Page numbering in Adobe InDesign can get tricky when you want to start on a specific page without disrupting your layout. InDesign’s default page numbering system works well for most projects, but sometimes your layout requires custom numbering. For instance, you might want to start numbering on the fourth page, yet maintain a two-page spread. Here’s a guide to show you how to achieve this while avoiding common pitfalls like page shuffling.
Table of Contents
- Why Is This Important?
- Setting Up Page Numbering Correctly
- Troubleshooting: How to Deal with Shuffling Pages
- Using Parent Pages for Page Numbering
- Steps to Add Page Numbers to Parent Pages
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Summary Table: Key Actions for Custom Page Numbering
- Ready-to-Use InDesign Templates
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is This Important?
If you're designing a document like a catalog, magazine, or book, you might not want to number every page. Starting the page numbering on a particular page can create a cleaner and more professional layout. But if you just create a new section in InDesign, you might find your desired starting page becoming a single page instead of remaining in a two-page spread.
Setting Up Page Numbering Correctly
To start page numbering on a specific page without breaking your spread in Adobe InDesign, follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Guide: Starting Page Numbering on a Specific Page
Step 1: Uncheck Page Shuffling
- Go to the Pages panel by selecting Window > Pages if you don’t see it.
- In the Pages panel, right-click on the document icon (this is usually at the top of the panel) and select Allow Document Pages to Shuffle to uncheck it.
Unchecking this option prevents InDesign from rearranging pages automatically, which helps maintain your two-page spreads.
Step 2: Create a New Section on the Desired Page
- In the Pages panel, locate the page where you want to start the new section. For this example, we want to start on the fourth page.
- Right-click on the fourth page and choose Numbering & Section Options.
- In the dialog box that opens, check Start Section and select Start Page Numbering at the number you want (e.g., 1).
- Click OK.
Step 3: Manually Adjust Pages if Necessary
- If pages get separated or moved, click and drag them in the Pages panel to maintain the correct spread layout.
- Keep in mind that disabling page shuffling lets you control the page order and layout manually, without InDesign interfering.
Step 4: Verify Parent Pages
- Make sure that the appropriate Parent Pages (formerly known as Master Pages) are correctly applied to the section. This step ensures your page number design remains consistent throughout the section.
Troubleshooting: How to Deal with Shuffling Pages
InDesign’s default behavior automatically rearranges pages if it detects changes that may affect the document’s flow. This can create problems when starting a new section with custom page numbering. Here’s a list of common issues and how to solve them:
Issue 1: Single Pages Appearing Instead of Spreads
- Uncheck Page Shuffling: This is the primary solution. Right-click on the document spread in the Pages panel and uncheck Allow Document Pages to Shuffle. This option gives you control over spreads, letting you arrange pages manually.
- Manually Reposition the Pages: After turning off page shuffling, use the Pages panel to drag and rearrange pages into the correct spreads.
Issue 2: Page Numbers Not Appearing
- Correct Parent Page Setup: Ensure that the correct Parent Pages have been applied to your newly created section. Double-click on the parent pages and verify that page numbers are properly placed.
- Section Start: Double-check that you’ve started a new section on the correct page and set the appropriate page number.
Using Parent Pages for Page Numbering
Parent Pages play a critical role in consistent page numbering. Here’s a quick overview:
- What Are Parent Pages? Parent Pages (formerly called Master Pages) are templates that apply a consistent design and elements (like headers, footers, and page numbers) across multiple pages in your document.
- Why Use Parent Pages? Using Parent Pages saves time. You only need to place a page number marker once on the parent page, and it automatically updates throughout the document.
Steps to Add Page Numbers to Parent Pages
- Open the Pages Panel: Choose Window > Pages to open the panel.
- Select the Parent Page: In the Pages panel, double-click on the Parent Page you want to use (e.g., A-Parent).
- Insert Page Number: Choose the Text tool (T) and draw a text box where you want the page number to appear. Select Type > Insert Special Character > Markers > Current Page Number. An “A” will appear in the text box, indicating the page number placeholder.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Forgetting to Uncheck Page Shuffling
Leaving the Allow Document Pages to Shuffle option checked can cause sections to break into individual pages unexpectedly. Always uncheck this setting before starting a new section.
Mistake 2: Not Checking Parent Page Links
If your new section does not have the correct Parent Pages applied, your page numbers won’t display as expected. Always double-check Parent Page links.
Summary Table: Key Actions for Custom Page Numbering
| Action | What It Solves | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Uncheck Page Shuffling | Prevents breaking spreads | Right-click in Pages Panel > Uncheck Allow Page Shuffling |
| Start New Section | Begins custom numbering | Right-click on page > Numbering & Section Options |
| Apply Parent Pages | Consistent page number placement | Double-click Parent Page > Insert Page Number |
| Manually Adjust Pages | Keeps desired spreads intact | Drag pages in Pages Panel |
Ready-to-Use InDesign Templates
Creating a professional design from scratch can be overwhelming. That’s why Ruben Stom Design offers a selection of professional Adobe InDesign templates to streamline your design process. These templates cater to various needs—whether you're designing a flyer, brochure, magazine, or a book.
Each template is available in multiple sizes, ready-to-use and fully customizable. They are print-ready and come equipped with essential features for professional printing such as bleeds, paragraph styles, and color profiles. They also support digital formats, including ebooks.
Browse the full collection of Adobe InDesign templates by Ruben Stom Design here and easily bring your creative projects to life.
Conclusion
Starting page numbering on a specific page in Adobe InDesign without breaking the spread is a common requirement for many designers. Following these steps allows you to set up a clean layout while maintaining two-page spreads and consistent page numbering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I start page numbering on a page other than the fourth?
A: Yes, you can start numbering on any page by following the same method. Just make sure to set a new section on your desired starting page and adjust the numbering accordingly.
Q: How do I change the page numbering style, like using Roman numerals or letters?
A: Go to Numbering & Section Options in the Pages panel. Under Style, select the format you want, such as Roman numerals (I, II, III) or letters (A, B, C).
Q: Can I have different page numbering styles in different sections of my document?
A: Yes, by setting up multiple sections in Numbering & Section Options, you can assign different styles to each section.
Q: How can I skip numbering on certain pages, like intro or chapter pages?
A: To skip numbering, apply a different Parent Page without a page number to the pages you want excluded from numbering.
Q: Can I start page numbering in the middle of a spread?
A: Adobe InDesign will apply numbering from the beginning of a section, but you can manually remove or mask the page number on specific pages by adjusting your Parent Pages.
Q: How do I keep my title page unnumbered while starting numbering on the second page?
A: Create a new section on the second page. In Numbering & Section Options, set this page to start at “1” and leave the first page without numbering by using a different Parent Page.
Q: Why are my page numbers not updating after adding pages?
A: Check that the pages are linked to the correct Parent Pages. Page numbers automatically update when linked to a Parent Page with a page number placeholder.
Q: Is there a way to add a prefix to page numbers, like “A-1,” “A-2”?
A: Yes, in Numbering & Section Options, you can enter a prefix in the Section Prefix field. This prefix will appear before the page number.
Q: Can I use different fonts or colors for page numbers across sections?
A: Yes, you can create multiple Parent Pages, each with unique styles for the page numbers. Apply these Parent Pages to each section to achieve varied styles.
Q: How do I reset page numbering after inserting new sections?
A: To reset page numbering in a new section, right-click the starting page, select Numbering & Section Options, check Start Section, and set the page number to “1” or any other starting number.
