Formatting Issues

How to Create Different Odd and Even Headers with Automatic Page Numbers in Word

Bushra Parveen Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to set up a document layout with alternating headers and footers for odd and even pages, utilizing automatic page numbering that skips the first page and starts at a customized number.

Creating Different Odd and Even Headers with Automatic Page Numbers in Word

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting a book, report, or formal document that requires alternating left-and-right page numbers on even and odd pages respectively, without displaying a number on the cover or title page.
Observed behavior: The goal is to successfully configure different odd and even headers, hide the first page number, and dynamically update page numbers using an automatic PAGE field instead of static text.

Before you start

Ensure your document is fully typed or separated by the correct section breaks if you plan to apply this alternating header formatting to only a specific part of your document.

Solution 1Recommended

Using Word's Built-in Header and Footer Settings

Set up alternating page numbers using Word's Header & Footer design tab and the automatic PAGE field shortcut.

To achieve a professional book-like layout, you must tell Word to treat odd and even pages differently. Using an automatic PAGE field ensures that as you add or remove text, the page numbers will calculate dynamically instead of requiring manual updates.

Access the Header Area

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

Enable Alternate Page Settings

In the Header & Footer ribbon, check the boxes for 'Different First Page' and 'Different Odd & Even Pages'.

Insert the Even Page Number

Scroll to an even page (e.g., page 2), click inside the header, align your cursor to the left, and press Alt+Shift+P to insert the automatic PAGE field.

Insert the Odd Page Number

Scroll to an odd page (e.g., page 3), click inside the header, use the right tab stop to align your cursor to the right margin, and press Alt+Shift+P.

Format the Starting Page Number

Right-click any inserted page number, select 'Format Page Numbers', and in the 'Page numbering' section, select 'Start at' to define your custom starting number (e.g., 121).

Using Word's Built-in Header and Footer Settings

Tip: By enabling 'Different First Page', whatever you type on page 1's header will not affect the rest of the document. Simply leave it blank to ensure no page number is displayed on the cover.

Edit Word Documents Seamlessly

Easily Format Headers and Page Numbers in WPS Writer

WPS Office Writer provides a highly compatible and intuitive interface for setting up professional headers, footers, and page numbers. You can quickly configure different odd and even page layouts for your books or reports with just a few clicks.

1. Open Header Settings: Open your document in WPS Writer, go to the 'Insert' tab, and click 'Header and Footer'.
2. Apply Alternate Pages: In the Header and Footer Options ribbon, check the boxes for 'Different First Page' and 'Different Odd and Even Pages'.
3. Insert Page Numbers: Click 'Insert Page Number' from the ribbon, choose your preferred alignment (left for even, right for odd), and set your starting number in 'Page Number Format'.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) documents and formattingIntuitive Header and Footer design tab for quick customizationFree, lightweight, and fast alternative to Microsoft Office

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my page numbers not updating automatically when I add new pages?

If you manually type a number in the header, it acts as static text and will repeat on every page. You must insert an automatic PAGE field (using the Alt+Shift+P shortcut) or use the Insert Page Number tool so the software can calculate the pages dynamically.

How do I remove the header from only the first page?

Double-click the header area to open the Header & Footer settings, then check the 'Different First Page' box. You can then delete the header text or page number on the first page without affecting the headers on subsequent pages.

Can I start my page numbering on page 2 but have it display as page 1?

Yes. Enable 'Different First Page' to hide the number on the first page. Then, go to the 'Format Page Numbers' menu, choose 'Start at', and enter 0. The first page (which is hidden) will be counted as 0, making your second page automatically display as 1.

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