Formatting Issues

How to Fix Tiny Symbols Appearing in the Bottom-Right of Word Pages

Ayan Masood Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is seeing tiny symbols or pictures in the bottom-right corner of their Word document pages instead of standard page numbers.

How to Fix Tiny Symbols Appearing in the Bottom-Right of Word Pages

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reading, editing, or formatting a Word document where page numbers are displaying incorrectly.
Observed behavior: Page numbers in the footer are displaying as small graphical symbols rather than standard digits, which is caused by a symbol font like Wingdings being applied to the text.

Before you start

Ensure your document is set to Print Layout view so you can clearly access and click into the header and footer areas of your pages.

Solution 1Recommended

Change the Footer Font to a Standard Font

This is the most direct way to convert the unrecognizable symbols back into readable page numbers.

The symbols are actually regular digits (like page 9 or 10) that have been formatted with a symbol font, typically Wingdings. Changing the font back to a standard text font will restore the numbers.

Activate the Footer Area

Double-click the bottom-right corner of the page where the symbols appear. Alternatively, go to the Insert tab, select Header & Footer, choose Footer, and click Edit Footer.

Select the Symbols

Use your mouse to highlight the tiny symbols or select the entire paragraph containing them.

Apply a Standard Font

Navigate to the Home tab, open the font drop-down menu, and select a standard font such as Calibri, Times New Roman, or Arial.

Change the Footer Font to a Standard Font

Quick Check: Once the font is changed, the symbols should immediately turn into your standard page numbers. You can then double-click the main document body to close the footer.

Solution 2

Update the Footer Style Settings

Modifying the default Footer style ensures that the Wingdings font does not automatically reapply itself to new pages or sections in your document.

Solution 3

Delete the Symbols Completely

Use this method if you do not want page numbers or any objects in the bottom-right corner of your document.

Manage Headers and Footers Easily

Fix Formatting Issues Seamlessly with WPS Writer

WPS Writer provides an intuitive interface for managing headers, footers, and page numbers, allowing you to quickly resolve font issues and ensure your document looks professional.

1. Open the Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document containing the symbol issue.
2. Edit the Footer: Go to the Insert tab and click Header and Footer, or simply double-click the bottom of the page.
3. Change the Font: Highlight the symbols, go to the Home tab, and choose a readable font like Arial or Calibri to restore your page numbers.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word .docx formatsEasily customize and fix headers, footers, and page numbersFree and lightweight office suite with a familiar interfaceQuick access to comprehensive font and style management

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do page numbers turn into symbols in Word?

This happens when a symbol font, such as Wingdings or Webdings, is accidentally applied to the footer or page number text. These fonts convert standard digits and letters into graphical symbols.

Can I remove the symbols entirely instead of changing the font?

Yes. Simply double-click the footer to enter edit mode, highlight the symbols or page numbers, and press the Delete or Backspace key on your keyboard to remove them completely.

How do I stop Wingdings from being the default font for my footer?

You need to update the underlying style. Open the Styles pane on the Home tab, find the 'Footer' style, right-click to select Modify, and change the default font format to a standard text font.

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