How to Insert a Page Break in Word

There are three ways to separate pages. All keep your document neat and tidy

By
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Writer
  • Ithaca College
Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on July 25, 2022
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher headshot
Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

  • Insert menu > Break > Page Break.
  • In the Layout ribbon, go to Breaks > Page.
  • Alternatively, press Shift+Command+Return on your keyboard.

This article explains how to insert page breaks in Microsoft Word. The instructions apply to Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013 for Windows and Mac.

How to Add a Page Break in Word

Page breaks add a new page to your document and move your cursor to the start of the new page. They're great for adding sections, indicating new chapters, or generally giving some room for your text to breathe. There are many ways to add page breaks in Microsoft Word.

For all of the sections below, begin by placing your cursor where you want to add the page break. For example, if you want to add it after a paragraph, place the cursor at the end of the paragraph you want the break added.

Add a Page Break in Word Using the Insert Menu

The Insert menu is the most logical place to look when adding anything other than text to a document.

  1. Move the cursor to where you want the page break to start, then select Insert in the ribbon at the top of the window.

    Insert tab in Microsoft Office

  2. Select Page Break.

    In Word for Mac, select Break > Page Break.

    Page Break under Insert tab in Microsoft Office

  3. A new page is added to your document and the cursor is moved to the start of the page for you to add text.

    Cursor at the top of a new page in Microsoft Word

Add a Page Break in Word Using the Keyboard

Who needs menus when you are a master at the keyboard?

  1. Move the cursor to where you want the page break to start, then hold down Shift+Ctrl (on Windows) or Shift+Command (on Mac).

  2. Keep holding those keys and then press the Return or Enter key to add a page break.

  3. A new page is added to your document and the cursor is moved to the start of the page for you to add text.

Page breaks aren't the only kind of layout breaks you can use in Word. You can also add column breaks or add and remove line breaks.

Add a Page Break in Word Using the Layout Menu

The Layout ribbon could be faster than the menu system if you are an expert ribbon user.

  1. Move the cursor to where you want the page break to start, and select Layout in the ribbon at the top of the window.

    Layout tab in Microsoft Office

  2. Select Breaks.

    Breaks under Layout tab in Microsoft Office

  3. Select Page.

    Microsoft Word with the Breaks menu open and Page selected

  4. A new page is added to your document and the cursor is moved to the start of the page for you to add text.

    Cursor at the top of a new page in Microsoft Word
FAQ
  • How do I remove a page break in Word?

    First, select the Show/Hide icon in the Paragraph section of the ribbon to reveal all of your formatting. From there, you can double-click a page break to highlight it, and then press Delete.

  • How do I undo a page break in Word?

    If you've just added the page break, you can remove it immediately by pressing Ctrl+Z on a PC or Command+Z on a Mac. Alternatively, go to Edit > Undo or select the Undo icon in the toolbar. It looks like an arrow pointing to the left.

Was this page helpful?