Automatic page numbering is a very useful feature available in Writer from the LibreOffice 7 suite. In LibreOffice Writer 7, you can remove page numbers from the first pages and start numbering later in the document.
But how can you make this numbering start from a page other than the first page of your document?
In the LibreOffice Writer 7 office suite, page numbering is often essential for structuring a document. However, it may be necessary to remove the numbering from the first pages, such as those for the title or the table of contents. This article outlines how to configure this option, step by step.
The method below uses the Title Pages option available from the Format menu. It is useful when you want a cover page, a table of contents, or other first pages to appear without visible page numbering, while the main content starts with the page number you choose.
Why Remove Page Numbers from First Pages?
Professional Presentation
When writing professional documents, the first pages (cover page, table of contents) do not necessarily need to display page numbers. This allows for better presentation and facilitates reading.
For example, a document can begin with a cover page, followed by a table of contents, and then continue with the main text. In that case, the first visible page number is often placed on the first page of the main content rather than on the cover page.
Compliance with Standards
Some reports or theses require that numbering starts after the title page or table of contents to comply with academic or institutional standards.
Using the built-in title pages feature helps keep the document structure clear. You can exclude the first pages from numbering and then reset the numbering so that the next page starts at the number you need, such as 1.
Steps to Remove Page Numbers from First Pages
Follow these steps in LibreOffice Writer 7 to remove page numbers from the beginning of your document and restart numbering after the selected title pages.
Access the "Format" Menu
- Open your document in LibreOffice Writer.
- Go to the Format menu.
This menu contains the option used to manage title pages. Make sure the document is open before changing the page numbering settings.
Using the "Title Pages" Option
- Select Title Pages from the Format menu.
- A configuration window will open.
The Title Pages window lets you define which pages should be treated as title pages. These pages can be separated from the normal page numbering sequence.
Configuring Title Pages
- Check the box Convert existing pages to title pages.
- Specify the number of pages to convert to title pages (for example, 2 for the cover page and table of contents).
This setting tells LibreOffice Writer 7 how many existing pages at the start of the document should be considered title pages. If your document has only a cover page before the main text, you can choose 1. If it has a cover page and a table of contents, you can choose 2.
Resetting the Numbering
- Check the box Reset page number after title pages.
- Specify the desired page number to start after the title pages (for example, 1).
Resetting the numbering defines the number that appears on the page after the title pages. If you enter 1, the main part of your document begins with page number 1, while the previous title pages remain unnumbered.
Quick Summary of the Settings
| Step | Option to use | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Open the settings | Format > Title Pages | Access the page numbering configuration for title pages. |
| Choose the first pages | Convert existing pages to title pages | Define how many first pages should not show normal numbering. |
| Restart numbering | Reset page number after title pages | Start numbering again after the selected title pages. |
Final Result
After configuring these options, the selected first pages will not be numbered, and numbering will start from the specified page.
The document keeps a clear structure: the cover page and table of contents can remain without page numbers, while the main content begins with the numbering format you selected.
Advantages of this Method
Simplicity and Efficiency
This method is simple and does not require complex manipulation. In just a few clicks, your document can be properly configured.
You do not need to manually delete page numbers from each first page. The configuration is handled through the title pages settings in LibreOffice Writer 7.
Flexibility
You can choose the exact number of pages to exclude from numbering, providing great flexibility for different types of documents.
This flexibility is useful for documents that do not all follow the same layout. A short report may only need one unnumbered title page, while a longer document may also include a table of contents before the numbered content begins.
FAQ
Can I remove page numbers only from the cover page in LibreOffice Writer 7?
Yes. In the Title Pages window, check Convert existing pages to title pages and specify 1 page. This will treat only the cover page as a title page.
Can numbering start at 1 after the title pages?
Yes. Check Reset page number after title pages and enter 1 as the desired page number. The page after the title pages will then start with page number 1.
Where is the Title Pages option in LibreOffice Writer 7?
The Title Pages option is available from the Format menu in LibreOffice Writer 7.
Is this method useful for a table of contents?
Yes. If your document includes a table of contents before the main content, you can include it among the title pages and start page numbering after it.
Conclusion
The ability to remove numbering from first pages in LibreOffice Writer 7 is a valuable feature for creating professional and standard-compliant documents. By following the steps outlined, you can easily configure your document to meet your specific needs.
Using Format > Title Pages, you can select the first pages to exclude from numbering and reset the page number for the rest of the document. This provides a clear and practical way to manage page numbering in Writer.
