[How to] Add Line Numbers to MS Word 2007

Microsoft Word can automatically count the lines in a document and display the appropriate number next to each line of text. This is useful if you need to refer to specific lines in a document, such as a legal contract. By default, Word numbers every line in a document (except those in tables, footnotes, endnotes, text boxes, frames, and headers and footers).

However, you can choose which line numbers to display. For example, include line numbers in all or part of the document. Or include line numbers at intervals, such as every tenth line (10, 20, 30, and so on).

Adding Line Numbers to Word 2007

Adding line numbers to Word 2007 documents is basically the same as in Word 2003.

In Word 2007, Line Numbers are found under Page Layout. 3rd tab on the menu bar.

The only difference is that as the user interface is different, the menu options are in different places.

Adding Line Numbers to Word 2003

To add line numbers to an entire document:

1. On the File menu, click Page Setup, and then click the Layout tab.
2. In the Apply to box, click Whole document.
   
3. Click Line Numbers.
4. Select the Add line numbering check box, and then select the options you want.
   

How to add line numbers to a selection of text:

1. Select the text you want to number.
2. On the File menu, click Page Setup, and then click the Layout tab.
3. In the Apply to box, click Selected text.
4. Click Line Numbers.
5. Select the Add line numbering check box, and then select the options you want.
   

To skip line numbers for specific paragraphs:

1. Select the paragraphs for which you want to skip line numbers.
2. On the Format menu, click Paragraph, and then click the Line and Page Breaks tab.
3. Select the Suppress line numbers check box.
   

If you don’t want Word to count specific lines, such as a heading or a blank line, you can skip line numbers for these items and continue numbering the following lines.

You can make it easier for people to find information in your Word document by adding lines.

These run down the left hand side of the page. Instead of saying something is on page 5, paragraph 3, just tell them the line it’s on.