A page break in Google Docs pushes the next text to the top of a new page, which is useful for title pages, chapters and appendices. It only works in the Pages format; a document set to Pageless has no pages, so switch it back first.
Quick Answer
Place the cursor where the new page should start and choose Insert, Break, Page break, or press Ctrl and Enter (Command and Enter on a Mac).
How to Insert a Page Break in Google Docs
- Open the document and click where the new page should begin.
- Choose Insert, Break, Page break.
- Or press Ctrl and Enter (Command and Enter on a Mac).
- If Break is greyed out, go to File, Page setup, choose Pages and click OK.
- To remove a page break, click at the start of the text after it and press Backspace.
- Use Section break (next page) instead when the new page needs different margins or orientation.
Break Types
| Break | Use |
|---|---|
| Page break | Start content on a new page |
| Section break (next page) | New page with its own margins or orientation |
| Section break (continuous) | New section on the same page |
| Column break | Move text to the next column |
| Pageless format | No breaks at all |
Troubleshooting
- Page break option missing: the document is Pageless. See how to switch between Pages and Pageless.
- Blank page after a break: delete an extra empty paragraph after the break.
- Breaks look different when printed: check File, Page setup margins.
- Printing only part of a document? Read how to print one tab from a Google Doc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see where page breaks are?
Turn on View, Show non-printing characters to see break markers.
Does the mobile app support page breaks?
Yes. Tap the plus sign, then Page break.
Do page breaks survive a Word export?
Yes. They are kept when you download as a Word file.
How do I indent the new page’s first line?
See how to indent in Google Docs.
Summary
- Click where the new page starts.
- Insert, Break, Page break.
- Or press Ctrl + Enter.
- Switch Pageless documents to Pages first.
- Backspace to remove a break.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.