Google Docs

Page Numbers in Google Docs

February 17, 2021

If you’re writing a short document of up to five pages, you probably don’t care too much about page numbers. But if you’re working on a larger project, you’ll want to know which exact page you and the reader can refer to.

If you’re having trouble finding the page numbers option, don’t worry. Many people, especially those who are used to working on Microsoft Word or other word editor apps, get lost trying to find this simple feature.

Fortunately, not only is the option on Google Docs, but it’s very easy to find and use.

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How to Add/Remove Page Numbers in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

For those struggling with page numbers, fear not! In this section, we’re going to help you add page numbers to your Google Doc.

  • Go to your Google Docs file or star a new one. Navigate to “docs.google.com” and find the article in question. Alternatively, type in “docs.new” to automatically open a new Google Doc in your browser.
find Google Doc
  • Navigate to the top toolbar of the document and select Insert.
Insert tab
  • In the dropdown menu that appears, navigate to Page numbers and hover over the entry. Select the icon that represents the numbering appearance that appeals to you the most.
insert page numbers
  • The page numbers should appear automatically.

This is the quickest and simplest way to add page numbers to your Google Doc. However, there are more options that you can use to tweak the numbering inside your article.

  • Under the Page numbers entry, select More options instead of choosing one of the four offered numbering types.
select more options
  • In the next dialog box, you can choose whether you want the numbering to appear in the header or footer of the article, and where you want the numbering to start. Make these settings work for you according to your preference.
format page numbers

If you’re wondering what the Page count function does, it shows the total page number that you’re currently on in the document you’re working on. This number will appear wherever your cursor is positioned.

Headers and footers work in a similar way as page numbers. They are displayed on each page within the document (unless you choose differently). Here’s a quick guide on how to add headers/footers in Google Docs.

  • Navigate to the Insert option in the upper toolbar.
  • Instead of hovering over Page numbers, do so over Headers & footers.
insert header/footer
  • Select Header or Footer.
  • Add the text that you want to appear in the header or footer section. If you want the header/footer to show only on the document’s first page, check the box next to Different first page.

Removing page numbers, headers, and footers is as simple as double-clicking on one of them and deleting it. If this doesn’t delete all entries of the type, repeat the process for each page.

Page Numbers FAQs

What does Ctrl R do in Google Docs?

In MS Word, pressing Ctrl + R will activate the Align text right function. This will, simply put, align your text to the right. In Google Docs, Ctrl + R refreshes the document. If you’re looking for the Right align function in Google Docs, use the Ctrl + Shift + R shortcut. For left alignment use the “L” key instead of “R”. “E” is for Center align, while “J” activates justified alignment.

What is Ctrl F4?

In most browsers, pressing Ctrl + F4 will close the tab you’re currently on. This goes for your currently open Google Docs tab, as well. On Chrome, for instance, the shortcut for reopening the recently closed tab is Ctrl + Shift + T.

How do you fix numbering in Google Docs?

If you need to change the page numbering within a Google document, all you need to do is double-click the number that you want to change. Keep in mind that you’re going to have to change all other numbers manually, though.

Working With Page Numbers in Google Docs

We hope that this article has helped you wrap your head around the page numbers function in Google Docs. As you can see, using numbering in Google documents is easy to activate and straightforward to use. The same goes for headers and footers.

Kevin Kessler
Kevin J. Kessler is a published author of five fantasy novels, a professional wrestler, and a puppeteer (not all at the same time). Kevin is a content writer at Codeless.
Kevin Kessler
Kevin J. Kessler is a published author of five fantasy novels, a professional wrestler, and a puppeteer (not all at the same time). Kevin is a content writer at Codeless.