Adding automatic page numbers in InDesign is most efficiently done using Parent Pages. This allows the numbers to appear automatically on every page the Parent Page is applied to.
Using Parent Pages for Automatic Page Numbers
The standard and recommended method to add dynamic page numbers is by placing a special marker on a Parent Page (formerly called Master Pages). Parent Pages act as templates; anything placed on a Parent Page will appear on the document pages to which it is applied.
Here are the steps to add page numbers based on the provided reference:
- Create or Open a Parent Page: In the Pages panel, double-click on the Parent Page thumbnail where you want the page number to appear (e.g., 'A-Parent'). You typically add a page number to both left and right parent pages if your document has facing pages.
- Create a Text Box: On the Parent Page, use the Type Tool (T) to draw a text frame where you want the page number to be located (e.g., bottom center, top right corner).
- Insert the Page Number Marker: With the cursor blinking inside the text frame you just created, go to the InDesign menu bar:
- Select Type.
- Choose Insert Special Character.
- Hover over Markers.
- Select Current Page Number.
- Apply Parent Page: After inserting the marker (which will appear as the Parent Page's prefix, like 'A' on A-Parent), format the text frame and the page number marker (font, size, alignment) as desired. Then, return to your document pages. Apply the parent page to the rest of the document pages in the Pages panel to make the page numbers appear automatically.
The special marker ('A' on A-Parent, 'B' on B-Parent, etc.) automatically displays the correct page number when applied to document pages.
Why Use Parent Pages?
- Efficiency: Add page numbers once, and they appear on many pages.
- Consistency: Ensures page numbers are in the exact same position and style throughout the document.
- Automatic Updates: As you add or remove pages, the page numbers automatically adjust.
By following these steps, you can quickly and effectively add consistent, automatically updating page numbers to your InDesign document.
