Fix Microsoft Publisher Printing Only Even Pages After Adding Sections
Question details
The user needs to fix an issue in Microsoft Publisher where only even pages print or display correct page numbers after adding section breaks to omit numbering on the first and last pages.
- Product
- Microsoft Publisher
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Formatting document page numbers to omit the cover and final page by adding section breaks.
- Observed behavior
- Odd pages show blank or incorrect numbers, and even pages repeat numbers. Removing section breaks causes all even pages to incorrectly display page number 1.
Before adjusting your page layout settings, ensure you make hidden layout guides visible in Publisher so you can clearly identify where your section breaks are placed.
Configure Section-Specific Page Numbering Correctly
Adjust your section breaks and format page numbers to ensure the main section continues numbering correctly while suppressing it on the cover and final page.
Microsoft Publisher allows you to control page numbering through sections. If you added sections but page numbers are repeating or incorrect, the formatting rules for each section need to be adjusted independently.
Open the Page Navigation pane on the left side. Ensure your document is divided into exactly three intended sections: the cover page, the main body (e.g., pages 1 through 34), and the final page.
Right-click the first page of your main body section, select 'Page Numbers', and then choose 'Format Page Numbers' from the context menu.
In the Page Number Format dialog box, select the 'Start this section with' option and enter '1'. This ensures numbering begins correctly and prevents it from resetting on every even page.
Right-click the pages in the first and last sections, navigate to 'Page Numbers', and ensure no page number is inserted. Alternatively, apply a Master Page to these sections that does not contain a page number field.
Update the Two-Page Master Page for Odd Pages
If odd pages are completely blank while even pages are numbered, the page number field may be missing from the right-hand (odd) Master Page.
Create Stunning Page Layouts with WPS Writer
If Microsoft Publisher's section breaks and master pages feel overly complex, consider using WPS Writer. It is a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office that makes document layout, page numbering, and section management incredibly intuitive and seamless.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
- 2. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Writer and start a new document or open an existing file for your layout project.
- 3. Set Up Page Numbering: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab and click 'Page Number' to easily format and apply numbering across specific sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my page numbers restart at 1 on every page in Publisher?
This typically occurs when you have unintended section breaks inserted between individual pages, and the page number format is set to restart at '1' for every new section. Removing the excess section breaks will fix this issue.
How do I print only odd or even pages in Microsoft Publisher?
Go to 'File' > 'Print'. Under the 'Settings' section, click the 'Print All Pages' dropdown menu and select either 'Only Print Odd Pages' or 'Only Print Even Pages'. This is useful for manual double-sided printing.
How can I remove the page number from just the first page?
You can apply a different Master Page to the first page that does not contain a page number text box. Alternatively, if your Publisher version supports it, go to the Page Design tab and check the 'Different First Page' option.
