Inserting Page Numbers in Microsoft Word for Mac
Are you working on a long document in Microsoft Word for Mac and need to insert page numbers? Whether you're writing a thesis, a report, or a novel, page numbers are essential for navigation and organization. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to insert page numbers in Word for Mac, including how to display the page number as 'Page X of Y'.
Understanding Page Numbering in Word for Mac
Before we dive into the steps, let's understand the two types of page numbering in Word for Mac:
- Current Page: This displays the page number as it appears in the document (e.g., Page 1, Page 2).
- Total Pages: This displays the page number followed by the total number of pages in the document (e.g., Page 1 of 10).
In this article, we'll focus on inserting the 'Total Pages' format.

Preparing Your Document
Before inserting page numbers, ensure your document is set up correctly:
- Use the Insert tab to add any headers or footers where you want the page numbers to appear.
- Check your document's margins and page orientation to ensure they meet your requirements.
Inserting Page Numbers in Word for Mac
Now, let's insert page numbers in your Word for Mac document:
Step 1: Open the Page Number Dialog Box
1. Place your cursor in the header or footer where you want the page numbers to appear.

2. Go to the Insert tab, then click on Page Number in the Header & Footer group.
3. In the dropdown menu, select Bottom of Page or Top of Page, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Choose the Page Number Format
1. In the Page Number dialog box, select the Number format dropdown.

2. Choose Page X of Y.
Step 3: Position the Page Number
1. In the Position section, choose Plain Number or Plain Number 2, depending on your preference.
2. Click OK to close the dialog box.
Step 4: Update the Page Numbers
1. To update the page numbers as you add or remove pages, go to the Mailings tab.
2. In the Content group, click on Update Page Numbers.
3. Choose Update entire document and click OK.
Troubleshooting: Page Numbers Not Updating
If your page numbers aren't updating automatically, try the following:
- Press Ctrl + A to select the entire document, then go to the Mailings tab and click Update Page Numbers.
- Check if any sections in your document have different page numbering settings. Right-click on the section break and select Break to ensure it's set to Continuous.
Conclusion
Inserting page numbers in Microsoft Word for Mac is a straightforward process once you understand the different page numbering formats and settings. By following this guide, you'll be able to add page numbers to your documents easily and efficiently. Happy writing!






















