Formatting Issues

How to Format Page Numbers in Microsoft Word 365

Steve K Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is trying to find the Format Page Numbers command to customize document pagination in Word 365.

How to Format Page Numbers in Microsoft Word 365

Product: Microsoft Word 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing page numbers for a document, especially when working across different versions of Word like the desktop app or cloud-based platforms.
Observed behavior: The formatting options are difficult to locate, and Word for the Web or documents accessed via OneDrive, SharePoint, or Teams appear to have limited page-number formatting capabilities.

Before you start

Check whether you are using the Word desktop application or Word for the Web, as the web version offers fewer formatting tools for headers, footers, and page numbers.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Word Desktop Application for Full Formatting Options

Switching to the desktop version of Word provides access to the complete set of page number formatting tools that are restricted in the web version.

Word for the Web, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams offer streamlined interfaces that lack advanced pagination controls. To access comprehensive formatting options, you should open your document in the Microsoft Word desktop application.

Navigate to the Insert Tab

Open your document in the Word desktop app. On the top ribbon menu, click on the 'Insert' tab.

Locate Header & Footer Tools

Find the 'Header & Footer' group on the ribbon, and click on 'Page Number' to reveal a drop-down list of placement options.

Select Format Page Numbers

Click 'Format Page Numbers' from the drop-down menu. A dialog box will appear where you can change the number style, include chapter headings, or set a specific starting page number.

Use the Word Desktop Application for Full Formatting Options

Quick Tip: If you are currently viewing the document in your browser, click 'Editing' and select 'Open in Desktop App' to quickly transition your work to the desktop version.

Solution 2

Create a Reusable Template for Custom Formats

Save your customized page numbers as a document template so you can easily apply the exact same formatting to future documents.

Effortless Document Formatting

Format Page Numbers Like a Pro in WPS Office

WPS Writer offers an intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface that makes adding and customizing page numbers simple, without the confusing feature differences between web and desktop platforms.

1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document.
2. Insert Page Numbers: Navigate to the Insert tab on the ribbon and click on the Page Number icon.
3. Customize Formatting: Select 'Format Page Numbers' from the menu to easily adjust number styles, starting pages, and section rules.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx, .dotx) formatsConsistent formatting tools across all devicesLightweight, fast, and free to downloadIntuitive Header & Footer editing interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find advanced page number options in Word for the Web?

Word for the Web is a lightweight version of the software designed for quick editing and collaboration. Advanced layout controls, including detailed page number formatting and custom fields, are restricted to the desktop version.

How do I make my page numbers start on page 2 in Word?

In the desktop app, double-click the header or footer area to open the Header & Footer tab. Check the box for 'Different First Page'. Then, go to Page Number > Format Page Numbers, and set 'Start at' to 0 or 1 depending on your desired layout.

What is the Normal.dotm template?

The Normal.dotm file is the default template that Microsoft Word uses to generate new, blank documents. Modifying this template allows you to set default fonts, margins, and persistent header/footer elements like page numbers for all future files.

Document & File Issues