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Fix Word Footer Showing PAGE and NUMPAGES Field Codes Instead of Numbers
Question details
The user needs to restore normal page numbering because the document footer is displaying raw field codes instead of numeric values.
- Product
- Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Viewing or editing a document that contains page numbers, document names, and dates in the footer.
- Observed behavior
- The footer displays field codes such as { PAGE } of { NUMPAGES } rather than the expected evaluated numbers like 1 of 9.
Ensure your document is in Print Layout view so you can clearly see the headers and footers as you apply the fix.
Toggle Field Codes Using Keyboard Shortcuts
The fastest way to resolve this formatting issue is by using the built-in keyboard shortcut to toggle field codes off and display the actual page numbers.
Word uses field codes as placeholders for data that might change in a document, such as page numbers or dates. Occasionally, this display mode gets accidentally toggled on.
Press 'Alt + F9' simultaneously on your keyboard. This command toggles the display setting from field codes back to standard text.
Look at the bottom of your page. The { PAGE } and { NUMPAGES } codes should now display as standard numbers, such as '1 of 9'.
If the numbers appear but are incorrect or haven't updated, select the footer text and press 'F9'. Alternatively, click inside the document, press 'Ctrl + A' to select everything, and press 'F9' to refresh all fields at once.
Disable Field Codes Display in Word Options
If the keyboard shortcut does not work due to hardware settings or system overrides, you can manually disable the field code display via the settings menu.
Easily Manage Page Numbers and Field Codes in WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers an intuitive layout for managing headers, footers, and page numbers without the confusion of unwanted field codes displaying by default.
- 1. Open your Document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your .docx or .doc file containing the page number fields.
- 2. Access Header and Footer tools: Double-click the footer area to instantly open the Header and Footer editing tools in the top ribbon.
- 3. Toggle or Update Field Codes: Right-click the page number and select 'Toggle Field Codes', or simply use the Alt+F9 shortcut to switch between codes and values seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my page numbers suddenly change to { PAGE }?
This usually happens if you or a macro accidentally triggered the Alt+F9 keyboard shortcut. This shortcut commands the word processor to reveal the underlying field codes instead of calculating and displaying their resulting values.
How do I update the page numbers if they are out of sequence?
Select the text in your footer, or press Ctrl+A to select the entire document, and then press the F9 key. This forces the application to recalculate and update all dynamic fields, including page numbers.
Will printing my document show the field codes or the actual page numbers?
Depending on your specific print settings, if the field codes are actively displayed on your screen, they might print as codes. It is highly recommended to press Alt+F9 to toggle back to actual numbers before printing or exporting to PDF.
Can I manually type { PAGE } to create a page number?
No, simply typing the curly brackets will not create a functional field code. You must use the 'Insert Page Number' tool from the ribbon, or press Ctrl+F9 to insert actual field brackets, then type PAGE inside them and press F9 to update.
