diff --git a/crates/typst-docs/src/lib.rs b/crates/typst-docs/src/lib.rs
index 6d67ffad5..96ae460c8 100644
--- a/crates/typst-docs/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-docs/src/lib.rs
@@ -167,8 +167,10 @@ fn reference_pages(resolver: &dyn Resolver) -> PageModel {
 /// Build the guides section.
 fn guides_pages(resolver: &dyn Resolver) -> PageModel {
     let mut page = markdown_page(resolver, "/docs/", "guides/welcome.md");
-    page.children =
-        vec![markdown_page(resolver, "/docs/guides/", "guides/guide-for-latex-users.md")];
+    page.children = vec![
+        markdown_page(resolver, "/docs/guides/", "guides/guide-for-latex-users.md"),
+        markdown_page(resolver, "/docs/guides/", "guides/page-setup.md"),
+    ];
     page
 }
 
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/layout/columns.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/layout/columns.rs
index d21384919..6645ba9e3 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/layout/columns.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/layout/columns.rs
@@ -9,6 +9,9 @@ use crate::text::TextElem;
 /// height on the page. The columns function can break across pages if
 /// necessary.
 ///
+/// If you need to insert columns across your whole document, you can use the
+/// [`{page}` function's `columns` parameter]($func/page.columns) instead.
+///
 /// ## Example { #example }
 /// ```example
 /// = Towards Advanced Deep Learning
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/layout/page.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/layout/page.rs
index a4324b0c7..8e73c3b3a 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/layout/page.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/layout/page.rs
@@ -12,8 +12,11 @@ use crate::text::TextElem;
 /// properties, it can also be used to explicitly render its argument onto
 /// a set of pages of its own.
 ///
-/// Pages can be set to use `{auto}` as their width or height. In this case,
-/// the pages will grow to fit their content on the respective axis.
+/// Pages can be set to use `{auto}` as their width or height. In this case, the
+/// pages will grow to fit their content on the respective axis.
+///
+/// The [Guide for Page Setup]($guides/page-setup-guide) explains how to use
+/// this and related functions to set up a document with many examples.
 ///
 /// ## Example { #example }
 /// ```example
@@ -140,6 +143,9 @@ pub struct PageElem {
 
     /// How many columns the page has.
     ///
+    /// If you need to insert columns into a page or other container, you can
+    /// also use the [`columns` function]($func/columns).
+    ///
     /// ```example:single
     /// #set page(columns: 2, height: 4.8cm)
     /// Climate change is one of the most
diff --git a/docs/guides/page-setup.md b/docs/guides/page-setup.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..8efcb2cdf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/guides/page-setup.md
@@ -0,0 +1,559 @@
+---
+description: |
+  An in-depth guide to setting page dimensions, margins, and page numbers in
+  Typst. Learn how to create appealing and clear layouts and get there quickly.
+---
+
+# Page setup guide
+Your page setup is a big part of the first impression your document gives. Line
+lengths, margins, and columns influence
+[appearance](https://practicaltypography.com/page-margins.html) and
+[legibility](https://designregression.com/article/line-length-revisited-following-the-research)
+while the right headers and footers will help your reader easily navigate your
+document. This guide will help you to customize pages, margins, headers,
+footers, and page numbers so that they are the right fit for your content and
+you can get started with writing.
+
+In Typst, each page has a width, a height, and margins on all four sides. The
+top and bottom margins may contain a header and footer. The set rule of the
+[`{page}`]($func/page) element is where you control all of the page setup. If
+you make changes with this set rule, Typst will ensure that there is a new and
+conforming empty page afterward, so it may insert a page break. Therefore, it
+is best to specify your [`{page}`]($func/page) set rule at the start of your
+document or in your template.
+
+```example
+#set rect(
+  width: 100%,
+  height: 100%,
+  inset: 4pt
+)
+>>> #set text(6pt)
+
+#set page(
+  "iso-b7",
+  header: rect[Header],
+  footer: rect[Footer],
+  number-align: top + center,
+)
+
+#rect(fill: rgb("#565565"))
+```
+
+This example visualizes the dimensions for page content, headers, and footers.
