If you’ve ever needed to include both your name and page numbers in the header of a Word document, you’re in the right spot. This process is quite straightforward and only takes a few steps. By the end of this guide, your document will have a professional look, with your name and page number appearing on every page.
Adding Name and Page Number in Header in Word
In this section, I’ll walk you through the exact steps needed to add your name and page number to the header of a Word document. Each step is essential, so follow along to ensure you get it right.
Step 1: Open Your Document
First things first, open your Word document. If you don’t have it open, you can’t really make these changes, can you?
If you already have your document open, great! If not, locate your file and double-click to open it. Once it’s open, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Access the Header Section
Click on the "Insert" tab at the top of the screen, and then select "Header."
This action will allow you to access the header area of your document. The header is the space at the top of each page where your name and page number will appear.
Step 3: Choose a Header Style
After clicking on "Header," choose a style that suits your needs.
Word offers several pre-designed header styles. Pick one that you like or go with the default option. This automatically opens the header for editing.
Step 4: Type Your Name
Click into the header area and type your name.
This is where you add your name. Once you type it in, you can format it by changing the font style, size, or color to match the rest of your document.
Step 5: Insert Page Number
While still in the header, click on "Page Number" under the "Header & Footer" tab, and choose your preferred page number position.
You can place your page number at the top left, right, or center. Select the one that fits best with your document layout.
Step 6: Format the Page Number
Click on the page number to format it if needed.
You can change the font, size, and color of the page number to match your name. Consistency is key for a professional look.
Step 7: Close the Header
Once you’re satisfied, click anywhere outside the header area or click on the "Close Header and Footer" button.
This will lock in your changes so that your name and page number will appear on every page of your document.
After completing these steps, every page of your document will display your name and page number in the header. This makes your document look professional and organized.
Tips for Adding Name and Page Number in Header in Word
- Consistency is Key: Ensure that the font style and size for both your name and page number are consistent with the rest of your document.
- Preview Your Document: Always preview your document to see how the header looks on different pages.
- Check for Errors: Double-check spelling and formatting to avoid any mistakes.
- Use Templates: Consider using a Word template that already includes headers with names and page numbers.
- Save Your Work: Save your document frequently to ensure you don’t lose any changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove the header once it’s added?
Click on the header area and press the "Delete" key, then close the header section.
Can I have different headers on different pages?
Yes, you can. Use the "Different First Page" option under the "Header & Footer" tools.
How do I format the page number differently from my name?
Click on the page number separately and use the formatting tools to change its appearance.
What if I want the header only on certain pages?
You can use section breaks to apply headers to specific sections of your document.
Can I add a logo to the header along with my name and page number?
Yes, you can. Simply insert the logo image into the header area along with your text.
Summary
- Open your document.
- Access the header section via the "Insert" tab.
- Choose a header style.
- Type your name.
- Insert the page number.
- Format the page number.
- Close the header section.
Conclusion
Adding a name and page number to your Word document’s header is a simple yet essential step to make your documents look professional. Whether you’re preparing a school assignment or a business report, knowing how to do this can save you time and enhance the overall presentation of your work.
This guide has provided a step-by-step walkthrough, tips for best practices, and answers to common questions. If you follow these steps, you’ll have a polished document in no time.
For more detailed guides on using Microsoft Word, consider exploring additional resources or tutorials. Practice these steps, and soon enough, adding headers will become second nature to you. The more you know about Word, the easier it becomes to create documents that stand out. Happy writing!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.