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.
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Published on May 31, 2022

What to Know

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

Adding a page break in Microsoft Word gives you an easy way to control the layout and flow of your documents. This article explains three ways to add one in recent versions of Microsoft Word.

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. With the cursor in the correct location, click Insert.

  2. Click Break.

    Microsoft Word with the Insert menu open and Break highlighted

  3. Click Page Break.

    Microsoft Word with the Break menu open and Page Break highlighted

  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.

    Microsoft Word with a page break added to the page

Add a Page Break in Word Using the Keyboard

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

  1. With the cursor in the correct location, hold down the Shift and Command keys.

  2. Keep holding those keys and then press the Return 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. With the cursor in the correct location, click Layout in the ribbon at the top of the window.

    Microsoft Word with the Layout menu open and cursor positioned for break

  2. Click Breaks.

  3. Click 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.

    Microsoft Word with a page break added to the page
FAQ
  • How do I remove a page break in Word?

    First, click Show/Hide 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.

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