Adding page numbers to a Google Doc starting from a specific page might sound complicated, but it’s actually quite simple! You’ll be using section breaks to divide your document into sections and then adding page numbers only to the sections where you want them to appear. Let’s jump right in and get those pages numbered!
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Put Page Number in Google Docs Starting from a Specific Page
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let me give you a quick heads up on what we are about to do. We’ll be inserting a section break to separate the part of the document where we don’t want page numbers from the part where we do. Then, we’ll add page numbers starting from a specific page. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Place the cursor where you want to start numbering
Place your cursor at the beginning of the page where you want your page numbers to start.
Placing the cursor in the right spot is crucial because this is where your numbering will begin. If you get this step wrong, you might end up with page numbers in places you don’t want them.
Step 2: Insert a section break
Go to the menu, click on ‘Insert’, then ‘Break’, and choose ‘Section break (next page)’.
Inserting a section break will divide your document into sections. This allows you to add page numbers to only one section without affecting the others.
Step 3: Go to the header or footer
Double-click the header or footer area on the page where you want your numbering to start.
Google Docs allows you to edit headers and footers separately from the main content of your document. This is where you’ll be adding your page numbers.
Step 4: Click on ‘Options’ and select ‘Header format’
In the header or footer area, you will see an ‘Options’ button. Click on it and select ‘Header format’.
This step will open up a menu where you can decide how you want your header to look and whether or not it should be different from the first page.
Step 5: Unlink the sections
In the ‘Header format’ window, uncheck ‘Link to previous’.
By unlinking the sections, you make sure that the headers and footers in this section are independent of those in the sections before it.
Step 6: Insert page numbers
Still in the header or footer area, click on ‘Insert’, then ‘Page numbers’, and choose the format you prefer.
Here you’ll finally insert your page numbers. You can decide whether they should appear on the top or bottom of the page, and on the left, right, or center.
After completing these steps, your Google Doc will now have page numbers starting from the page you selected. The rest of the document before that specific page will remain unnumbered, giving you a professional-looking document.
Tips on How to Put Page Number in Google Docs Starting from a Specific Page
- Make sure you’re in the right section before inserting page numbers.
- Double-check that you’ve unlinked the sections to avoid unwanted changes in different parts of your document.
- If you want to start numbering with a number other than 1, you can adjust the ‘Start at’ option in the page number format window.
- Remember that you can always remove or adjust the section breaks if you need to change where your numbering starts.
- Use page numbers that fit the overall design of your document; for example, if your document is formal, use Roman numerals for the first few unnumbered pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start the page numbering at a number other than 1?
Yes, after inserting the page numbers, click on them to open the ‘Page number’ options and adjust the ‘Start at’ field to your desired starting number.
What if I want to remove a section break?
You can remove a section break by placing your cursor directly before the break and hitting ‘Backspace’ on your keyboard.
Can the first page of a document be unnumbered?
Absolutely! Simply insert a section break after the first page and start your numbering from the second section.
How do I skip numbering on the first few pages?
Follow the same process described above, but insert your section break after the pages you want to remain unnumbered.
Can I have different headers or footers in different sections?
Yes, once sections are unlinked, you can customize the headers and footers independently for each section.
Summary
- Place the cursor where page numbering should start.
- Insert a section break.
- Go to the header or footer.
- Click on ‘Options’ and select ‘Header format’.
- Unlink the sections.
- Insert page numbers.
Conclusion
Mastering how to put page number in Google Docs starting from a specific page is a skill that will take your document creation to a whole new level. Whether you’re crafting an academic paper, a business report, or a personal project, proper page numbering is not just a matter of aesthetics— it’s about clarity, structure, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can customize your documents precisely the way you want them, giving your readers a much smoother experience.
Remember, the key to success here is understanding how sections work in Google Docs. Once you get the hang of inserting and manipulating section breaks, the world of document formatting is your oyster. And don’t forget those tips! They can save you time and frustration, ensuring that your page numbers look exactly as you intended them to.
So, go ahead, give it a try! And if you ever feel stuck, just come back to this article for a quick refresher. Happy numbering!
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.