How to Add Automatic Page Numbers in CorelDRAW

Inserting automatic page numbers in CorelDRAW allows you to quickly number multi-page documents without manually editing every single page. By utilizing the built-in Layout tools or master layers, you can customize the start number, number format, placement, and apply pagination across all pages or specific page ranges instantly.

Step 1: Configure Page Number Settings

Before inserting the numbers, define how you want them to appear:

  1. Open your multi-page document in CorelDRAW.
  2. Navigate to the top menu and click Layout.
  3. Select Page Number Settings.
  4. In the dialog box, choose your preferred format (e.g., standard digits 1, 2, 3, Roman numerals, or letters).
  5. Set the Start at number value to determine which number the sequence begins with.
  6. Click OK to save the settings.

Step 2: Insert the Page Numbers

Once your settings are configured, you can apply the numbers across the entire document:

  1. Click Layout in the top menu bar.
  2. Hover over Insert Page Number.
  3. Choose the appropriate option for your layout:
    • On All Pages: Adds a page number to every page in the document.
    • On All Odd Pages: Adds numbers only to odd-numbered pages (ideal for facing-page book layouts).
    • On All Even Pages: Adds numbers only to even-numbered pages.
    • On Active Layer: Adds the number only to the currently selected page.

Step 3: Position and Format the Numbers

CorelDRAW inserts the number on the default "Desktop" or "Master Page" layer so it appears in the same location across all designated pages.

  1. Select the Pick tool from the toolbox.
  2. Click on the inserted page number text frame.
  3. Drag the text frame to your desired location, such as the bottom-center or outer margins of the page. Any movement made will automatically reflect across all pages assigned to that master layer.
  4. Use the Text tool or the standard Property Bar controls to change the font, size, color, or alignment just like standard artistic text.

How to Skip Page Numbers on Cover Pages

If your document has a cover page, you generally do not want a page number visible on page 1:

  1. Go to Layout > Page Number Settings.
  2. Uncheck Start on page 1 and specify the page where you want numbering to become visible (for example, page 2).
  3. If necessary, set the Start at number to 1 so that the second physical page displays as page 1.