Trimming the Last Page: Making NUMPAGES Show One Less Page in Your Document
Are you trying to create a clean and professional-looking document, but the pesky "NUMPAGES" field is showing an extra page count? This is a common issue, especially when using page breaks or section breaks in your document. This article will guide you through the solution and equip you with the knowledge to effectively manage your page numbering in Microsoft Word.
The Problem:
You've meticulously formatted your document, but the "NUMPAGES" field stubbornly displays the total page count, including a blank page at the very end. This extra page often results from a section break or a page break at the end of your document, leading to an inaccurate page count.
Original Code (Simplified):
{ NUMPAGES }
Understanding the Issue:
Microsoft Word's "NUMPAGES" field dynamically updates to reflect the total number of pages in your document. However, it counts every page, even blank ones. These blank pages are often unintentionally created by section breaks, page breaks, or even the formatting of your last paragraph.
The Solution:
The trick lies in making the "NUMPAGES" field count one less page than the actual document. This can be achieved by using a clever combination of field codes.
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Insert a blank page at the end of your document: Go to the very last page and press Ctrl + Enter to insert a new page.
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Adjust the page number field: Now, place your cursor in the location where you want the "NUMPAGES" field to display. Type the following field code:
{ = { NUMPAGES } - 1 }- Explanation: This code subtracts "1" from the total page count represented by "NUMPAGES", effectively reducing the displayed count by one.
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Update the field: Right-click on the field and select "Update Field." Alternatively, press F9 to refresh the field code.
Let's See It in Action:
Imagine you have a document with 5 pages. By default, "NUMPAGES" would display "5." However, after inserting a blank page and using the code { = { NUMPAGES } - 1 }, the page count will correctly show "4," excluding the blank page.
Important Considerations:
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Blank page placement: Make sure the inserted blank page is truly at the very end of your document, otherwise the count might not be accurate.
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Multiple sections: If your document has multiple sections, you might need to repeat this process for each section where you want to adjust the page count.
Additional Tips:
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For even more control, use the "SET" field to define a specific page count:
{ SET num = { NUMPAGES } - 1 ; num } -
Consider using a different page numbering scheme for your document, like roman numerals or a different starting number.
By implementing this simple trick, you can ensure that your document's page numbers accurately reflect its content and present a professional and streamlined appearance.
