Office for Mac Issues

How to Merge Word Files and Restart Endnote Numbering on Mac

Partner Editor Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to merge multiple Word documents on a Mac and correctly restart the endnote numbering for each newly merged section.

How to Merge Word Files and Restart Endnote Numbering on Mac

Product: Microsoft Word for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Merging multiple Word files that contain endnotes into a single master document without losing the original numbering sequence.
Observed behavior: Endnote numbering and references become continuous and incorrect after merging files. Users find that a standard page break does not reset the numbering, and the Footnote and Endnote settings dialog is difficult to locate on Word for Mac compared to Word for Windows.

Before you start

Ensure you know the difference between a page break and a section break. A standard page break only moves text to the next page, whereas a section break is required to restart endnote numbering for different chapters or merged files.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Section Breaks to Restart Endnote Numbering

By inserting section breaks between your merged documents, you can isolate the endnote numbering and configure it to restart at the beginning of each specific section.

In Microsoft Word, endnotes are tied to the document's sections. When merging files, pasting text without defining new sections forces Word to continue the numbering from the previous endnote automatically.

Insert a Section Break

Place your cursor exactly where you want the new merged document content to begin. Go to the Layout tab on the ribbon, click 'Breaks', and select 'Next Page' under Section Breaks.

Paste the Merged Content

Paste the contents of your second Word document into this newly created section.

Open the Footnote and Endnote Dialog

On the Mac top menu bar (outside of the Word ribbon), click 'Insert' and then select 'Footnote'. Alternatively, go to the References tab on the ribbon and look for the Footnote options.

Configure Numbering to Restart

In the Footnote and Endnote dialog box, ensure 'Endnotes' is selected. Find the 'Numbering' dropdown menu and change it from 'Continuous' to 'Restart each section'. Click 'Apply' to update the document.

Use Section Breaks to Restart Endnote Numbering

Menu Bar vs. Ribbon: If you cannot find the Note Options by control-clicking or looking at the References ribbon, remember to check the main Apple menu bar at the very top of your Mac screen under Insert > Footnote.

Seamless Document Merging

Easily Merge Documents and Manage Endnotes in WPS Writer

WPS Writer provides a highly compatible and intuitive interface for Mac users dealing with complex documents. You can effortlessly merge files, insert section breaks, and manage endnote numbering without navigating confusing menus.

1. Open your master document: Launch WPS Writer and open the primary document where you want to merge other files.
2. Insert a Section Break: Navigate to the 'Page Layout' tab, click on 'Breaks', and select 'Next Page Section Break' at the end of your text.
3. Merge your content: Paste the content of your secondary document into the new section.
4. Restart Endnote Numbering: Go to the 'References' tab, click the Settings gear icon in the Footnotes panel, and set the Numbering option to 'Restart each section'.

Intuitive Footnote and Endnote settings menu that is easy to findFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats and referencesSeamlessly merge multiple documents while preserving original formattingFree, lightweight, and fast alternative for Mac users

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why didn't my endnote numbering restart when I inserted a page break?

A standard page break only pushes content to the next visual page; it does not create a new structural section in the document. Endnote numbering can only be restarted by using a Section Break (Layout > Breaks > Section Break).

Where can I find the Footnote and Endnote dialog box in Word for Mac?

Unlike the Windows version where you click a small launcher icon on the References ribbon, Word for Mac often requires you to go to the main Apple menu bar at the very top of your screen. Click 'Insert' and then select 'Footnote' to open the configuration dialog.

Can I restart endnotes for just one specific merged file?

Yes. By wrapping the specific merged content with Section Breaks (one at the beginning and one at the end), you can open the Footnote and Endnote dialog, select 'Restart each section', and apply it specifically to that isolated section.

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