Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007 and 2010. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Default Font for Page Numbers.
Pat wants to know how he can change the default font for inserting page numbers into a header. The answer depends on how you are inserting page numbers in your headers and footers.
If you insert your page numbers by using the Field dialog box, then the PAGE field assumes the style used by the text wherever the field is inserted. In this case, you need to go in and make a change directly to the formatting of the field itself (using either the various formatting options or by using the charformat switch in the field).
A lot of people, however, rely on the use of the Page Number tool on the Insert tab of the ribbon. This tool allows you to add all sorts of fancy looking page numbers to your document. Each choice made available by the Page Number tool results in some rather extensive formatting being applied to the page number.
There is no way to change the default formatting applied by the Page Number tool. Instead, you need to pick the format that is the closest to what you want and then change the formatting directly so that it reflects what you really want. You can do this either through explicit formatting or by defining styles and then applying the styles to the page number.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (11241) applies to Microsoft Word 2007 and 2010. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Default Font for Page Numbers.
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2018-05-18 18:29:41
Keith
Allen:
First, many thanks for youyr work on tips.net. Your many articles about MS Word are clear & helpful!
Second (the main reason I'm writing today):
You state that "There is no way to change the default formatting applied by the Page Number tool. Instead, you need to pick the format that is the closest to what you want and then change the formatting directly so that it reflects what you really want."
I was having the same problem (which is what led me to your page in the first place!) but I believe I've found a solution to this problem.
A. I'm using Word in Office Professional Plus 2016.
B. I always add page numbers using the Insert tab --> Header & Footer group
1. I modified the font of the Footer style to my liking
2a. I modified the Page Number style to match
2b. I checked the "Add to the Styles gallery" box AND selected the radio button for "New documents based on this template."
(see Figure 1 below)
Not sure which one (or both) of these steps fixed the issue, but when I opened a new document & added a page number, it came in with the correct font face and size!
I hope these steps work for you too!
Figure 1. Setting Default Font for Page Numbers
2017-04-12 02:21:56
chris smith
could you provide a bullet step by step to resolve these tips.
its easier for me to visualise. super thanks
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Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007 and 2010. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: 
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