+The page content is the page size (ISO B7) minus each side's default margin. In
+the top and the bottom margin, there are stroked rectangles visualizing the
+header and footer. They do not touch the main content, instead, they are offset
+by 30% of the respective margin. You can control this offset by specifying the
+[`header-ascent`]($func/page.header-ascent) and
+[`footer-descent`]($func/page.footer-descent) arguments.
+
+Below, the guide will go more into detail on how to accomplish common page setup
+requirements with examples.
+
+## Customize page size and margins { #customize-margins }
+Typst's default page size is A4 paper. Depending on your region and your
+use case, you will want to change this. You can do this by using the
+[`{page}`]($func/page) set rule and passing it a string argument to use a common
+page size. Options include the complete ISO 216 series (e.g. `"iso-a4"`,
+`"iso-c2"`), customary US formats like `"us-legal"` or `"us-letter"`, and more.
+Check out the reference for the [page's paper argument]($func/page.paper) to
+learn about all available options.
+
+```example
+#set page("us-letter")
+
+This page likes freedom.
+```
+
+If you need to customize your page size to some dimensions, you can specify the
+named arguments [`width`]($func/page.width) and [`height`]($func/page.height)
+instead.
+
+```example
+#set page(width: 12cm, height: 12cm)
+
+This page is a square.
+```
+
+### Change the page's margins { #change-margins }
+Margins are a vital ingredient for good typography: [Typographers consider lines
+that fit between 45 and 75 characters best length for
+legibility](http://webtypography.net/2.1.2) and your margins and
+[columns](#columns) help define line widths. By default, Typst will create
+margins proportional to the page size of your document. To set custom margins,
+you will use the [`margin`]($func/page.margin) argument in the
+[`{page}`]($func/page) set rule.
+
+The `margin` argument will accept a length if you want to set all margins to the
+same width. However, you often want to set different margins on each side. To do
+this, you can pass a dictionary:
+
+```example
+#set page(margin: (
+  top: 3cm,
+  bottom: 2cm,
+  x: 1.5cm,
+))
+
+#lorem(100)
+```
+
+The page margin dictionary can have keys for each side (`top`, `bottom`, `left`,
+`right`), but you can also control left and right together by setting the `x`
+key of the margin dictionary, like in the example. Likewise, the top and bottom
+margins can be adjusted together by setting the `y` key.
+
+If you do not specify margins for all sides in the margin dictionary, the old
+margins will remain in effect for the unset sides. To prevent this and set all
+remaining margins to a common size, you can use the `rest` key. For example,
+`[#set page(margin: (left: 1.5in, rest: 1in))]` will set the left margin to 1.5
+inches and the remaining margins to one inch.
+
+### Different margins on alternating pages { #alternating-margins }
+Sometimes, you'll need to alternate horizontal margins for even and odd pages,
+for example, to have more room towards the spine of a book than on the outsides
+of its pages. Typst keeps track of whether a page is to the left or right of the
+binding. You can use this information and set the `inside` or `outside` keys of
+the margin dictionary. The `inside` margin points towards the spine, and the
+`outside` margin points towards the edge of the bound book.
+
+```typ
+#set page(margin: (
+  inside: 2.5cm,
+  outside: 2cm,
+  y: 1.75cm,
+))
+```
+
+Typst will assume that documents written in Left-to-Right scripts are bound on
+the left while books written in Right-to-Left scripts are bound on the right.
+However, you will need to change this in some cases: If your first page is
+output by a different app, the binding is reversed from Typst's perspective.
+Also, some books, like English-language Mangas are customarily bound on the
+right, despite English using Left-to-Right script. To change the binding side
+and explicitly set where the `inside` and `outside` are, set the
+[`binding`]($func/page.binding) argument in the [`{page}`]($func/page) set rule.
+
+```typ
+#set text(lang: "es")
+
+// Produce a book bound on the right,
+// even though it is set in Spanish.
+#set page(binding: right)
+```
+
+If `binding` is `left`, `inside` margins will be on the left on odd pages, and
+vice versa.
+
+## Add headers and footers { #headers-and-footers }
+Headers and footers are inserted in the top and bottom margins of every page.
+You can add custom headers and footers or just insert a page number.
+
+In case you need more than just a page number, the best way to insert a header
+and a footer are the [`header`]($func/page.header) and
+[`footer`]($func/page.footer) arguments of the [`{page}`]($func/page) set rule.
