How can I add header on printing with Numbers

Hi Tanya,

As for improved features, I just updated recently. I see no improvement. That is, I see no option for making headers and footers on the sheets and pages themselves. Where is it if it's been changed?

Not exactly sure what you mean by "making headers and footers on the sheets and pages themselves." However, to read about the improved features in Numbers 3.2, in your menu you can choose Help > Numbers Help then click the magnifying glass upper right to search, and enter "headers". One choice, labeled "Print a spreadsheet" will take you here.

Excerpts:

1. Choose File > Print, then specify print options in the Print Setup pane.
2. To edit the header or footer, click the header or footer fields, then type your text. You can change how the text looks in the Text pane. Each sheet in your spreadsheet has its own header and footer. To add a smart field to your header or footer, click a header or footer field, then choose Insert > Page Number, Page Count, or Date & Time (from the menu at the top of your computer screen).

SG

Hi Tanya,

Glad to hear that you found how to edit page headers and footers in Numbers 3.2. I agree that Help in Numbers 3 is woeful. No searchable PDF to download and use offline. All is online (one page at a time) and we need to know the terms we are looking for before we look.

The first HelpDesk:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQHX-SjgQvQ

For printing to paper where layout is important, I use Numbers '09 (Numbers 2.3) with its Print View. But it is orphanware. As the name suggests, there has not been a major overhaul since 2009. With that in mind, it is a useful version to hang onto while we hope and wait (and provide feedback to Apple) for something in future versions of Numbers 3.x to provide better layout capability.

Indeed, each new update of Numbers 3.x has restored more of the old features while adding new features that are enhancements over Numbers '09. Many of the Numbers 3 enhancements reflect long-awaited wishes through this forum, and were passed on by Numbers Feedback to Apple. So it seems that Apple does take heed of feedback.

In the meantime, I enjoy the charm of Numbers '09 whilst exploring the new features of Numbers 3.

What has been GAINED in Numbers 3 is here:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5473882?start=75&tstart=0

(Very long thread because it started with Numbers 3.0, and enhancements have continued through Numbers 3.2).

Hints on workarounds in Numbers 3 is here:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5512949?answerId=23622372022#2362237202223622372

Some workarounds are no longer needed, but what amazes me is how many Numbers '09 features (the so-called "lost" features) were not lost; the settings have simply been moved. Moreover, many features such as margin settings carry over with a Numbers '09 document or template into Numbers 3.

Hints for layout on screen before printing to paper:

Try Alignment Guides and Rulers as suggested here:

Print View workarounds

Use a layout guide:

Layout Guide for Numbers

Regards,

Ian.

There is (so far) no header for printing in Numbers. You, can, however simulate the the effect by placing a Text Box at the top of the sheet.

You can also place an extra Header Row at the top of your table and choose 'Repeat table headers' in Print Preview.

SG

First of all I think it's silly that option is now missing. Why update something if you're going to take things away?

Second, I have a weird issue as a result. One of my Numbers files that I created in the old version had a header, and now of course, in regular view, it doesn't show. So I was trying to figure it out, and came here to find an answer. I followed your advice about "Repeat Table Header" and noticed two things. First, that option to repeat is checked but it didn't work. Do I have to create a new Header row for each table to have it repeat? Second, and this is odd, that old Header from the previous version is still there!!! When I select Print, it shows up, and I can edit it! But it's the only thing I can edit. Why can't I see it in regular view if it's going to show up in Print view?

Now, this brings up another issue. There is no actual "Print view" under view options. Again, why update if you're going to take away features? The only thing is "Print" under "File" and that appears to only be for setting up TO print, as you said a print preview. But I don't want that. I liked having the sheet in print view so I could see how my tables aligned. It's a lesson plan for school, and I have one table for each day with all the subjects and plans, all on one sheet. But sometimes when I edit one table, the table below it moves up or down, and before I print I want to make sure the tables are aligned with the page so they print properly. Now the only way to see that is to select print every time, see how it looks, exit print, move the tables, go back to print, see if it's aligned . . whoops, it's not! Go back . . .how irritating. I can't edit anything except that non-existent header.

I really wish when they updated things, they would make things better, instead of taking away usable features.

Tanya

Hi Tanya,

Numbers 3.2 (introduced at the beginning of April) has improved handling of Headers and Footers since the above posts. Have you checked out the new capabilities?

Numbers 3 clearly places less emphasis on printing than previous versions. But it's far better with syncing and cross-platform use.

Remember we are just fellow users here and that you can give feedback to Apple via your menu: Numbers > Provide Numbers Feedback.

SG

I am aware that there are just users on these boards. However whenever I've done searches to get help or leave feedback I'm always directed here. I did not know there was a feedback option directly to the developers, I will try it. Thank you.

As for improved features, I just updated recently. I see no improvement. That is, I see no option for making headers and footers on the sheets and pages themselves. Where is it if it's been changed? I just this morning was searching extensively which is how I ended up on this forum. If it's there I'd have found it. I also just this second double checked, and I have 3.2.

What I meant by that is, I don't want to make a header row on the individual tables. On this one sheet, I have 4 tables, and I want each to print on it's own page. I used to be able to have a print view so I could make sure the tables fit on each page as I worked. Also, I could add a header or footer for the entire sheet just like on a Pages document. I understand what is meant by the new instructions, I just don't know why it could be an option like it used to be. However, now at least I know I can make headers and footers, because nothing indicated I could and I couldn't work it out. I tried searching help in my app itself. Again, another why: why couldn't it explain itself there? I guess more stuff for the feedback.

Also, I still am not able to edit the sheet itself in print preview. If the tables are not centered, over lapping pages, I have to exit and go back and play with it and go back and forth to fix it. The "fit" and adjust content doesn't work, I just tried it. I guess I'll have to keep going back and forth, but I really liked the "print view" option from before. Syncing and cross-platform use are not concerns of mine, being able to utizlied the application for my purposes are.

Hi Tanya,

If printing optionas are more important to you than syncing across platforms (as they are to me), you can continue to use Numbers 2.3. Unless you have intentionally removed it from your mac, you will find Numbers 2.3 (Numbers '09) in a folder named iWork in your Applications folder.

SG will likely (and correctly) warn you that Numbers '09 is "orphanware," but in my view, it is (currently) a viable option, useful while waiting for development on Numbers 3 to come up to speed.

Regards,

Barry

@Barry,

SG will likely (and correctly) warn you that Numbers '09 is "orphanware

Numbers '09 is orphanware... Of course orphans can go on to lead productive lives.🙂

@Ian,

I much enjoyed the "first HelpDesk" clip. For a few seconds I thought it was Australian, but it just didn't sound right.

SG