multiple Sections (which may or may not be necessary) and it is almost certain that in the Page Number Format dialog, you have the page numbering set to Start at 1 for each section rather than being set to Continue from the previous section.
Hi - hope this pings back. I have no sections added, I have continue from previous section (even though there are no sections), and I am using this numpages field code from insert field:
{ NUMPAGES \* MERGEFORMAT }
It **WORKS** in the footer just fine. When I put it in the document it still says the real number (11), and then when I update fields, it changes to 2. No matter how many pages. It is driving me crazy. Any thoughts here?
Please help. I am losing my MIND.
Thanks!
Natasha---
Footer says:
Page 11 of 11Text says this on "paste":
This Will consists of 11 pages, including this page.
Then says this on update:
This Will consists of 2 pages, including this page.
You may well have multiple sections even though you have not intentionally added any. You can tell if you look at the header or footer on your last page.
That said, the number of sections and restarting numbering should not change the NUMPAGES field result. I can't think of anything that could alter it that dramatically. (A Cover Page may not be counted in NUMPAGES, but that is only one page.)
This is really a different problem from the original question which involved the PAGE field. It should be a separate question for clarity and to get the best answers. If you do, please attach a sample document with the question. If you continue here, please attach such a sample.
P.S. The MergeFormat switch is surplus in the field. See The Difference between MergeFormat and CharFormat switches.
