Formatting Issues

How to Extend Pleading Paper Line Numbers to the Bottom of the Page

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to extend pleading paper line numbers that currently stop halfway down the document page.

How to Extend Pleading Paper Line Numbers to the Bottom of the Page

Product: Word Processor
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing a legal pleading paper template where the line numbers do not reach the bottom margin.
Observed behavior: The line numbers are confined to a text box anchored in the document header that is too short, causing the numbering to cut off halfway down the page.

Before you start

Ensure your document is in Print Layout view so you can clearly see the headers, footers, and page margins before attempting to edit the line numbers.

Solution 1Recommended

Extend the Line Number Text Box in the Document Header

Since pleading templates often use a static text box anchored to the header for line numbers, you can fix this by entering header editing mode and resizing the text box.

Many legal pleading templates are built using a text box that contains manually typed line numbers. Because this text box is anchored in the header, it automatically repeats on every page. If the text box isn't tall enough, the numbers will stop prematurely.

Activate Header and Footer Editing

Double-click the header area at the top of the page to open the Header and Footer editing mode.

Select the Text Box

Click directly on the line numbers. A bounding box with sizing handles should appear around the numbers, indicating the text box is selected.

Resize the Text Box

Click and drag the bottom sizing handle of the text box downward until it reaches the bottom margin of the page.

Add Missing Numbers

Click inside the text box below the last number, press Enter, and type the missing numbers manually until you reach the bottom of the box.

Close Header and Footer

Double-click anywhere in the main document body to exit the Header and Footer view. The updated line numbers will now appear correctly on every page.

Extend the Line Number Text Box in the Document Header

Template Variations: The exact method for generating pleading numbers can vary depending on how the template was originally created. If you cannot select a text box, the document might be using the built-in Page Layout line numbering feature instead.

Professional Document Formatting

Format Pleading Papers Easily with WPS Writer

WPS Writer provides intuitive tools for editing headers, footers, and text boxes, making it simple to manage complex legal document layouts like pleading paper.

1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and open your pleading paper template in WPS Writer.
2. Access the Header: Double-click the top margin of the page to enter the Header and Footer editing mode.
3. Adjust the Text Box: Select the text box containing the line numbers, resize it to the bottom of the page, and insert any remaining numbers.

Seamless editing of headers, footers, and anchored text boxesFull format compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx) pleading templatesBuilt-in line numbering and margin adjustment features for legal documentsLightweight, fast, and free to use for daily document processing

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do the line numbers in my pleading paper stop halfway?

In many legal templates, line numbers are typed manually into a text box anchored to the document's header. If the text box isn't drawn long enough to reach the bottom of the page, the numbers will cut off early.

Will extending the text box fix the numbers on all pages?

Yes. As long as the text box is anchored inside the page header, any changes you make to its size or content will automatically apply to every page in the document that shares the same header.

Can I use automatic line numbering instead of a text box?

Yes, you can use the built-in Line Numbers feature located under the Page Layout tab. However, court formatting rules often require specific line spacing that is sometimes easier to control using a custom text box.

Document & File Issues