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kylek74745887
Inspiring
January 3, 2017
Answered

Cannot edit page numbers in Master Pages (ID)

  • January 3, 2017
  • 5 replies
  • 10398 views

I need to shift the position of my already established page numbering. Or in failing that, delete the current πage number fields and start over.
The problem is, when I open my Master Pages, go to the Pages panel and select a page, then select either the Selection Tool or the Direct Selection Tool,

I am unable to select the page number fields with either tool (or the Text tool). The page number fields remain grayed out. I've tried other things to no avail. I'm stuck. I cannot edit/adjust my page numbering position.
Any help will be gratefully appreciated. Thanks.
Kyle

Correct answer kylek74745887

I finally figured out what I was doing wrong.
In the PAGES panel;
I was clicking on the icon of the spread pages (to the right), or clicking directly on the text "A-Master" only ONCE.

Once I DOUBLE-CLICKED directly on the text "A-Master", then the correct interface appeared, and I was able to edit the page number positioning.

Thanks,

5 replies

kylek74745887
kylek74745887AuthorCorrect answer
Inspiring
January 3, 2017

I finally figured out what I was doing wrong.
In the PAGES panel;
I was clicking on the icon of the spread pages (to the right), or clicking directly on the text "A-Master" only ONCE.

Once I DOUBLE-CLICKED directly on the text "A-Master", then the correct interface appeared, and I was able to edit the page number positioning.

Thanks,

New Participant
January 9, 2025

Thank you!!!!!

Barb Binder
Community Expert
January 3, 2017

Hi Kyle—would you share a screen shot of your primary master page (usually A-Master but could have any name) with the Pages and Layers Panel open?

~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
hammer0909
Community Expert
January 3, 2017

Open your Layers panel and check that the layer that contains the page number is unlocked. If the layer is unlocked, go to the Object menu and choose Unlock All On Spread. I've seen designers lock objects out of habit but it's really overkill.

kylek74745887
Inspiring
January 3, 2017

I checked and all my layers are unlocked. (The option: Unlock All On Spread - is also grayed out)
HOWEVER, my page numbers are not listed in the Layers.

I was assuming that the chapter of my book project that has the - style source icon - next to it, is the Master page.
This also corresponds to what I believe i set up as the master page.

It's been a while now since I set up the page numbering.

Maybe now you can see where my error is.

Thanks!
Kyle

Derek Cross
Community Expert
January 3, 2017

You state "select a page" do you mean you can't select a page number in the  Master pages or do you want to change position of a page number on certain text pages?

Community Expert
January 3, 2017

Kyle -
Are some of your Master Pages based on other Master Pages? If so, you would need to find the top-level Master page to make the correction.

kylek74745887
Inspiring
January 3, 2017

I can't select a page number in Master pages.
I want to change the page number position universally- on all pages (that are set to display page numbers).