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Fix Word for the Web Showing <#> Instead of Page Numbers
Question details
The user needs to properly display actual page numbers in the header or footer instead of the <#> placeholder symbol.
- Product
- Word for the Web
- Device & OS
- Mac (Google Chrome)
- Scenario
- Editing a document's header or footer that contains page numbers within a web browser.
- Observed behavior
- The page number field displays as the text <#> while in Editing mode, rather than showing the actual calculated page number.
Ensure your document changes are saved to OneDrive before switching document views or moving to the desktop application.
Switch to Viewing Mode
The quickest way to verify your page numbers is to change your document view from Editing to Viewing mode.
Word for the web has rendering limitations in its editing view. The <#> symbol acts as a placeholder for the field code and does not mean your document is corrupted.
On the top ribbon in Word for the web, click on the 'View' tab.
Click on 'Reading View' or select 'Viewing' from the mode switcher located at the top right of the ribbon.
Check your headers or footers to confirm that the <#> symbol has been replaced by the correct page numbers.
Open the Document in the Desktop App
For accurate rendering of field codes and advanced header editing, open the document in the full Microsoft Word desktop application.
Try an Alternative Web Browser
Since this issue frequently occurs when using Google Chrome on a Mac, switching to Safari or Microsoft Edge may improve rendering.
Edit Documents Without Browser Limitations in WPS Office
If you frequently encounter formatting glitches and display limitations in Word for the web, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a full-featured, standalone desktop experience for free, ensuring that your headers, footers, and page numbers always display accurately.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your Mac or PC.
- 2. Open your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your .docx file directly.
- 3. Edit Seamlessly: Edit your headers, footers, and page numbers with perfect formatting and no placeholder glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does <#> appear in my Word document header?
It indicates a page number field code that Word for the web cannot fully render while in Editing mode. This is a display limitation of the web browser version, not a corrupted file.
Will the <#> symbol print if I export the document to PDF?
No, if you print the document or export it to a PDF format, the actual page numbers will be calculated and displayed correctly in the final output.
Does deleting and re-inserting the header fix the <#> issue?
No, removing and reapplying headers and footers will not resolve the issue, as the problem stems from the web editor's display capabilities, not the specific header itself.
Can I fix this without installing the desktop application?
You cannot 'fix' it while remaining in Editing mode on the web, but you can easily view the correct numbers by switching your document view to Viewing mode or Reading View.
