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InDesign has added page numbers + a line at the top/bottom of the page. See attached picture for one example of my problem. No idea how to remove. This is happening on multiple pages. Any suggestions on how to remove?

I can’t directly select the object. When I turn off ‘text’ and ‘design elements’ in the layers window, then it goes away, but the line/number doesn’t have its own layer. So I can’t delete it myself by deleting a layer. I’m using Adobe InDesign downloaded from the Adobe Cloud. It’s the most recent version as of May 2019. Officially version 14.0.2

Sorry if this is a noob question. Getting to know the program again after some (a lot) of time off.

Thanks!

enter image description here

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  • 1) did you check on the Master Pages? look at every one and make sure there isn't anything on them. 2) Create a new blank document. If the page numbers are there, you have a problem. If the page numbers are not, re-create your document and you're good to go.
    – Lauren-Clear-Monica-Ipsum
    May 31, 2019 at 9:39
  • Thanks heaps! Pretty noob mistake really. Just had to delete the lines from the master page.
    – Tim
    Jun 5, 2019 at 2:09

1 Answer 1

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A new InDesign document should be entirely blank. No content on any page. Only one layer called "Layer 1".

The fact that you have page numbers and lines showing up on new pages, and that there are two named layers in your document tells me that you must be using some kind of template document made by another designer.

Master Pages

Actually your issue has nothing to do with page numbering. The reason why page numbers and lines are appearing on new pages is because the designer of the document you are using intentionally placed those objects on a Master Page.

The master pages are shown above the ordinary pages in the Pages panel.

Any object you place on a master will appear (as locked objects) on every page which has that master applied. By default, a new page in InDesign has the first of the masters applied, but you can drag and drop the wanted master (or the special master [None]) on a page to change it.

Masters are mainly used for (as you might have guessed) design elements which must appear in the same place on many pages. Like page numbers, lines, background colors, logo in the corner etc.

If you want to remove the page numbers and lines on every page (which has the master applied), simply enter the master by double-clicking it, select the unwanted objects and delete them.

Read about Master Pages in Adobe's online manual

Layers

The two layers you mention must be created by the designer of the template. They have no special meaning and can be moved, duplicated, renamed and deleted as you wish. You can add your own layers.

If you want page numbers and lines on most pages, but just want an image to cover them occasionally, you can create a layer on top of the other layers and place your image there.

If you later change your mind, you can just move that layer below the other layers and then the page numbers from the master page is on top again.

Read about Layers in Adobe's online manual

If you don't want any design elements at all - just blank pages, you should just start over with a new blank document at the desired physical size. No need for a template document in that case.

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  • Thanks heaps! Pretty noob mistake really. Just had to delete the lines from the master page.
    – Tim
    Jun 5, 2019 at 2:09
  • Glad to help. Remember to accept the answer so others can benefit from it.
    – Wolff
    Jun 5, 2019 at 16:57

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