+You can pass any content as their values:
+
+```example
+>>> #set page("a5", margin: (x: 2.5cm, y: 3cm))
+#set page(header: [
+  _Lisa Strassner's Thesis_
+  #h(1fr)
+  National Academy of Sciences
+])
+
+#lorem(150)
+```
+
+Headers are bottom-aligned by default so that they do not collide with the top
+edge of the page. You can change this by wrapping your header in the
+[`{align}`]($func/align) function.
+
+### Different header and footer on specific pages { #specific-pages }
+You'll need different headers and footers on some pages. For example, you may
+not want a header and footer on the title page. The example below shows how to
+conditionally remove the header on the first page:
+
+```typ
+>>> #set page("a5", margin: (x: 2.5cm, y: 3cm))
+#set page(
+  header: locate(loc => {
+    if counter(page).at(loc).first() > 1 [
+      _Lisa Strassner's Thesis_
+      #h(1fr)
+      National Academy of Sciences
+    ]
+  }),
+)
+
+#lorem(150)
+```
+
+This example may look intimidating, but let's break it down: We are telling
+Typst that the header depends on the current [location]($func/locate). The `loc`
+value allows other functions to find out where on the page we currently are. We
+then ask Typst if the page [counter]($func/counter) is larger than one at our
+current position. The page counter starts at one, so we are skipping the header
+on a single page. Counters may have multiple levels. This feature is used for
+items like headings, but the page counter will always have a single level, so we
+can just look at the first one.
+
+You can, of course, add an `else` to this example to add a different header to
+the first page instead.
+
+### Adapt headers and footers on pages with specific elements { #specific-elements }
+The technique described in the previous section can be adapted to perform more
+advanced tasks using Typst's labels. For example, pages with big tables could
+omit their headers to help keep clutter down. We will mark our tables with a
+`<big-table>` [label]($type/label) and use the [query system]($func/query) to
+find out if such a label exists on the current page:
+
+```typ
+>>> #set page("a5", margin: (x: 2.5cm, y: 3cm))
+#set page(
+  header: locate(loc => {
+    let page-counter = counter(page)
+    let matches = query(<big-table>, loc)
+    let current = page-counter.at(loc)
+    let has-table = matches.any(m =>
+      page-counter.at(m.location()) == current
+    )
+
+    if not has-table [
+      _Lisa Strassner's Thesis_
+      #h(1fr)
+      National Academy of Sciences
+    ]
+  }),
+)
+
+#lorem(100)
+#pagebreak()
+
+#table(
+  columns: 2 * (1fr, )
+)[A][B][C][D] <big-table>
+```
+
+Here, we query for all instances of the `<big-table>` label. We then check that
+none of the tables are on the page at our current position. If so, we print the
+header. This example also uses variables to be more concise. Just as above, you
+could add an `else` to add another header instead of deleting it.
+
+## Add and customize page numbers { #page-numbers }
+Page numbers help readers keep track of and reference your document more easily.
+The simplest way to insert footnotes is the [`numbering`]($func/page.numbering)
+argument of the [`{page}`]($func/page) set rule. You can pass a [_numbering
+pattern_]($func/numbering.numbering) string that shows how you want your pages
+to be numbered.
+
+```example
+>>> #set page("iso-b6", margin: 1.75cm)
+#set page(numbering: "1")
+
+This is a numbered page.
+```
+
+Above, you can check out the simplest conceivable example. It adds a single
+Arabic page number at the center of the footer. You can specify other characters
+than `"1"` to get other numerals. For example, `"i"` will yield lowercase Roman
+numerals. Any character that is not interpreted as a number will be output
+as-is. For example, put dashes around your page number by typing this:
+
+```example
+>>> #set page("iso-b6", margin: 1.75cm)
+#set page(numbering: "— 1 —")
+
+This is a — numbered — page.
+```
+
+You can add the total number of pages by entering a second number character in
+the string.
+
+```example
+>>> #set page("iso-b6", margin: 1.75cm)
+#set page(numbering: "1 of 1")
+
+This is one of many numbered pages.
+```
+
+Go to the [`{numbering}` function reference]($func/numbering.numbering) to learn
+more about the arguments you can pass here.
+
+In case you need to right- or left-align the page number, use the
+[`number-align`]($func/page.number-align) argument of the [`{page}`]($func/page)
+set rule. Alternating alignment between even and odd pages is not currently
+supported using this property. To do this, you'll need to specify a custom
+footer with your footnote and query the page counter as described in the section
+on conditionally omitting headers and footers.
