How to add page numbers in Google Docs: Go to Insert > Page numbers and choose your preferred style—top or bottom, with or without the first page. This built-in feature helps keep documents organized and professional, especially for reports, essays, or long manuscripts. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, this guide walks you through every step, including shortcuts! 🧠✨
Why Use Page Numbers in Google Docs?
Adding page numbers improves document structure and navigation, especially when printing or sharing. It’s essential for:
- Academic papers 📚
- Business reports 💼
- Books or eBooks 📘
- Legal documents 📑
With just a few clicks, your doc becomes reader-friendly and easier to reference.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Page Numbers in Google Docs
Using the Menu Bar
- Open your Google Docs file.
- Click Insert in the top menu.
- Select Page numbers.
- Choose from four options:
- Top-right on every page.
- Bottom-right on every page.
- Skip the first page.
- Customize further with “More options”.
Done! You now have page numbers formatted exactly how you want them. 🎯
Customizing Page Numbers in Google Docs
Need more control over how numbers appear? Click Insert > Page numbers > More options.
Options include:
- Start at a specific number
- Apply to header or footer
- Skip numbering on the first page
💡 This is useful for academic title pages or cover sheets where numbering isn’t needed.
Keyboard Shortcuts to Insert Page Numbers ⌨️
Although there’s no direct shortcut to insert page numbers, you can navigate quicker using menu shortcuts.
| Action | Windows/Linux | macOS |
|---|---|---|
| Open Insert Menu | Alt + Shift + I | Control + Option + I |
| Access Page Numbers | Use arrow keys or P after Insert | Use arrow keys or P after Insert |
| Confirm Selection | Enter | Return |
✨ On Ubuntu, use the Windows instructions as they match.
How to Remove Page Numbers in Google Docs
Don’t need them anymore? No problem!
- Click on the header or footer where the page number is located.
- Highlight the number and press Backspace/Delete.
- Repeat for other pages if necessary.
Alternatively, go to Format > Headers & footers and uncheck the page number boxes.
Common Page Number Formatting Tips
- Left/Center/Right alignment: Use toolbar icons to shift number positions.
- Change font and size: Highlight the number and use standard formatting options.
- Use Roman numerals: Manually type these if needed, as Google Docs doesn’t auto-format them.
- First page different: Check the box for “Different first page” in header/footer settings.
Using Page Numbers with Headers or Footers
You can combine headers with page numbers for a more dynamic doc layout:
- Click Insert > Header or Footer.
- Place your cursor where you want the page number.
- Then go to Insert > Page number to add it.
This allows you to place the title and number together—ideal for multi-page documents.
FAQs about Page Numbers in Google Docs
Can I start numbering from page 2?
Yes! Go to Insert > Page numbers > More options and check “Skip first page.”
Can I restart page numbers mid-document?
Not directly. You’d need to split the document into sections or use Google Slides for complex layouts.
How do I format the font of page numbers?
Click the number and use the toolbar to change font style, size, or color.
Are page numbers shown when exporting as PDF?
Yes, they remain visible unless manually removed before exporting.
Can I add page numbers to specific pages only?
Google Docs applies numbers globally. For more control, use manual entries or combine with section breaks.
Is it possible to add Roman numerals?
Not automatically. You’ll need to enter Roman numerals manually in the header/footer.
Final Thoughts: Add Page Numbers Like a Pro 🧾
Now that you know how to add page numbers in Google Docs, your documents will be easier to read, reference, and present. Whether you’re creating school essays, client proposals, or digital books, numbering adds structure and clarity.
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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