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How To Start Page Numbers on Page 3 in Google Docs

Adding page numbers is a useful way to keep track of the pages in a document. However, sometimes you may want to start the page numbering from a specific page, such as the third page. This can be particularly helpful when you have a table of contents you don’t want to include in the page numbering.

Here’s a quick guide on how to start page numbers on page 3 in Google Docs:

  1. In the last line of your document’s second page, click on the “Insert” menu, and select “Break” > “Section break (next page).”
  2. Double-click on the top margin of the third page to open the header section, then uncheck “Link to previous.”
  3. In the header section, click on “Options” > “Page numbers.”

For a more detailed walk-through, make sure to follow along as we discuss this process in depth.

When To Make Google Docs Page Numbers Start on Page 3

Page numbers in most documents usually start on the first page. However, sometimes you don’t want to show them on the first few pages of your work. Here are a few reasons why you might want to start the page numbering of your document on page 3:

  • Your paper has a cover page, table of contents, and publication details, which are conventionally not paginated.
  • You want to divide your document into multiple parts and assign separate page numbers to each part.
  • The document you’re working on serves as a continuation of another document, and you want to maintain consistent page numbering.

How To Start Page Numbers from a Specific Page in Google Docs

Are you ready to get your hands working? Here’s a quick and easy guide on how to add page numbers in Google Docs, starting from page two or three of your paper:

How To Start Page Numbers on Page 3 in Google Docs

Making Google Docs start page numbering on page 3 is actually a fairly easy process. The concept is to insert a section break between your document’s second and third pages, where you can initiate the pagination. To get started, follow the instructions below:

  1. Go to docs.google.com and open your document.
  2. If the spaces between your document pages aren’t visible, click the “View” menu.
  3. Select “Show print layout” on the drop-down menu.
How to start page numbers on page 3 Google Docs—where to find the 'Show print layout' option

 

  1. Scroll down to the second page of your paper. (Hint: Refer to the page number beside the scroll bar on the right.)
  2. Place your cursor on the right side of its last line.
Hovering on the scroll bar to see current page number

 

  1. Click the “Insert” menu.
  2. Select “Break” > “Section break (next page)” on the drop-down menu.
Where to find the "Section break" option in Google Docs

 

  1. Place your cursor on the first line of the third page.
  2. To add a header (or footer, depending on where you want to add your page number), select “Insert” > “Headers & footers” > “Header/Footer.”
Where to find the header and footer options in Google Docs

 

  1. Alternatively, you can double-click on the page’s top (or bottom) margin to access the header and footer sections.
  2. Uncheck the checkbox for “Link to previous.”
  3. Click on the “Options” drop-down and select “Page numbers.”
Where to find the page numbers option in header

 

  1. Adjust your position preferences in the “Page numbers” panel. (Note: Refrain from modifying the settings under the “Numbering” section.)
  2. Hit the “Apply” button, and you’re good to go!
"Page numbers" panel in Google Docs

 

Page numbers are conventionally placed on the right side of a page. If you want to follow standard formatting, select your page numbers and click on “Align” > “Right align.” Alternatively, you can press “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “R” on Windows or (“Command” + “Shift” + “R” for Mac) on your keyboard.

Making page numbers aligned to the right

How To Start Page Numbering on Page 2 in Google Docs

If you want to start the page numbering on the second page of your document, you can follow the steps we’ve discussed in the previous section. But this time, place the section break at the end of the first page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Remove Page Numbers in Google Docs?

To remove page numbers in a Google document, follow these steps:

  1. Double-click on the header or footer section where the page numbers are located.
  2. Highlight the page number.
  3. Press the “Delete” key on your keyboard.

Can I Show a Page Count In Addition to My Page Numbers on Google Docs?

Yes, you can display the current page count in Google Docs. If you want to add it to your document, go to the “Insert” menu and select “Page numbers” > “Page count” from the drop-down menu. This page count element gets updated automatically as you create or delete pages in your work.

Final Thoughts

Page numbers don’t always have to start on the first page of your documents, especially in cases like title pages and tables of contents. Simply follow our guide on how to start page numbers on page 3 in Google Docs, and you’re good to go!

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