How to start page numbering from specific page | MS Word ⏩

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of starting page numbering from a specific page in Microsoft Word. This is particularly useful for documents where you want to exclude the first few pages, such as title pages or tables of contents, from the numbering sequence.

Step 1: Separate Document into Sections

To begin numbering from a specific page, you need to create a section break. Follow these steps:

1. Place your cursor at the beginning of the text on the page where you want the numbering to start (e.g., the 3rd page).
2. Navigate to the Layout tab in the ribbon.
3. Click on Breaks.
4. Under Section Breaks, select Next Page.
   • This will create a new section starting from the page you selected.

Practical Tip

Ensure your cursor is positioned correctly to avoid any formatting issues. You may need to check the document in Print Layout view to confirm the break.

Step 2: Insert Page Number

Now you can insert the page number starting from your chosen page:

1. Go to the Insert tab in the ribbon.
2. Click on Page Number and choose your desired design.
3. Once the page number is inserted, click on the Design tab that appears.
4. Deactivate the Link to Previous option. This disconnects the new section from the previous section's numbering.
5. Still in the Design tab, click on Page Number again and select Format Page Numbers.
6. In the dialog box, choose Start at and enter the number you want to begin with (e.g., 1).
7. Click OK to apply the changes.

Common Pitfall to Avoid

Forgetting to deactivate the Link to Previous option can result in the new section inheriting page numbers from the previous section, which may not be what you want.

Conclusion

You have successfully set up page numbering to start from a specific page in Microsoft Word. This method allows for greater control over how your document is presented, making it more professional and tailored to your needs. If you need further assistance with formatting or other features in Word, consider exploring additional tutorials or resources.