Document Header Missing on First Page? Fix It
A header that appears on every page except the first is rarely deleted; it is usually hidden by a first-page setting, or the first page belongs to a different section. Both are quick to check once you know where to look.
TL;DR / Quick Fix
Quick fix: Check the different-first-page setting. Type the header into the first-page header if needed. Check whether the first page is its own section. Link the section header to the previous section. Confirm the page numbers still behave. Refresh the table of contents if headings moved.
Follow these steps
- Check the different-first-page setting. Open the header and footer settings and look for the option that gives the first page its own header. If it is on, the first page header is separate, and often empty.
- Type the header into the first-page header if needed. If you want the same header everywhere, turn the different-first-page option off, or copy the header text into the first-page header area.
- Check whether the first page is its own section. A title page is often a separate section with its own header settings. If so, decide whether that section should share the main header or stay distinct.
- Link the section header to the previous section. Where sections should match, use the link-to-previous option so the header flows through. Unlinked sections each need their own header text.
- Confirm the page numbers still behave. Header and section changes can disturb numbering. Skim the document to confirm numbers still run continuously after your fix.
- Refresh the table of contents if headings moved. If you moved or retyped anything structural, refresh the contents last so it matches the final document.
What NOT to do
- Do not retype the header on every page. Fix the section setting once instead.
- Do not assume the header is deleted. Check the first-page setting before rebuilding anything.
- Do not leave the title page header empty by accident when the rest of the document has one. Decide deliberately.
- Do not forget to check later sections. Each section can hide its own first-page surprise.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the header missing only on page one?
Usually the different-first-page option is on, giving page one a separate, empty header.
What is link to previous?
A setting that makes a section share the previous section's header instead of having its own.
Should a title page have a header?
Often not, and that is fine. The fix is making it a choice, not an accident.