Automatic Page Numbering

Adding automatically incrementing page numbers is a two step process, but, once mastered, quite simple and reliable. There are two different methods which can be used independently or together. The first is to draw a text frame, click to get into edit mode and then go: Insert > Character > Insert Page Number. This will only add the page number to the currently selected page. The second uses Master Pages to enable automatic page numbering.

Scribus uses a special place holder within Master Pages to indicate page numbers and allows them to be automatically included in your document without concern for moving, importing or deleting pages.

Step One

With your chosen document open, go Edit > Master Pages. If you have not created any other Master Pages, then there will be just one named "Normal."

Step Two

Next, create a text frame where you want the page numbers to go. Then, enter the edit mode by double clicking on the text frame and insert a page number as described above. In Scribus versions before 1.3.4, you need to create different master pages for one, two or three digit page numbers, whereas from 1.3.4 on, a single placeholder will suffice. Then save the Master Page by closing the Master Pages dialog and return to the main document.

Inserting Page Number placeholders

If you have more than one Master Page, you will need to add these placeholders to each Master Page that is expected to show a page number.

You can also apply styles and direct text formatting as you wish, just like a normal text frame.