+
+### Custom footer with page numbers { #custom-footer-with-page-numbers }
+Sometimes, you need to add other content than a page number to your footer.
+However, once a footer is specified, the [`numbering`]($func/page.numbering)
+argument of the [`{page}`]($func/page) set rule is ignored. This section shows
+you how to add a custom footer with page numbers and more.
+
+```example
+>>> #set page("iso-b6", margin: 1.75cm)
+#set page(
+  footer: locate(loc => {
+    let page-num = counter(page)
+      .at(loc)
+      .first()
+
+    let page-total = counter(page)
+      .final(loc)
+      .first()
+
+    strong[
+      American Society of Proceedings
+    ]
+    h(1fr)
+    [#page-num/#page-total]
+  })
+)
+
+This page has a custom footer.
+```
+
+The example above shows how to add a custom footer with page numbers. First, we
+need to recover the page number using the page counter. For this, we are using
+the [`{locate}` function]($func/locate) to check the page counter, just like in
+the conditional header section. We then store the current and final page number
+in variables.
+
+Then, we can proceed to build our footer. We add a strong label on the left,
+insert all the free space on the line, and finally display the current page
+number and the page total. This would work just the same in the header and with
+any content.
+
+We can, of course, use the [`{numbering}` function]($func/numbering) to use
+numbering pattern strings like before:
+
+```example
+>>> #set page("iso-b6", margin: 1.75cm)
+#set page(
+  footer: locate(loc => {
+    let page-num = counter(page)
+      .at(loc)
+      .first()
+
+    let page-total = counter(page)
+      .final(loc)
+      .first()
+
+    strong[
+      American Society of Proceedings
+    ]
+
+    h(1fr)
+
+    numbering(
+      "i of I",
+      page-num,
+      page-total
+    )
+  })
+)
+
+This page has a custom footer.
+```
+
+The `{numbering}` function accepts multiple arguments. It will use the arguments
+in order for each number character. You could, for example, put the page total
+in front of the page number by reversing the argument order.
+
+We can even use these variables to get more creative with the page number. For
+example, let's insert a circle for each page.
+
+```example
+>>> #set page("iso-b6", margin: 1.75cm)
+#set page(
+  footer: locate(loc => {
+    let page-num = counter(page)
+      .at(loc)
+      .first()
+
+    let circles = (
+      box(circle(
+        radius: 2pt,
+        fill: navy,
+      )),
+    ) * page-num
+
+    strong[Fun Typography Club]
+    h(1fr)
+    box(
+      inset: (bottom: 1pt),
+      circles.join(h(1pt))
+    )
+  })
+)
+
+This page has a custom footer.
+```
+
+In this example, we use the number of pages to create an array of
+[circles]($func/circle). The circles are wrapped in a [box]($func/box) so they
+can all appear on the same line because they are blocks and would otherwise
+create paragraph breaks. The length of this [array]($type/array) depends on the
+current page number.
+
+We then insert the circles at the right side of the footer, with 1pt of space
+between them. The join method of an array will attempt to
+[_join_]($scripting/#blocks) the different values of an array into a single
+value, interspersed with its argument. In our case, we get a single content
+value with circles and spaces between them that we can use with the align
+function. Finally, we use another box to ensure that the text and the circles
+can share a line and use the [`inset` argument]($func/box.inset) to raise the
+circles a bit so they line up nicely with the text.
+
+### Reset the page number and skip pages { #skip-pages }
+Do you, at some point in your document, need to reset the page number? Maybe you
+want to start with the first page only after the title page. Or maybe you need
+to skip a few page numbers because you will insert pages into the final printed
+product.
+
+The right way to modify the page number is to manipulate the page
+[counter]($func/counter). The simplest manipulation is to set the counter back
+to 1.
+
+```typ
+#counter(page).update(1)
+```
+
+This line will reset the page counter back to one. It should be placed at the
+start of a page because it will otherwise create a page break. You can also
+update the counter given its previous value by passing a function:
+
+```typ
+#counter(page).update(i => i + 5)
+```
+
+In this example, we skip five pages. `i` is the current value of the page
+counter and `i + 5` is the return value of our function.
