Formatting Issues

How to Add Text and Page Numbers to a Word Header

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to insert custom text alongside page numbers in a Word document header so the content repeats on every page, and needs to know how to handle different headers for specific sections.

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up standardized document headers that include both dynamic page numbers and fixed text.
Observed behavior: The user requires both static text (e.g., a team name or document title) and dynamic numbering within the same header space, with potential variations across different document sections.

Before you start

Before making changes, determine if your document needs the exact same header on every page, or if distinct sections (like an appendix or new chapter) will require different header text.

Solution 1Recommended

Add Text and Page Numbers to All Pages

Use this method to quickly add custom text alongside page numbers to a uniform header across your entire document.

Open Header & Footer Mode

Double-click the top margin of your document to open the Header & Footer editing space.

Insert Page Number

Go to the Header & Footer tab on the ribbon, click 'Page Number', and select your preferred position (e.g., Top of Page).

Add Custom Text

Click immediately before or after the inserted page number field, and type your desired text (such as "FBS Teams").

Align the Content

Use the Tab key on your keyboard to align the text and page number. Headers have built-in tab stops to easily left-align text while right-aligning page numbers.

Close and Apply

Double-click anywhere in the main document body or click 'Close Header and Footer' on the ribbon to apply the changes to all pages.

Solution 2

Configure Separate Headers for Different Document Sections

Use the desktop application to insert section breaks if you need different header text or numbering for distinct sections of your document.

Easy Header Customization

Easily Add Text and Page Numbers in WPS Writer

WPS Office Writer offers an intuitive Header & Footer tool that lets you effortlessly combine custom text and page numbers. It fully supports advanced section breaks for professional document formatting.

1. Open Header/Footer Mode: Open your document in WPS Writer and double-click the top margin.
2. Insert the Page Number: Click 'Insert Page Number' from the Header and Footer tab and select your layout.
3. Add Text and Format: Type your custom text next to the page number and use the Tab key to adjust the alignment.
4. Apply Changes: Click the 'Close' button on the ribbon to apply the uniform header to your entire document.

Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats.Intuitive visual interface for managing complex headers and footers.Free, lightweight, and fast document processing.Easily insert and manage section-specific headers with a single click.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my page numbers disappear when I typed text in the header?

This usually happens if the text accidentally overwrites the page number field. To avoid this, insert the page number first, then carefully click beside the number field (avoiding highlighting the number itself) to start typing.

Can I have a different header on the first page of my document?

Yes. Double-click the header to open the Header & Footer tab, then check the box for 'Different First Page'. You can now leave the first page header blank or add a title without affecting the headers on subsequent pages.

How do I align text to the left and the page number to the right in the same header?

Type your custom text on the left, then press the 'Tab' key once or twice. Document headers have built-in center and right tab stops, allowing you to easily push the page number directly to the right margin.

Document & File Issues