Adding Arabic page numbers in Word—those familiar digits like 1, 2, 3…—is essential for properly formatted documents, whether you’re writing a thesis, report, business document, or letter. By default, Microsoft Word uses Arabic numerals for pagination, but you can customize them with just a few clicks or shortcuts. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, inserting Arabic page numbers is simple and quick.
This guide will show you how to insert, format, and manage Arabic page numbers in Word on every major platform.
📘 What Are Arabic Page Numbers?
Arabic page numbers refer to the standard numeric digits (0-9) used worldwide in most contexts. In contrast to Roman numerals (I, II, III), they are used by default in most documents and are the most widely recognized numbering system globally.
🪟 How to Add Arabic Page Numbers in Word (Windows)
✅ Step-by-Step:
- Go to Insert > Page Number > Top of Page / Bottom of Page
- Choose a style like Plain Number 2 or Centered
- The page numbers will appear automatically
🛠 Format Options:
- Go to Insert > Page Number > Format Page Numbers
- Under Number format, select 1, 2, 3, …
⌨️ Shortcut for Windows:
- Alt + N + N → Opens the Page Number menu
- Alt + N + F → Opens Page Number formatting options
💡 You can double-click the footer area and then insert page numbers for faster access.
🍏 Add Arabic Page Numbers in Word on macOS
✅ How to Insert:
- Click Insert > Page Numbers from the top menu
- Select your preferred position (top, bottom, right, center)
- Format numbers via Format > Page Numbers, and ensure 1, 2, 3… is selected
💡 Want to hide numbering on the title page? Go to Layout > Different First Page
⌨️ Shortcut on macOS:
- No direct built-in shortcut, but:
- Double-click on the footer > Then use Insert > Page Numbers
🐧 Add Arabic Page Numbers on Ubuntu (LibreOffice Writer)
LibreOffice Writer is the most popular Word alternative on Ubuntu.
✅ Steps:
- Go to Insert > Footer > Default Style
- Click inside the footer
- Then select Insert > Field > Page Number
🛠 Format Numbers:
- Go to Format > Page Style > Page
- In the Format dropdown, choose 1, 2, 3, …
⌨️ Shortcuts on Ubuntu:
- Alt + I, F, N → Insert > Footer > Page Number
- Alt + O, P, S → Format > Page Style > Format Arabic
🧩 Start Arabic Page Numbers from Page 2 or 3
To skip numbering the title or intro pages and start from a later page:
- Insert a Section Break via Layout > Breaks > Next Page
- Double-click footer → Disable Link to Previous
- Go to Insert > Page Number > Format Page Numbers
- Select Start at: 1
Now, your document will have unnumbered intro pages, followed by proper Arabic numerals.
📋 Quick Comparison Table
| Platform | Insertion Path | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Insert > Page Number > Format | Alt + N + F |
| macOS | Insert > Page Numbers > Format | Double-click footer > Menu |
| Ubuntu | Insert > Field > Page Number | Alt + I, F, N |
💡 Pro Tips for Arabic Page Numbers
- Center the numbers for formal documents like dissertations or reports
- Combine Roman and Arabic numerals using section breaks
- Use “Different First Page” to hide the number on the cover page
- For automatic Table of Contents, consistent page numbering is crucial
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I combine Arabic and Roman numerals in the same document?
Yes, by using section breaks and formatting each section separately.
Why aren’t my page numbers showing?
Ensure you’re editing the footer and that “Different First Page” isn’t hiding them unintentionally.
How do I restart page numbering in the middle of the document?
Insert a section break and set the starting number under Page Number Format.
Are Arabic page numbers the default in Word?
Yes, Word inserts Arabic numerals by default unless you manually choose Roman or other formats.
✅ Conclusion
Adding Arabic page numbers in Word is essential for clarity, structure, and professionalism in any document. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, inserting and formatting page numbers is straightforward. Use handy keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow and customize numbering styles to suit academic, professional, or personal needs.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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