Key points at a glance
- Confirm where numbering begins and which front-matter pages use Roman numerals.
- Use a section break before the main text so the two numbering systems can differ.
- Turn off Link to Previous before changing the header or footer in the new section.
- Update the table of contents and inspect the exported PDF.
Check the required numbering scheme
Universities differ on whether the cover page is counted, which front-matter pages show a number and where Arabic numbering starts. Treat your department template as the authority.
A common arrangement uses Roman numerals for lists and preliminary pages and Arabic numbers from the introduction onward. It is an example, not a universal requirement.
Create a section break before the main text
Place the cursor at the end of the last front-matter page and insert a Next Page section break. A normal page break does not create independent header and footer settings.
Open the header or footer in the new section and disable Link to Previous. You can then format the front matter and main text separately.
Apply Roman and Arabic formats
Choose Format Page Numbers for the front-matter section and select Roman numerals. In the main-text section, choose Arabic numerals and set the starting number required by your guidelines, often 1.
Check first-page settings, odd/even page options and blank pages. A hidden or unlinked footer can make numbering appear inconsistent even when the fields are correct.
Verify numbering in the PDF
Update fields, refresh the table of contents and export the final PDF. Compare the visible page number on representative front-matter, introduction, appendix and bibliography pages with the corresponding entries.
Remember that a PDF viewer may count the cover page as page one even when the visible number is hidden. Use the printed number and your department rule as the reference.
Final submission context
Formal details can feel like a separate writing task, but they matter just as much for a printed submission. Anything missing, misplaced or inconsistently formatted in the document will also appear in the bound copy.
Use this guide together with your cover page, table of contents, page numbers, source notes and appendices. Prepare the final PDF for printing and binding only after the complete file has been checked.
Practical check before PDF export
- Do headings, chapter structure and page numbers match?
- Are sources, figures and tables included completely?
- Are required elements such as declarations, appendices or the cover page included where required?
- Did you open and check the final PDF after exporting it?
Checklist
- The department numbering rule is written down.
- A section break separates front matter and main text.
- Link to Previous is disabled where independent numbering begins.
- Roman and Arabic formats start at the required locations.
- Tables, references and appendices were updated after numbering changes.
- The final PDF was checked page by page at key transitions.
Common mistakes
- Using a page break instead of a section break.
- Changing numbering without disabling Link to Previous.
- Typing page numbers as ordinary text.
- Assuming a PDF viewer’s page count equals the printed page number.
- Checking the editable Word file but not the final PDF.
Print the correctly numbered PDF
Once Roman and Arabic numbering is correct in the final file, choose the printing and binding option for your submission.
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Frequently asked questions
Where should Arabic page numbers start?
Use the point specified by your department, often the introduction. Do not infer the rule from another university’s template.
Why does changing one footer change every page?
The sections are probably still linked. Open the new section footer and disable Link to Previous before changing its format.
Should the cover page show a number?
Many templates count it but hide the visible number. Follow your department’s exact instruction.
Why are table page numbers wrong after I changed numbering?
Update the entire table of contents and all fields, then export and inspect the PDF again.