Adding page numbers in Excel 2013 is a simple task that can be accomplished in just a few steps. Whether you’re preparing a report or organizing data, having page numbers is essential for easy navigation and reference. By following this quick overview, you’ll know exactly how to insert page numbers into your Excel documents.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Insert a Page Number in Excel 2013
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that adding page numbers in Excel is done through the header or footer sections of a worksheet. This ensures that the page numbers print out along with the rest of your data. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Go to the ‘Insert’ tab
Click on the ‘Insert’ tab located at the top of the Excel window.
The ‘Insert’ tab is your gateway to adding various elements to your Excel worksheet. In this case, it’s where you’ll find the options to insert headers and footers, which is where page numbers are placed.
Step 2: Click on ‘Header & Footer’
In the ‘Text’ group of the ‘Insert’ tab, click on the ‘Header & Footer’ button.
This action will switch your worksheet view to ‘Page Layout’ and you’ll see a box appear at the top and bottom of your worksheet. These are the header and footer sections where you can add your page numbers.
Step 3: Choose the desired area for the page number
Decide if you want the page number in the header or footer and click the corresponding box to activate it.
Headers appear at the top of the printed page, while footers appear at the bottom. Clicking the box will allow you to start editing the chosen area.
Step 4: Insert the page number
In the ‘Header & Footer’ tab that appears, select ‘Page Number’ from the ‘Header & Footer Elements’ group.
A new tab will appear with various options for headers and footers. By selecting ‘Page Number’, Excel will automatically insert the appropriate code into the header or footer that tells Excel to print the current page number there.
Step 5: Format the page number (optional)
Format the page number by adding text before or after the page number code or by using the ‘Home’ tab formatting options.
You might want to add the word “Page” before the number or a dash afterwards. You can also change the font, size, or style of the page numbers using the regular formatting tools in Excel.
After completing these steps, your Excel worksheet will now have page numbers in the chosen header or footer section. When you print the document, the page numbers will appear on each page, making your document more professional and easier to navigate.
Tips: How to Insert a Page Number in Excel 2013
- Don’t forget to save your document after inserting page numbers to ensure you don’t lose your changes.
- You can preview your page numbers by going to ‘File’ and then ‘Print’ to see how they will look on the printed page.
- If you want page numbers to start from a specific number, use the ‘Format Page Numbers’ option in the ‘Page Setup’ group.
- To remove page numbers, simply delete the page number code from the header or footer section.
- Page numbers can be combined with other elements like dates or file names for more detailed headers or footers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I insert page numbers on specific pages only?
Yes, you can insert page numbers on specific pages by creating different sections in your worksheet and adding page numbers to the desired sections only.
How do I add page numbers without affecting the current layout of my worksheet?
Adding page numbers through the header or footer will not affect the layout of your worksheet, as they are separate sections designed for such purposes.
Is it possible to add page numbers in Excel 2013 for Mac?
Yes, the process for inserting page numbers is similar in Excel 2013 for Mac. You can find the ‘Header & Footer’ option under the ‘Insert’ tab.
Can I add different page numbers to different sheets in the same workbook?
Yes, page numbers are inserted on a per-sheet basis, so you can have different page numbers or formats for each sheet in your workbook.
If I insert page numbers, will they appear when I convert my Excel file to a PDF?
Yes, if you print or convert your Excel file to a PDF, the page numbers will appear as they do in print preview, provided you’ve added them in the header or footer.
Summary
- Go to the ‘Insert’ tab
- Click on ‘Header & Footer’
- Choose the desired area for the page number
- Insert the page number
- Format the page number (optional)
Conclusion
Mastering how to insert a page number in Excel 2013 is a valuable skill for anyone who works with data. It not only helps in organizing your information but also adds a professional touch to your documents. Excel’s intuitive interface makes this task straightforward, but remember, the devil is in the details. Paying attention to the tips and considering the frequently asked questions can save you time and make your workflow more efficient.
Keep experimenting with different header and footer elements to see what works best for you. And remember, practice makes perfect! So, go on, give it a try – your reports will look all the better for it. If you ever find yourself stuck or in need of more advanced Excel skills, plenty of resources are available online to guide you further. Happy numbering!
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.