How to Convert Word Page Numbers to Words Using Field Codes
Question details
The user wants to display document page numbers as spelled-out text (e.g., one, two, three) rather than standard numerical digits.
- Product
- Microsoft Word / WPS Writer
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Formatting document headers or footers where stylistic guidelines require page numbers to be written out as actual words instead of numbers.
- Observed behavior
- The goal is to modify the default numerical page numbering into dynamic word-based numbering using document field codes.
Ensure you have already inserted standard page numbers into your document's header or footer before attempting to edit the underlying field codes.
Modify the Page Number Field Code Using the CardText Switch
Edit the underlying field code of your page numbers to dynamically display them as spelled-out text.
Microsoft Word handles page numbers dynamically through field codes. By adding a specific switch to this code, you can change the formatting from numerical digits to spelled-out words.
Double-click the header or footer area containing your current page number to open it for editing.
Press Alt + F9 on your keyboard to reveal the document's hidden field codes. Your page number should now display as { PAGE }.
Click inside the brackets and modify the code by typing \* CardText, so the entire code looks exactly like { PAGE \* CardText }.
Press Alt + F9 again to hide the field codes. Then, right-click the page number and select 'Update Field' from the context menu to apply the word formatting.
Export as PDF for Fixed Page Numbers
If you need to lock the page numbers so they cannot dynamically change or update on other computers, save the document as a PDF.
Easily Format Page Numbers and Field Codes with WPS Writer
WPS Writer provides full support for advanced document formatting, including headers, footers, and complex field codes like CardText. You can seamlessly switch between numeric and text page numbers while enjoying complete compatibility with Microsoft Word formats.
- 1. Open Header/Footer: Open your document in WPS Writer and double-click the header or footer area.
- 2. Insert Page Number: Go to the 'Insert' tab and add a standard page number.
- 3. Toggle Field Codes: Right-click the page number and select 'Toggle Field Codes', or press Alt+F9.
- 4. Add CardText Switch: Edit the field to read { PAGE \* CardText }.
- 5. Update Field: Right-click the modified field code and select 'Update Field' to display the spelled-out words.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I format the spelled-out page numbers with capital letters?
Yes, you can combine capitalization switches. For example, using { PAGE \* CardText \* Caps } will capitalize the first letter (e.g., 'One', 'Two'), and { PAGE \* CardText \* Upper } will make the entire word uppercase (e.g., 'ONE', 'TWO').
Why didn't my page numbers change to text after editing the field code?
After modifying a field code in your document, you must manually trigger an update to see the final result. Right-click the field and choose 'Update Field', or simply press F9 on your keyboard while the field is highlighted.
How do I create a completely static page number that never updates?
To make a page number static, you can convert the dynamic field code into plain text. Select the page number field and press Ctrl + Shift + F9. This unlinks the field, turning the dynamic word into regular, editable text that will no longer update if pages are added or removed.
