It sounds like you might be working in Microsoft Word (or a similar word processor), and it can be a bit tricky to get headers and page numbers set up correctly, especially if you're using different first-page settings. Here are some steps to help you troubleshoot the issue:
Step 1: Check Different First Page Setting
- Open the Header & Footer Tools: Double-click in the header area of the first page (or go to the "Insert" tab and select "Header" > "Edit Header").
- Look for the Different First Page Option: In the "Header & Footer Tools" Design tab, see if the "Different First Page" option is checked. If it is checked, this means the first page can have a different header (or no header) than the rest. If you want the same header on all pages, make sure this option is unchecked.
Step 2: Insert Page Number
- Add Page Number: While still in the header area, you can insert the page number. Go to the "Insert" tab, click on "Page Number," and choose where you want it to appear (e.g., top right or bottom center).
- Check Alignment: Make sure that the page number is aligned as you desire.
Step 3: Copy Header to Other Pages
- Copy from First Page: If you've created a header on the first page, make sure to copy the same header content to the second page. Sometimes, the header settings may not automatically carry over.
- Make Sure "Link to Previous" is On: If you're using sections, also check to see if you're not inadvertently creating a new section. The "Link to Previous" button should be selected to continue using the same header/footer from previous sections.
Step 4: Review Section Breaks
- Inspect for Section Breaks: Go to the “Layout” tab and select “Breaks” to see if there are any section breaks that could be causing the issue. If your document has sections, you will need to handle headers/footers for each section individually.
Step 5: Update or Refresh
- Refresh Document: After making changes, close the header/footer view by double-clicking outside of it or clicking “Close Header and Footer”. Sometimes, refreshing your document view can help.
Step 6: Check Print Layout
- Check View Options: Ensure you’re in “Print Layout” view under the “View” tab to see how your headers and page numbers will actually appear when printed or exported to PDF.
Additional Tips
- Restart Word: If the issue persists, sometimes closing and reopening Word can resolve odd behaviors.
- Save Different Versions: Before making significant changes, save your document with a different name/version so you can revert back if needed.
If you've tried all of the above and still face issues, you might consider searching for specific instructions based on the version of Word or software you are using, or reaching out to support forums for your software.