page numbering

[plumapen]

Flist, I know someone out there must have the answer to this. I'm in a quandry about formatting the page numbering in my dissertation document. I'm using MS Word and the Uni requires different pagination per various sections. They want Roman numerals for the preliminary section (ie. everything before the actual intro, including the ToC) and then

Comments

[magicalobizuth]

I honestly don't know and my suggestion was going to be to make new docs because although it isn't pretty, it really is a VERY easy option. You can edit the start number so that should be enough to work. Sorry I don't have anything else!

[bird_mom]

That's exactly what I was going to suggest. Unfortunately, you have to compromise within the limitations of the software. I wouldn't bother with merging the files after everything is said and done because it's going to want to do one overall numbering scheme if you try to do that...

Sorry. Hugs...

[plumapen]

Yeah, merging's definitely out. Thanks anyway!

[plumapen]

I finally went with the multiple docs option after giving myself a migraine. They also want the first page of each chapter numbered at the bottom of the page, centered, and each subsequent page numbered top right hand corner. I think I'm going to have to copy and paste the first page of each chapter into a new document just so I can get the page number to show up correctly. *hd*

[conspiratorsb]

Wow. I even opened my program and poked around. I think you may have to go with different docs.

[plumapen]

Yeah, I ended up doing that after getting a migraine. I then had to get off the comp. I guess I'll have to c&p the first page of each chapter into a doc as well to get the numbering to show up as they want it too. I'll worry about that when I have to print the final version. Argh. Thanks anyway!

[mrnicefrog]

Who came up with such asinine rules ? Is it a university/college policy ? I didn't have anything as complicated for my dissertation. All you had to do really was abide by the Oxford rules of bibliographic description, and respect the word count limit.

I would have suggested a master/slave document but it seems that you've ruled that out.
Alternatively, I would try a macro : one that would duplicate the first page of each chapter and bottom-center the page number (that way in your main document every page remains top-right numbered). The macro would do everything and you would not have to do a copy and paste by hand on the day you turn it in... because on that day, believe me, you'll have much better things to do, like celebrate!

[plumapen]

LOL! No kidding! This is the university's policy and they 'suggest' Turabian but then say, 'but check with your department and dissertation chair to see what they want' so that means I can stick to MLA since that's what we use here in English depts.

Hmm, I think I'd need a tutorial on a macro. Know where I can find one?

[mrnicefrog]

I use macros every day at work. I've never played around with page numbers but I should find a way. Let me try on a mock-up document this week-end and I'll get back to you.

[plumapen]

Oh wow, thanks! *huggles*