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How to Unlink Page Numbering Sections in Word for Mac
Question details
The user needs to set different page numbering formats for different sections of a document in Word for Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Formatting a document with front matter using Roman numerals and main body text using Arabic numerals.
- Observed behavior
- The user is unable to unlink the header or footer sections because they are trying to follow instructions meant for the Windows version of Word, which features a different user interface.
Ensure your document is clearly divided into front matter and main text, and verify exactly where the numbering format needs to change before adjusting header and footer settings.
Insert Section Breaks and Unlink Headers/Footers
Use a Next Page section break to isolate the front matter from the main text, then disable the Link to Previous option to apply different numbering styles.
Word for Mac has a slightly different interface layout compared to the Windows version. To use different numbering styles (such as Roman and Arabic numerals) in the same document, you must separate the sections and unlink their respective headers or footers.
Place your cursor at the end of the front matter (right before the main text begins). Navigate to the 'Layout' tab on the ribbon, click 'Breaks', and select 'Next Page' under the Section Breaks menu.
Scroll to the first page of your newly created section (the beginning of your main text) and double-click the header or footer area to open the Header & Footer tab.
In the Header & Footer tab, locate the 'Link to Previous' button and click it to deselect it. This action disconnects the current section's formatting from the front matter section.
Go to 'Insert' > 'Page Number' > 'Format Page Numbers'. Choose Roman numerals for your front matter section and Arabic numerals for your main text section. For the main text, ensure you set the numbering to 'Start at 1'.
How to Set Different Page Numbering Sections in WPS Writer
WPS Office provides a highly intuitive interface for Mac users to manage page numbering, section breaks, and complex document formatting seamlessly.
- 1. Insert a Section Break: Open your document in WPS Writer. Go to the 'Page Layout' tab, click 'Breaks', and choose 'Next Page Section Break' where you want the numbering to change.
- 2. Unlink the Sections: Double-click the footer of the new section. In the Header and Footer tab that appears, click 'Link to Previous' to disable the connection.
- 3. Insert Page Numbers: Click 'Page Number' in the Insert tab, select your preferred position (header or footer), and apply it to the document.
- 4. Format the Numbering Style: Click 'Format Page Numbers' to choose Roman or Arabic numerals. Select 'Start at' and enter '1' to restart the numbering for your main text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'Link to Previous' button grayed out in Word for Mac?
The 'Link to Previous' button is only active if your document contains more than one section. You must insert a Section Break (not just a standard Page Break) before this option becomes clickable.
Can I have different page numbers for the first page of my document?
Yes. Double-click the header or footer, navigate to the Header & Footer tab, and check the box for 'Different First Page'. This allows you to remove or change the page number on your title page without affecting the numbering on subsequent pages.
How do I make my page numbers start at 1 after the table of contents?
After inserting a 'Next Page' section break and unlinking the sections, go to 'Insert' > 'Page Number' > 'Format Page Numbers'. Under the Page numbering section, select 'Start at' and enter 1.