+
+In case you need to retrieve the actual page number instead of the value of the
+page counter, you can use the [`page`]($func/locate) method on the argument of
+the `{locate}` closure:
+
+```example
+#counter(page).update(i => i + 5)
+
+// This returns one even though the
+// page counter was incremented by 5.
+#locate(loc => {loc.page()})
+```
+
+You can also obtain the page numbering pattern from the `{locate}` closure
+parameter with the [`page-numbering`]($func/locate) method.
+
+## Add columns { #columns }
+Add columns to your document to fit more on a page while maintaining legible
+line lengths. Columns are vertical blocks of text which are separated by some
+whitespace. This space is called the gutter.
+
+If all of your content needs to be laid out in columns, you can just specify the
+desired number of columns in the [`{page}`]($func/page.columns) set rule:
+
+```example
+>>> #set page(height: 120pt)
+#set page(columns: 2)
+#lorem(30)
+```
+
+If you need to adjust the gutter between the columns, refer to the method used
+in the next section.
+
+### Use columns anywhere in your document { #columns-anywhere }
+Very commonly, scientific papers have a single-column title and abstract, while
+the main body is set in two-columns. To achieve this effect, Typst includes a
+standalone [`{columns}` function]($func/columns) that can be used to insert
+columns anywhere on a page.
+
+Conceptually, the `columns` function must wrap the content of the columns:
+
+```example:single
+>>> #set page(height: 180pt)
+= Impacts of Odobenidae
+
+#set par(justify: true)
+>>> #h(11pt)
+#columns(2)[
+  == About seals in the wild
+  #lorem(80)
+]
+```
+
+However, we can use the ["everything show rule"]($styling/#show-rules) to reduce
+nesting and write more legible Typst markup:
+
+```example:single
+>>> #set page(height: 180pt)
+= Impacts of Odobenidae
+
+#set par(justify: true)
+>>> #h(11pt)
+#show: columns.with(2)
+
+== About seals in the wild
+#lorem(80)
+```
+
+The show rule will wrap everything that comes after it in its function. The
+[`with` mehtod]($type/function.with) allows us to pass arguments, in this case,
+the column count, to a function without calling it.
+
+Another use of the `columns` function is to create columns inside of a container
+like a rectangle or to customize gutter size:
+
+```example
+#rect(
+  width: 6cm,
+  height: 3.5cm,
+  columns(2, gutter: 12pt)[
+    In the dimly lit gas station,
+    a solitary taxi stood silently,
+    its yellow paint fading with
+    time. Its windows were dark,
+    its engine idle, and its tires
+    rested on the cold concrete.
+  ]
+)
+```
+
+### Balanced columns { #balanced-columns }
+If the columns on the last page of a document differ greatly in length, they may
+create a lopsided and unappealing layout. That's why typographers will often
+equalize the length of columns on the last page. This effect is called balancing
+columns. Typst cannot yet balance columns automatically. However, you can
+balance columns manually by placing [`[#colbreak()]`]($func/colbreak) at an
+appropriate spot in your markup, creating the desired column break manually.
+
+
+## One-off modifications { #one-off-modifications }
+You do not need to override your page settings if you need to insert a single
+page with a different setup. For example, you may want to insert a page that's
+flipped to landscape to insert a big table or change the margin and columns for
+your title page. In this case, you can call [`{page}`]($func/page) as a function
+with your content as an argument and the overrides as the other arguments. This
+will insert enough new pages with your overridden settings to place your content
+on them. Typst will revert to the page settings from the set rule after the
+call.
+
+```example
+>>> #set page("a6")
+#page(flipped: true)[
+  = Multiplication table
+
+  #table(
+    columns: 5 * (1fr,),
+    ..for x in range(1, 6) {
+      for y in range(1, 10) {
+        (str(x*y),)
+      }
+    }
+  )
+]
+```
diff --git a/docs/guides/welcome.md b/docs/guides/welcome.md
index 43ecd181d..f48fe1e5e 100644
--- a/docs/guides/welcome.md
+++ b/docs/guides/welcome.md
@@ -9,3 +9,4 @@ to Typst for LaTeX users. Feel free to propose other topics for guides!
 
 ## List of Guides { #list-of-guides }
 - [Guide for LaTeX users]($guides/guide-for-latex-users)
+- [Page setup guide]($guides/page-setup-guide)