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How to Create a Different Footer for the Last Word Section
Question details
The user needs to set up a unique footer for the final section of a Word document, ensuring the page numbering reflects only that specific section.
- Product
- Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a distinct footer and adjusting page numbers specifically for the last section of a document without affecting previous pages.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to correctly configure the footer to show 'Page X of Y' for the final section only, using the correct field code rather than the entire document's total page count.
Ensure your document is properly divided into sections using 'Next Page' section breaks so the last section is structurally distinct from the rest of the document.
Unlink Footer and Use SECTIONPAGES Field Codes
Disconnect the last section's footer from the previous sections and adjust the field codes to count pages only within the current section.
To create a different footer for the final section, you must first separate it from the preceding sections. Once separated, adjusting the field codes ensures the total page count reflects only the final section.
By default, Word uses the NUMPAGES field to calculate the total pages of the entire document. For a specific section, you must replace this with the SECTIONPAGES field.
Double-click the footer area in the final section of your document. In the Header & Footer menu tab, click the 'Link to Previous' button to turn it off. This unlinks the footer from the earlier sections.
While still in the Header & Footer tab, click 'Page Number' and select 'Format Page Numbers'. Under the Page numbering section, choose 'Start at: 1' and click OK.
Press Ctrl+F9 to insert empty field brackets { }. Type 'PAGE' inside the brackets to show the current page number. Type the word 'of', then press Ctrl+F9 again and type 'SECTIONPAGES' inside the second set of brackets. Your footer should look like this: Page { PAGE } of { SECTIONPAGES }.
Select the field codes you just typed, right-click, and choose 'Update Field' (or press F9). The fields will now display the correct numbering for the final section.
Easily Manage Headers, Footers, and Sections in WPS Writer
WPS Writer provides an intuitive and straightforward interface for managing complex document layouts, including inserting section breaks, unlinking distinct footers, and applying custom page numbering rules effortlessly.
- 1. Insert a Section Break: Open your document in WPS Writer. Go to the 'Page Layout' tab, select 'Breaks', and choose 'Next Page Section Break' right before your final section begins.
- 2. Access the Footer: Double-click the footer area of your newly created final section to reveal the Header and Footer tab on the top ribbon.
- 3. Unlink the Footer: Click the 'Link to Previous' button on the ribbon to disable it. This safely disconnects the final footer from the rest of the document formatting.
- 4. Customize Page Numbers: Click 'Page Number', select 'Format Page Numbers', choose 'Start at 1', and apply your localized numbering. You can also insert customized fields directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my footer change affecting the entire document?
This happens because the 'Link to Previous' setting is enabled by default in word processors. You must double-click inside the footer of the new section and disable 'Link to Previous' before making changes to ensure they only apply to that specific section.
What is the exact difference between the NUMPAGES and SECTIONPAGES field codes?
The NUMPAGES field calculates and displays the total number of pages in the entire document, regardless of breaks. The SECTIONPAGES field only counts the pages within the current document section, making it ideal for distinct end-of-document sections like appendices or indexes.
How can I manually view and edit field codes in my document?
You can toggle the display of field codes by pressing Alt+F9 on your keyboard. This reveals the underlying code (like { SECTIONPAGES }), allowing you to manually type or edit them. Press Alt+F9 again to hide the codes and display the actual formatted results.
