How to Keep Letterhead Logos When Adding Page Numbers in Word
Question details
The user wants to add page numbers to a multi-page document without overwriting or deleting the existing letterhead design or logo located in the header.
- Product
- Word Processing
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Adding sequential page numbers to a document that already features custom logos or formatted letterheads in the header/footer areas across different sections.
- Observed behavior
- When standard page numbers are inserted, the system automatically replaces the entire existing header or footer content, causing the custom letterhead logo to be deleted.
Verify that your document is properly divided using Section Breaks if the first page requires a completely different letterhead design than the subsequent pages.
Unlink Sections and Insert Page Number at Current Location
This method prevents standard page numbering templates from overwriting your existing header and footer content.
Default 'Top of Page' or 'Bottom of Page' page number formats act as pre-configured building blocks that replace existing text and images. To keep your logo intact, you must insert the page number directly as a field code at your cursor's specific location.
Navigate to the end of your first page, then go to the Layout or Page Layout tab and select Breaks > Next Page to insert a section break.
Double-click inside the header area on the second page. In the Header & Footer Tools tab that appears, click 'Link to Previous' to toggle it off and disconnect this header from the first page.
Click inside the header exactly where you want the page number to appear, ensuring you do not highlight or select your existing logo.
Go to Insert > Page Number > Current Location to place the number. Alternatively, you can simply press Alt+Shift+P on your keyboard to instantly insert a PAGE field without affecting the logo.
Easily Manage Headers, Footers, and Page Numbers in WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers an intuitive interface for managing complex headers, footers, and multi-section documents, ensuring your professional letterheads remain perfectly intact while numbering pages.
- 1. Open document and access headers: Open your multi-page document in WPS Writer and double-click the header area of your second page to activate the Header and Footer tab.
- 2. Unlink from the previous page: Click the 'Link to Previous' button on the ribbon to deselect it, effectively separating your second-page header from the first.
- 3. Position cursor securely: Click exactly where you want the page number to appear alongside or below your letterhead logo.
- 4. Insert page number: Click 'Insert Page Number' from the ribbon and select 'Current Position', or use the Alt+Shift+P shortcut to safely insert the number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does inserting a page number automatically delete my header text and logo?
Many default page number options (like 'Top of Page') are pre-formatted templates. When selected, they overwrite the entire header or footer area. To prevent this, you must always choose 'Current Location' or use the Alt+Shift+P keyboard shortcut.
How do I make the first page header different from the rest of the document?
Double-click the header area to open the Header & Footer settings, then check the box labeled 'Different First Page'. This allows you to have a unique letterhead on page one and a standard header with page numbers on all subsequent pages.
Does the Alt+Shift+P shortcut work for footers as well?
Yes. You can place your cursor anywhere in either the header or the footer and press Alt+Shift+P. It will instantly insert the current page number at that exact spot without deleting or modifying any surrounding content.
