How to Add Line Numbers in Word

If you are writing a script or preparing a legal document, you might want to include line numbers in your document. Using Microsoft Word, you can number document lines automatically, which is especially helpful if you need to refer to specific lines. You can decide if you want line numbers displayed throughout the entire document or only in a specific section. You can even skip certain line numbers and then restart at a later point, continuing your numbering.

Instructions

1. Click "File" on the toolbar and then click "Page Setup". The "Page Setup" dialog box will open. Click on the "Layout" tab.

2. Add line numbers to the entire document by choosing "Whole Document' in the "Apply To" menu in the "Preview" section.

3. Select specific sections to add line numbers to by holding down your Ctrl key and selecting your desired sections before opening the "Page Setup" dialog box. Choose "Selected Text' in the "Apply To" menu in the "Preview" section.

4. Add line numbers to selected text in the document by selecting the text before opening the "Page Setup" dialog box. Choose "Selected Text' in the "Apply To" menu in the "Preview" section.

5. Click the "Line Numbers" button. The "Line Numbers" dialog box will open. Click the "Add Line Numbering" checkbox and choose where to start, how to count and how to number your lines.

6. Click "OK" to close the "Line Numbers" dialog and click "OK" again to close the "Page Setup" dialog.