Adding numbers to your pages in InDesign can seem frustrating and complicated. However, while this isn’t the most intuitive feature, the software has a method to add page numbers. Once you understand how this works, adding a page number to your file is very easy.

The page number in InDesign can be added to give information about where your current page sits in reference to the entire document. The marker for page number works automatically within Indesign, meaning you will not have to edit it every time you adjust or add pages to the file.

If you are interested in learning more about page numbers in Indesign, there is a lot to learn! In fact, page numbers can even be edited, formatted, and styled to fit the design of your entire page. Keep reading this article to learn how to add numbers to your pages in InDesign!

How To Add Numbers To Pages In InDesign

When working in InDesign, you have to factor in the involvement of patent pages. By applying parent paging to your document, you can update and change the numbering in the rest of the document. 

So, by default, parent pages display the page number using the prefix of that page, whereas the page number will automatically show up in the proceeding document pages. To use numbers in InDesign, follow these steps:

1. Start by creating a parent page. You can do this by selecting ‘New Parent Page’ in the pages panel or by selecting a spread and choosing ‘Save As Parent.’
2. Now, choose a text frame that will be able to hold the largest number of pages, along with any text you want to add before or after the number.
3. Place this text frame in the position where you want the number of the page to show up.
4. Once you have added the preceding text and position, select the point where you want the page number to appear.
5. Choose Type from the main menu, select ‘Insert Special Character,’ Markers, and select Current Page Number.

This will now appear on all document pages applied to the parent page. Here’s a tutorial on doing this to clarify the steps above:

How To Change The Style Of Page Numbers

In addition to adding page numbers, you can also change the style you choose for the page numbers to appear. For example, the standard is in numerals, but you can choose other options, such as uppercase and lowercase Roman alphanumeric symbols as well. 

In addition to choosing the style used, you can also add the number of digits. For example, page 1, displayed in 4 digits, will be seen as 0001.

You can also create a new section if you want to apply a new numerical style to your document in different parts. To do this:

1. Open up the Pages panel, and select the page where the new section will begin.
2. Now, select Layout and choose ‘Numbering & Section Options.’
3. Choose the style you want, and then select OK.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a designer or a publisher, adding page numbers to your InDesign file can be essential for ensuring that the reader knows what position they are currently in. By following the steps above and using the tips in this article, you will be able to add page numbers to your document quickly and easily!