As a designer, adding page numbers to your document is an essential step in the publishing process. It’s a crucial element that helps readers navigate through your content with ease. InDesign, the industry-standard design software, offers various ways to insert page numbers, making it a breeze to include them in your layouts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the different methods of adding page numbers in InDesign, covering the basics, advanced techniques, and expert tips to help you master this essential skill.
Understanding the Basics of Page Numbering in InDesign
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of adding page numbers, let’s cover the fundamentals. By default, InDesign does not automatically add page numbers to your document. You need to create a master page, which serves as a template for your document pages. A master page can include page numbers, headers, footers, and other elements that you want to appear on every page.
To create a master page, follow these steps:
- Open your InDesign document and go to the Pages panel.
- Click on the Create New Master button at the bottom of the panel.
- In the New Master dialog box, enter a name for your master page, and set the Based on Master dropdown to None.
- Click OK to create the master page.
Method 1: Adding Page Numbers Using the Master Page
The most common method of adding page numbers in InDesign is through the master page. This approach allows you to insert page numbers on every page of your document, making it ideal for publications, reports, and other multi-page documents.
Here’s how to add page numbers using the master page:
- Open the Pages panel and select the master page you created earlier.
- Create a text frame by clicking and dragging the Type Tool (T) to draw a box on the master page.
- Place the text frame at the bottom of the page, where you want the page number to appear.
- Type the phrase “Page {page} of {pages}” (without the quotes) in the text frame.
- Select the text frame and go to Type > Insert Special Character > Markers > Current Page Number.
- In the Insert dialog box, select Current Page Number and click OK.
- Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the Total Pages marker.
InDesign will automatically replace the placeholders with the actual page number and total page count. Now, when you create new pages in your document, the page numbers will be generated automatically.
Method 2: Using a Footer to Add Page Numbers
Another way to add page numbers in InDesign is by using a footer. This approach is useful when you want to include additional information, such as a copyright notice or a website URL, along with the page number.
To add a footer with page numbers, follow these steps:
- Create a new text frame at the bottom of a page in your document.
- Type the phrase “Page {page} of {pages}” (without the quotes) in the text frame.
- Select the text frame and go to Type > Insert Special Character > Markers > Current Page Number.
- In the Insert dialog box, select Current Page Number and click OK.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the Total Pages marker.
- With the text frame still selected, go to Type > Convert to Footer.
- In the Footer Options dialog box, set the Footer Type to ** Running Footer and click OK**.
The footer will be applied to all pages in your document, and the page numbers will be updated automatically.
Method 3: Using a Script to Add Page Numbers
If you’re comfortable with scripting, you can use InDesign’s built-in scripting feature to add page numbers. This approach is ideal for complex page numbering requirements or when you need to automate the process.
To add page numbers using a script, follow these steps:
- Open the Scripts panel by going to Window > Utilities > Scripts.
- Click on the Create New Script button at the bottom of the panel.
- In the New Script dialog box, enter a name for your script, and set the Script Language to JavaScript.
- Click OK to create the script.
- In the script editor, paste the following code:
“`
// Get the total number of pages
var totalPages = app.activeDocument.pages.length;
// Loop through each page and add a page number
for (var i = 0; i < totalPages; i++) {
var page = app.activeDocument.pages[i];
var pageNumber = i + 1;
var textFrame = page.textFrames.add();
textFrame.contents = “Page ” + pageNumber + ” of ” + totalPages;
textFrame.geometricBounds = [0, 0, 100, 20];
}
“`
6. Click Save to save the script.
7. To run the script, click on the Run Script button at the bottom of the Scripts panel.
The script will add a page number to each page in your document, starting from 1.
Tips and Variations for Adding Page Numbers in InDesign
While the methods above provide a solid foundation for adding page numbers, there are some additional tips and variations you can explore to enhance your page numbering skills:
Customizing Page Number Format
By default, InDesign uses the {page} and {pages} markers to display the page number and total page count, respectively. However, you can customize the format by using other markers or modifying the existing ones.
For example, to display the page number in Roman numerals, use the {page:Roman} marker. To display the total page count in words, use the {pages:Words} marker.
Adding Page Numbers to Specific Pages
In some cases, you might want to add page numbers only to specific pages or sections of your document. To achieve this, create a separate master page for those pages and add the page numbers using one of the methods above.
Using Section Numbering
InDesign’s section numbering feature allows you to restart page numbering at a specific section or chapter. To use section numbering, go to Layout > Numbering & Section Options, and set up your section numbering options.
Page Numbering in Landscape Documents
When working with landscape documents, you might want to rotate the page numbers to match the orientation of the page. To do this, create a text frame for the page number, and then go to Object > Transform > Rotate, and set the rotation to 90°.
