Formatting Issues

How to Show Page Numbers on Opposite Sides of Odd and Even Pages in Word

Steve K Oct 9, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to format a document for book printing by placing page numbers on alternating sides (e.g., top-right for odd pages, top-left for even pages).

How to Show Page Numbers on Opposite Sides of Odd and Even Pages in Word

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting a document for double-sided printing where page numbers must align to the outside edges of facing pages.
Observed behavior: Page numbers are currently appearing on the same side of every page instead of alternating sides on odd and even pages.

Before you start

Before altering your headers and footers, ensure you are viewing your document in Print Layout so you can accurately see the page number positions as they will appear when printed.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable Different Odd & Even Pages in Header and Footer

Use Word's built-in header and footer settings to assign different alignments for odd and even page numbers.

By enabling the 'Different Odd & Even Pages' feature, Word treats the headers and footers of left and right pages as independent sections. This allows you to position the odd page numbers on the right side and even page numbers on the left side, mimicking a traditional book layout.

Access the Header and Footer Tools

Double-click the top or bottom margin of any page in your document to open the Header & Footer workspace.

Enable Different Odd & Even Pages

In the Header & Footer ribbon tab that appears, check the box labeled 'Different Odd & Even Pages'.

Insert the Odd Page Number

Click into the 'Odd Page Header' (or footer). Go to Insert > Page Number, and choose a numbering style that aligns to the right side.

Insert the Even Page Number

Scroll down to the next page and click into the 'Even Page Header' (or footer). Go to Insert > Page Number, and choose a numbering style that aligns to the left side.

Exit Header and Footer

Double-click anywhere in the main body of your document to close the header/footer tools. The numbers will now update and alternate sides automatically.

Enable Different Odd & Even Pages in Header and Footer

Automatic Updates: Once configured, you do not need to manually adjust numbers. Word will maintain this alternating sequence even if you add or delete pages later.

Efficient Document Formatting

Format Book-Style Page Numbers Easily with WPS Office

WPS Writer offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface for managing headers, footers, and alternating page numbers. You can quickly set up your document for professional book printing while retaining full compatibility with Microsoft Word formats.

1. Open Header and Footer: Open your document in WPS Writer and double-click the top margin of the page.
2. Check the Odd and Even Option: In the Header and Footer tab on the ribbon, check the 'Different Odd and Even Pages' option.
3. Set Numbering for Odd Pages: In an odd page header, click 'Page Number' and select a right-aligned format.
4. Set Numbering for Even Pages: Scroll to an even page header, click 'Page Number', and select a left-aligned format.
5. Apply and Close: Double-click the document body to exit. Your alternating page numbers are now set.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx) formats without layout distortion.Highly intuitive Header & Footer interface for quick setup.Free and lightweight office suite with professional typesetting tools.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my existing page numbers disappear when I checked 'Different Odd & Even Pages'?

When you enable this setting, Word creates brand-new, separate header and footer sections for odd and even pages. Any page numbers previously added to the default unified header are cleared, requiring you to insert them again for the new distinct sections.

Can I hide the page number on the title page while keeping the odd/even format?

Yes. While in the Header & Footer settings, check the 'Different First Page' box in addition to the 'Different Odd & Even Pages' box. You can then leave the first page header blank, and the alternating numbering will begin correctly on the following pages.

Will I have to type the numbers on every page manually?

No. Always use the 'Insert > Page Number' tool rather than manually typing a number. By inserting a dynamic page number field, the software will automatically calculate and update the numbers across all pages as your document grows.

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