You want Google Docs to number your pages, but the right option isn't always easy to find. Here's how to add automatic numbers on a computer or phone, leave introductory pages unnumbered, and add a total page count. If the numbering option is unavailable, start with the Pages format setting below.
Add page numbers on a computer
This adds automatic numbering to a document in Pages format. Open your document in Google Docs.
Select Insert → Page elements → Page number. Choose the graphical preset for numbers in the header at the top or the footer at the bottom, including or skipping the first page. Skipping the first page leaves that page unnumbered, with numbering starting on the second page.
Switch to Pages if numbering is unavailable
Page numbers require Pages format. If your document uses Pageless format, change that setting before inserting numbers.
On a computer, open File → Page setup. Select Pages, then click OK.
On Android, tap Edit → More → Page setup. Turn Pageless off.
On an iPhone or iPad, open More → Page setup. Turn Pageless off. Then return to the page-number insertion steps for your device.
Number pages on Android, iPhone, or iPad
The Google Docs apps use the same insertion path on Android and iOS, with choices for placement and skipping the first page.
Open your document in the Google Docs app. Tap Edit, then open Insert → Page Number. Choose the placement and first-page option you want.
If numbering is unavailable, turn off Pageless using the steps above. If you have inserted numbers but cannot see them, turn on Print Layout using the steps below.
Leave introductory pages unnumbered
On a computer, place the cursor where the later section should begin. Open Insert → Break, then choose the section-break option for where you want the new section to begin.
Open the later section's header or footer. Clear Link to previous to make that header or footer independent of the preceding section.
Select Insert → Page elements → Page number → More options. Choose the later section under Apply to, then click Apply. For a single unnumbered cover page, use the first-page-skipping preset instead.
Reveal missing numbers in the mobile app
With Print Layout off, inserted page numbers are hidden from view in the mobile app. Open More in your document, then turn on Print Layout to see and edit the numbers.
Include a total page count
On a computer, build “Page X of Y” with automatic number and count fields plus text you type yourself; there is no separate preset.
- 1.Insert automatic page numbering through Insert → Page elements → Page number.
- 2.In the header or footer, type “Page ” before the inserted number.
- 3.Type “ of ” after the number.
- 4.Place the cursor after that text.
- 5.Select Insert → Page elements → Page number → Page count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I center page numbers or move them to the left?
Yes. On a computer, place the cursor in the paragraph containing the number. Press Ctrl+Shift+L for left alignment, Ctrl+Shift+E for center alignment, or Ctrl+Shift+R for right alignment on Windows or ChromeOS. On Mac, use Command+Shift+L, Command+Shift+E, or Command+Shift+R.
Is there a keyboard method for inserting page numbers?
Press Alt+/ on Windows or ChromeOS, or Option+/ on Mac, to open tool finder. Type “header” or “footer.” Use Down Arrow to select the page-number insertion action for the first or second page. Press Enter.
Can I find the page-number command through search?
Yes. Click Search in the desktop toolbar, or open Help → Search the menus. Search for “header” or “footer.” Select the page-number insertion action for your desired location and starting page.
Will setting Pages as the default automatically number new documents?
No. Set as default in Page setup makes Pages the default format for new documents. You still need to insert page numbers.