How to Print Page Numbers Correctly in a Folded Word Booklet
Question details
The user needs page numbers to appear properly on each individual half-page of a folded booklet rather than being centered across the entire physical sheet.
- Product
- Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up and printing a folded booklet document with correct page numeration.
- Observed behavior
- Page numbers appear beneath the entire printed sheet instead of beneath each individual folded booklet page due to incorrect document layout configuration.
Ensure your printer supports double-sided (duplex) printing, or be prepared to manually flip the pages, as booklet printing inherently requires printing on both sides of the paper.
Enable the Book Fold Layout Setting
Configure your document layout to 'Book fold' so the word processor correctly treats each half of the physical sheet as a distinct page for numbering.
When you manually create columns or margins to simulate a booklet, the software still treats the physical sheet of paper as one single page. By enabling the official 'Book fold' feature, the document is automatically divided, allowing page numbers, headers, and footers to align perfectly with each folded half.
Navigate to the 'Layout' or 'Page Layout' tab on the top ribbon, and click the small dialog box launcher arrow in the bottom-right corner of the 'Page Setup' group.
In the Page Setup dialog box, go to the 'Margins' tab. Look for the 'Pages' section, open the 'Multiple pages' dropdown menu, and select 'Book fold'.
Go to the 'Insert' tab, click 'Page Number', and choose your preferred position (e.g., Bottom of Page). The numbers will now correctly format to each half-page.
Press Ctrl + P to open the Print menu. Verify in the print preview that the pages are ordered for a booklet fold, ensure double-sided printing is selected, and click Print.
Create and Print Booklets Easily with WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers an intuitive interface to set up book fold layouts and insert accurate page numbers. Create professional folded booklets without formatting headaches.
- 1. Open Page Layout: Open your document in WPS Writer and navigate to the 'Page Layout' tab on the top ribbon.
- 2. Set to Book Fold: Click on 'Page Setup'. Under the 'Margins' tab, find the 'Multiple pages' dropdown list and select 'Book fold'.
- 3. Add Page Numbers: Go to the 'Insert' tab, click on 'Page Number', and select the alignment for your booklet pages.
- 4. Print Double-Sided: Go to Menu > Print. Ensure that duplex (double-sided) printing is turned on so the booklet folds correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my page numbers out of order when I preview the booklet?
This is normal. The Booklet layout intentionally rearranges the page sequence so they are in the correct reading order after the printed sheets are folded in half (for example, page 1 and page 4 might print on the same side of a sheet).
Can I start page numbering on page 2 or 3 of my booklet?
Yes. You need to insert a 'Next Page' section break between your cover pages and the main content. Then, double-click the header/footer of the new section, disable 'Link to Previous', and format the page numbers to 'Start at 1'.
What if my printer doesn't support automatic double-sided printing?
You can still print a booklet. In the print settings, select 'Manual Duplex' or 'Print on Both Sides (Manually)'. The printer will print all the first sides, then prompt you to flip the stack of paper and re-insert it to print the second sides.
