Formatting Issues

How to Start Page Numbers at 1 and Alternate Headers for a Manuscript in Word

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 8, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to start page numbering at 1 after the front matter and set up different odd and even headers for a manuscript.

How to Set Up Page Numbers and Alternating Headers for a Manuscript in Word

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting a manuscript for publishing platforms like KDP, which requires specific pagination and alternating header structures.
Observed behavior: The manuscript requires independent header and footer settings to display author names and book titles on alternating pages, while ensuring the main content starts numbering exactly at page 1.

Before you start

Ensure your manuscript document is fully drafted and identify the exact page where the main content (page 1) should begin after the front matter (title page, table of contents, etc.).

Solution 1Recommended

Use Section Breaks and Odd/Even Headers for Manuscript Formatting

By dividing your manuscript into distinct sections, you can unlink headers and footers to restart page numbering at 1, while simultaneously applying different text for odd and even pages.

To achieve independent page numbering and alternating headers, your document must be split into at least two sections. The first section contains your front matter (un-numbered or roman numerals), and the second section contains the main body of your book.

Insert a Section Break

Place your cursor at the very end of your front matter (before the page where numbering should start). Go to the Layout or Page Layout tab, click 'Breaks', and select 'Next Page' under Section Breaks.

Unlink Headers and Footers

Double-click the header area on the new page (the start of your main content). In the Header & Footer menu that appears, click 'Link to Previous' to turn it off. This separates the new section's formatting from the front matter.

Start Page Numbering at 1

While still in the Header & Footer menu, click 'Page Number', select 'Format Page Numbers', choose 'Start at', and type '1'. Click OK, then insert your page numbers into the header or footer.

Enable Different Odd and Even Pages

In the Header & Footer menu, check the box labeled 'Different Odd & Even Pages'. This allows you to set unique text for the left and right pages of your book.

Insert Author and Book Title

Navigate to an odd-numbered page and type the author's name in the header. Next, scroll to an even-numbered page and type the book's title in the header.

Verify Manuscript Margins

Go to the Layout tab, click 'Margins', and select 'Custom Margins'. Verify that your inside, outside, top, and bottom margins meet your publisher's (e.g., KDP) current requirements.

Use Section Breaks and Odd/Even Headers for Manuscript Formatting

Check Your Footers Too: If you are placing page numbers in the footer instead of the header, remember that you also need to turn off 'Link to Previous' for the footer specifically, as Word treats headers and footers as separate elements.

Format Manuscripts Easily

Format Your Manuscript Perfectly with WPS Writer

WPS Writer provides an intuitive and professional interface for managing complex document layouts. Easily insert section breaks, customize pagination, and set up alternating headers to get your manuscript ready for KDP or any publishing platform.

1. Open Your Manuscript: Launch WPS Writer and open your manuscript document.
2. Insert a Section Break: Navigate to the Page Layout tab, click Breaks, and insert a 'Next Page Section Break' immediately after your front matter.
3. Unlink and Format Numbers: Double-click the header on the new page, disable the 'Link to Previous' button, and set the Page Number Format to 'Start at: 1'.
4. Set Alternating Headers: In the Header and Footer tab, check 'Different Odd and Even Pages', then type your author name on odd pages and book title on even pages.

Easily insert section breaks for independent header and footer formatting.Set up alternating odd and even headers with a single click.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats, ensuring no formatting is lost.Lightweight, fast, and completely free alternative for authors and writers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my page number continuing from the front matter instead of starting at 1?

This happens because the new section is still linked to the previous one. You must insert a Next Page Section Break between the front matter and the main content, double-click the header/footer of the main content, and deselect 'Link to Previous' before formatting the page numbers to start at 1.

Can I hide the header and page number on the first page of a new chapter?

Yes. While in the Header & Footer editing mode, check the 'Different First Page' option. This allows you to leave the first page of that specific section blank without affecting the odd and even headers on subsequent pages.

What happens to the odd and even headers if I add more pages to my manuscript?

As long as the 'Different Odd & Even Pages' option remains checked, Word will automatically apply your designated odd header text to any new odd pages and the even header text to any new even pages as your text expands.

How do I ensure my margins meet KDP publishing standards?

Go to the Layout or Page Layout tab, select Margins, and choose Custom Margins. Enter the specific inside (gutter), outside, top, and bottom margin measurements provided by KDP based on your specific book size and page count.

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