To stop page numbering in Word, you’ll need to access the header or footer section where the page number is located. Then, you can simply delete the page number or adjust the settings to stop it from appearing on certain pages. It’s a quick process that can be done in just a few steps.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Stop Page Numbering in Word
Sometimes, you may find yourself in need of stopping page numbering in a Word document. Perhaps you’re creating a title page, or you want to exclude certain sections from numbering. Whatever the reason, the following steps will guide you through the process.
Step 1: Open the Header or Footer
Double-click the header or footer area where the page number is located.
The header or footer area will become editable, and you will see the ‘Header & Footer Tools’ tab appear on the ribbon.
Step 2: Select the Page Number
Click on the page number within the header or footer to select it.
Once selected, the page number will be highlighted, indicating it is ready for editing or removal.
Step 3: Delete the Page Number
Press the ‘Delete’ key on your keyboard to remove the page number.
After deleting the page number, it will no longer appear on that page or any subsequent pages until you reinsert it or adjust the settings.
After completing these steps, the page numbering will stop where you deleted the number. If you wish to resume numbering on later pages, you can reinsert the page number where needed.
Tips for Stopping Page Numbering in Word
- Make sure you’re in ‘Print Layout’ view to easily access the header or footer.
- If you only want to stop numbering on the first page, go to ‘Page Number’ > ‘Format Page Numbers’ and check ‘Different First Page.’
- To stop numbering after a certain page, insert a section break and then remove the number from the new section.
- Remember to update the table of contents if your document has one, as removing page numbers can affect it.
- If you need to restart numbering at a specific page, you can choose ‘Page Number’ > ‘Format Page Numbers’ and set the ‘Start at’ value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove page numbers from just the first page?
In the ‘Header & Footer Tools’ tab, check the ‘Different First Page’ option, and then delete the page number from the first page header or footer.
Can I stop page numbering in the middle of a document?
Yes, you can insert a section break where you want the numbering to stop, and then remove the page numbers from the new section.
How do I restart page numbering at a specific page?
Insert a section break where you want to restart numbering, then go to ‘Page Number’ > ‘Format Page Numbers,’ and set the ‘Start at’ value to the desired number.
What happens if I accidentally delete the page number?
You can easily undo the action by pressing ‘Ctrl + Z’ or reinsert the page number by going to ‘Insert’ > ‘Page Number.’
Will removing page numbers affect other elements like footnotes or headers?
No, removing page numbers will not affect other elements in your document unless they are linked to the page number.
Summary
- Double-click the header or footer.
- Click to select the page number.
- Press ‘Delete’ to remove the page number.
Conclusion
Mastering how to stop page numbering in Word is a simple task that can make a big difference in the presentation of your document. Whether creating a professional report or an academic paper, knowing how to control page numbers allows you to tailor your work to specific formatting requirements. This guide has walked you through the steps to stop page numbering, offered some handy tips, answered common questions, and provided a neat summary for quick reference.
Remember, Word is a powerful tool with many features to explore. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different settings and options to achieve the perfect layout for your documents. If you ever find yourself stuck, there are numerous online resources and communities ready to help you master the ins and outs of Word. So go ahead, take control of your page numbering, and elevate the quality of your work!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.