How to Start Page Numbers on Page 4 in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word allows for flexible page numbering options, including the ability to start page numbers from a specific page, such as page 4. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to achieve this in your documents.

Step 1: Insert a Section Break

To start page numbering on page 4, you first need to create a section break. This will create a new section starting from page 4.

Move to the end of page 3 in your document. Go to the Layout tab (or Page Layout in some versions). Click on Breaks and select Next Page under Section Breaks. This action will insert a section break, creating a new section starting on page 4.

Step 2: Add Page Numbers

Now that the new section has been created, you can add page numbers to it.

Go to the Insert tab. Click on Page Number. From the available options, select where you want to place the page numbers, such as Top of Page or Bottom of Page.

Step 3: Format Page Numbers

To ensure page numbers start from page 4, you need to specify the page number format.

With the header or footer active, go back to the Insert tab. Click on Page Numbers again and select Format Page Numbers. In the dialog box, choose Start at and enter 1. This specifies that page 4 will be numbered as page 1.

Step 4: Remove Page Numbers from Previous Pages

To avoid numbering pages 1-3, you need to remove page numbers from these pages.

Scroll back to the header or footer of pages 1-3. Click on the header or footer area to activate it. If necessary, unlink the header/footer from the previous section. Highlight the header or footer and click on Link to Previous in the Header Footer Tools Design tab, then turn it off. Delete the page numbers from pages 1-3.

Step 5: Close Header and Footer

Finally, close the header and footer to complete the formatting.

Click on Close Header and Footer in the toolbar or double-click outside the header/footer area.

Now, your document should be formatted such that it starts numbering from page 4 as page 1, with pages 1-3 remaining unnumbered.

Advanced Tips

For more advanced users, if you want to precisely control the numbering style and alignment, you can use the following tips:

Change the number format: You can customize the page number style, such as adding a suffix or prefix. Restart numbering: If you need to restart numbering later in the document, you can insert another section break and repeat the steps from Step 2. Format alignment: Ensure the page number is aligned correctly by adjusting the margins or position in the header/footer.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively manage page numbering in your Microsoft Word documents, ensuring they meet your formatting requirements.