Page Numbers, Headers, and Running Heads

Page Numbers, Headers, and Running Heads Using Word Resources

This tip sheet will instruct you on how to include page numbers, headers, and running heads both in the online and downloadable versions of Microsoft Word.

Inserting Page Numbers

Downloaded Word

  1. Click the “Insert” tab.
  2. Click the “Page Number” button. Look through the available options to find the correct position for your page number. Most citation styles (eg, APA, MLA, Chicago) require a page number in the top right corner of each page (“Plain Number 3”). 
    1. In some citation styles, such as MLA, you must type your last name immediately to the left of the page number. 
  3. Note: Alternatively, double-click the top of the document to open the header and use the shortcut Alt + Shift + P (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + P (Mac) to insert a page number.

The top banner of the Word app. The "Insert" tab and "Page Number" button are highlighted with red circles.

Online Word

  1. Click the “Insert” tab.
  2. Click the “Page Numbers” button. Look through the available options to find the correct position for your page number. Most citation styles (eg, APA, MLA, Chicago) require a page number in the top right corner of each page (the top right option in the menu).
    1. In some citation styles, such as MLA, you must type your last name immediately to the left of the page number.

The top banner of online Word. The "Insert" tab and "Page Number" button are highlighted with red circles.

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Inserting Headers

Downloaded Word

  1. Click the “Insert” tab.
  2. Click the “Header” button (two buttons to the left of the “Page Number” button) to insert text at the top of your page that will also appear to subsequent pages of your document. Choose “Blank Header”. Alternatively, you can double-click at the top of your document. 

  3. Note: To align the text in your header to the left, right, or center, highlight the text with your mouse, click the “Home” tab, then click the desired option: “Align Left,” “Center,” or “Align Right.”

    The top banner of the Word app. The "Insert" tab and the alignment buttons are highlighted with red circles.

  4. To return to the rest of your document, click the “Close Header & Footer” button in the Header & Footer tab or double-click anywhere else in your document.

    The top banner of the Word app. It shows the "Header & Footer" tab with the "Close Header and Footer" button circled in red.The "Insert" tab and the alignment buttons are highlighted with red circles.

Online Word

  1. Click the “Insert” tab.
  2. Click the “Header & Footer” button (to the left of the “Page Numbers” button) to open up the header in your document. 

  3. Enter your text in the desired alignment for your header.

    The header section on online Word. It shows the potential Left, Middle, and Right alignment options that you can type on.

  4. To return to the rest of your document, click the “Close Preview” button in the Header & Footer tab or double-click anywhere else in your document.

The top banner of online Word. It shows the "Header & Footer" tab with the "Close Preview" button circled in red.

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Inserting a Running Head (for APA, if requested)

Downloaded Word

  1. Follow the instructions for inserting a page number in the top right corner of the page.
  2. Immediately to the left of the page number, type a shortened version of your title in all caps (capital letters).
  3. With your cursor between the title and the page number, press the tab key (on your keyboard) twice. Your running head should now be aligned to the left of the page, while your page number remains aligned to the right.
  4. Click the “Close Header and Footer” button (or double click anywhere on your document) when you are finished. 

The header on the Word App. A sample Running Head of "SHORTENED TITLE" is typed in the header.

Online Word

  1. Follow the instructions for inserting a page number in the top right corner of the page.
  2. Click the leftmost box in the header.
  3. Type a shortened version of your title in all caps.
  4. Click the “Close Preview” button (or double click anywhere on your document) when you are finished. 

The header on online Word. A sample Running Head of "SHORTENED TITLE" is typed in the left side of the header.

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