Header, Footer & Page Numbering
Headers and footers make documents more official, organized and easy to identify. In this chapter, you will learn how to add document title, institute name, date, footer details and page numbers.
Header
Top area of every page for title, institute name or document identity.
Footer
Bottom area of every page for contact, copyright or page details.
Page Number
Add automatic numbering to long reports and project files.
Date & Time
Add document date for official tracking and submission records.
After This Chapter, You Will Be Able To
This chapter helps you prepare professional multi-page documents.
Add Header
Add institute name, document title and other top-page details.
Add Footer
Add contact, copyright, course name or bottom-page details.
Page Numbers
Insert automatic page numbers in reports and project files.
Different First Page
Use separate first-page layout for cover pages and title pages.
What are Header and Footer?
Header and footer are special areas at the top and bottom of a page.
1 Easy Explanation
A header appears at the top of the page and a footer appears at the bottom. They are commonly used to show document identity, page number, date, institute name, report title or contact details.
Using Header in MS Word
The header area is useful for placing repeated top-page information.
Institute Name
Add institute, company or organization name at the top of each page.
Document Title
Add project title, report name or course name for clear identity.
Date
Add document creation date or submission date.
Logo
Add a small logo for branding, if required.
Adding Page Numbers in MS Word
Page numbers help organize long documents and reports.
| Option | Meaning | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Top of Page | Page number appears in header area | Formal reports |
| Bottom of Page | Page number appears in footer area | Most common documents |
| Page Margins | Page number appears at page side | Special layouts |
| Current Position | Page number appears where cursor is placed | Custom document design |
| Format Page Numbers | Changes number style or starting number | Project reports and books |
Using a Different First Page
This option is useful when the first page is a cover page.
2 Why Use Different First Page?
In many reports, the first page is a title page or cover page. It may not require the same header or footer as the remaining pages. The “Different First Page” option helps hide or customize header/footer on the first page.
3 Common Uses
- Project report cover page
- Resume first page
- Business proposal title page
- Book or manual cover
- Assignment front page
- Training manual first page
Example: Project Report Identity
Header, footer and page number make a report look complete and official.
Without Header/Footer
This report explains the importance of computer skills for career growth. It includes introduction, objectives and practical learning outcomes.
With Header/Footer
This report explains the importance of computer skills for career growth. It includes introduction, objectives and practical learning outcomes.
See Header and Footer Changes
Click buttons to see how a document looks with different header/footer settings.
Create a 3-Page Report with Header, Footer and Page Number
Complete these steps inside MS Word.
Office Task: Professional Project Report
Mistakes Students Should Avoid
Header and footer should support the document, not disturb it.
Wrong Habits
- Typing page numbers manually on every page.
- Adding too much text in the header.
- Using very large logo in header.
- Forgetting to check Different First Page for cover page.
- Using inconsistent header/footer in a report.
- Not checking Print Preview before final print.
Correct Habits
- Use automatic page numbering.
- Keep header short and clear.
- Use small and properly aligned logo.
- Use Different First Page for cover pages.
- Keep header/footer consistent.
- Always check Print Preview.
Quick Quiz
Select the correct answers and check your score. From this chapter onward, every quiz includes at least 10 questions.
1. Header appears at which part of a page?
2. Footer appears at which part of a page?
3. Page numbers should usually be added using:
4. Different First Page is useful for:
5. Which information is suitable for a header?
6. Which information is suitable for a footer?
7. Why should a header be short?
8. In a project report, page numbering helps to:
9. What should be checked before printing a document with header/footer?
10. Which is a good header/footer habit?
Remember These Points
Revise these before moving to Chapter 10.
Header
Top page area used for document title, institute name, date or logo.
Footer
Bottom page area used for page number, contact, copyright or notes.
Page Number
Automatic numbering helps organize multi-page documents.
Different First Page
Useful for cover page, title page and assignment front page.
Professional Use
Headers and footers make reports and project files more official.
Good Habit
Keep header/footer clean, short, consistent and print-ready.