Conclusion
Adding page numbers in InDesign is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using various methods. By mastering these techniques, you’ll be able to efficiently add page numbers to your documents, making it easier for your readers to navigate through your content. Remember to explore the customization options and advanced features of InDesign’s page numbering system to take your designs to the next level.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Master Page | Adding page numbers using the master page, ideal for multi-page documents. |
| Footer | Using a footer to add page numbers, useful for including additional information. |
| Scripting | Adding page numbers using a script, ideal for complex page numbering requirements. |
Why do I need to add page numbers in InDesign?
Adding page numbers in InDesign is an essential step in creating a professional-looking document, such as a book, magazine, or report. Page numbers serve as a guide for readers to navigate through the document, making it easier for them to find specific pages or sections. Moreover, page numbers are often required in academic and technical documents, where accurate citation and referencing are crucial.
By adding page numbers in InDesign, you can also customize their appearance to match your document’s design and style. You can choose from various font styles, sizes, and colors to make the page numbers stand out or blend in with the surrounding text. This level of control allows you to create a visually appealing and cohesive design that enhances the overall reading experience.
Can I add page numbers to a single page or a range of pages in InDesign?
Yes, InDesign provides the flexibility to add page numbers to a single page, a range of pages, or even a master page. To add page numbers to a single page, you can simply select the page and apply the page numbering feature. If you want to add page numbers to a range of pages, you can select the pages in the Pages panel and then apply the page numbering feature.
When working with master pages, you can apply page numbering to multiple pages at once. Master pages are a powerful feature in InDesign that allow you to apply consistent design elements across multiple pages. By adding page numbers to a master page, you can ensure that the page numbers appear consistently throughout your document, saving you time and effort in the process.
How do I create a custom page numbering style in InDesign?
To create a custom page numbering style in InDesign, you can access the Page Numbering and Section Options dialog box. To do this, go to Layout > Numbering & Section Options, or use the shortcut key Ctrl+Alt+Shift+N (Windows) or Command+Option+Shift+N (Mac). In this dialog box, you can customize various aspects of the page numbering style, including the font, size, color, and alignment.
You can also create a custom page numbering style by using InDesign’s built-in paragraph styles. By creating a new paragraph style and applying it to the page number, you can control the formatting and appearance of the page number. This method provides greater flexibility and allows you to create complex page numbering styles that match your document’s design requirements.
Can I use different page numbering styles in different sections of my document?
Yes, InDesign allows you to use different page numbering styles in different sections of your document. This is particularly useful when working with complex documents that have multiple sections or chapters. To achieve this, you can create separate sections in your document and apply different page numbering styles to each section.
To create a new section in InDesign, go to Layout > Numbering & Section Options, and then click on the Section tab. In this tab, you can create a new section and specify the page numbering style for that section. You can also override the default page numbering style for a specific section by selecting the section and applying a new page numbering style.
How do I remove page numbers from a single page or a range of pages in InDesign?
To remove page numbers from a single page or a range of pages in InDesign, you can select the pages in the Pages panel and then go to Layout > Numbering & Section Options. In the Page Numbering and Section Options dialog box, uncheck the box next to “Page Numbering” to remove the page numbers.
Alternatively, you can also use the “Suppress” feature in InDesign to remove page numbers from a single page or a range of pages. To do this, select the page or pages, and then go to Type > Insert Special Character > Markers > Suppress. This will remove the page numbers from the selected pages, while leaving the page numbering style intact for the rest of the document.
Can I use page numbering with different languages in InDesign?
Yes, InDesign supports page numbering with different languages, making it an ideal choice for creating documents that cater to a global audience. When working with languages that read from right to left (such as Arabic or Hebrew), InDesign automatically adjusts the page numbering to reflect the correct reading direction.
InDesign also provides support for languages that use non-Latin scripts, such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. You can access these languages through the Language and Region Options in the Preferences dialog box. By selecting the correct language and region, InDesign will apply the correct page numbering style and formatting for that language.
Are there any best practices for using page numbers in InDesign?
Yes, there are several best practices to keep in mind when using page numbers in InDesign. Firstly, consistency is key – ensure that your page numbering style is consistent throughout the document to maintain a professional look and feel. Secondly, choose a font and size that is easily readable, and avoid using page numbers that are too small or too large.
Another best practice is to use master pages to apply page numbering consistently across multiple pages. This saves time and effort in the long run, and ensures that your page numbers are correctly placed and formatted. Finally, proofread your document carefully to ensure that the page numbers are accurate and correctly placed – a small mistake can ruin the overall appearance of your document.