InDesign master, add page numbers in InDesign

InDesign master, add page numbers in InDesign.

InDesign master and add page numbers in InDesign. The term for Master page is now Parent page. I choose to use “master” in this post because of current SEO Keyword rankings.

Start with one Master Page. By default, there are two masters: [None] and Master A. See the Masters Panel which is at the top of the Pages Panel.

Double click the pages icon to the right A-Master. Now you can view and edit the actual Master spread. Notice that the first single page is number 1.

If only all two-page spreads are in view, go to File > Document Set-up . . . and check the Facing Pages box.

Add page numbers

Select the Type Tool from the Tools panel. Create a text frame for a number and place it where it in the same place where the numbers should be on select pages.

Go to Type > Insert Special Character > Markers and select Current Page Number.

A default letter A will be seen in the frame because it is the A Master. When the A Master is applied to a page or pages, it will show the actual page number.

The pages in a chapter may have different masters depending on the styles. For instance, the title page in front matter and the first page of a chapter should not have visible numbers.

In front matter, drag and drop the [None] Master on page “ i ”, a right-hand page. This is because front matter has numbers in Roman numerals.

In Chapter 1, drag and drop the [None] Master on page “ 1 ”, a right-hand page. Chapters and back matter have Arabic numbers.

Setting Page Margins

Once you determine page margins, double click on [None] and again on Master A and set margins and columns. Also, columns can be set later when setting type. The Masters are the place to add footers or if you prefer, headers alongside the page numbers. The book title is often on all left-hand pages. The right-hand pages often have the chapter or section title.

To apply a Master to a group of pages, click on the three bars at the top right of the Pages Panel to open a drop-down menu. Select Apply Master to Pages . . . and enter the page range you want in “Apply Master.”