How to Make Page Numbers the Same Color: A Step-by-Step Guide
The default page number design in modern websites and web applications often leaves much to be desired. A sea of different colors can make your pages look cluttered and hard to navigate. In this article, we'll show you how to change page numbers to a single, matching color, making your website more visually appealing and user-friendly.
Why Are Page Numbers Different Colors?
Page numbers on a website are usually generated by a template engine or a plugin. Each page has its own set of styles and properties, which is why you often see different colors for page numbers. This is because the CSS selector for page numbers is usually applied separately to each page, resulting in different colors.
Step 1: Identify the CSS Class Name for Page Numbers
To make all page numbers the same color, you need to identify the CSS class name that controls their appearance. You can do this by inspecting the HTML of your website using the developer tools in your browser. Look for elements with a class name that contains keywords like "page", "number", or "pagination".

Sources of CSS Class Names for Page Numbers
- Template engine (e.g., Bootstrap, Foundation)
- Plugin or theme
- Custom CSS added to the website
Step 2: Locate the CSS Rule for Page Numbers
Once you've identified the CSS class name for page numbers, you'll need to locate the CSS rule that applies it. Look for the CSS file that controls the styles for your website. Typically, this is a compiled CSS file generated by a template engine or theme.
Common Locations for CSS Files
- root directory of the website
- theme directory (e.g., `/wp-content/themes/yourtheme`)
- compiled CSS file (e.g., `/css/site.css`)
Step 3: Modify the CSS Rule for Page Numbers
Now that you've located the CSS rule for page numbers, you'll need to modify it to make all page numbers the same color. Look for the CSS block that applies the `background-color` or `color` property to the page number element. You can add a CSS selector that targets the `:nth-child` or `:last-child` pseudo-class to selectively apply the style.
Example CSS Code for Single-Colored Page Numbers
.pagination li {
background-color: inherit;
}
.pagination li:nth-child(1) {
background-color: #333;
}
.pagination li:nth-child(0) {
background-color: #333;
}
.pagination li:hover {
background-color: #444;
}
Step 4: Verify Your Changes
Saving your changes to the CSS file may cause a page reload. Verify that all page numbers now display the same color. If you notice that not all page numbers are updating, check that you're targeting the correct CSS class name and CSS file.

Common Issues After Modifying CSS Rules
- Not using the correct CSS class name
- Overwriting existing CSS rules with conflicting styles
- Using the wrong CSS selector or pseudo-class