When formatting a formal document in Microsoft Word—such as an academic essay, a corporate report, or a published book—it is standard practice to include page numbers in the footer to help readers navigate. However, almost all professional style guides (including APA, MLA, and Chicago) dictate that the title page or cover page should never display a page number, even though it counts as “Page 1” of the document. If you simply insert page numbers using the default tool, Word will plaster a giant “1” on your beautiful title page. Fortunately, removing it requires only a single click.
How to Hide the First Page Number
Microsoft Word has a built-in feature specifically designed for this exact scenario, ensuring your title page remains clean while the second page correctly begins numbering at “2.”
- Open your document in Microsoft Word.
- Assume you have already inserted your page numbers (via Insert > Page Number).
- Double-click anywhere inside the Header or Footer area (the very top or bottom margin) of your document. This will open the ‘Header & Footer’ editing mode, and the rest of your text will appear faded.
- Look at the ribbon menu at the top of the screen. A new, temporary tab called Header & Footer (or Design in older versions) will have appeared and automatically opened.
- Look in the “Options” group in the middle of this ribbon.
- You will see a checkbox labelled Different First Page.
- Check the box next to “Different First Page”.
The Result
As soon as you check that box, the page number will instantly vanish from your title page.
Scroll down to the second page of your document to verify that the number “2” is still safely located in its footer.
To exit the editing mode and return to writing your document, either click the red Close Header and Footer button on the ribbon, or simply double-click anywhere in the main body text of your document.