Word normally applies the same margins to every page, but sometimes one page needs to be different: a wide table on page 5, a full-width cover page, or an appendix with a bigger left margin for binding. The secret is section breaks. Each section in Word can have its own margins, so you split the document into sections and set the margins for each one. This guide shows the quick way, the manual way, and how to avoid the most common problems.
Quick answer
Click at the start of the page that needs different margins, go to Layout > Margins > Custom Margins, enter the new margins, set Apply to to This point forward, and click OK. Word inserts a section break and applies the margins from that page on. Repeat at the next page to switch back.
Method 1: Use “This point forward”
- Click at the very beginning of the first page that should have different margins.
- Go to the Layout tab (called Page Layout in older versions).
- Click Margins and choose Custom Margins at the bottom.
- Enter the top, bottom, left, and right margins you want.
- In the Apply to box, choose This point forward.
- Click OK.
Word adds a Section Break (Next Page) at your cursor, and every page after it uses the new margins. To return to the original margins later, click at the start of the next page that should be normal and repeat the steps with your original measurements.
Method 2: Apply margins to selected text
If you want different margins for a specific block of content, such as a wide table:
- Select the content.
- Open Layout > Margins > Custom Margins.
- Set the margins and choose Selected text in Apply to.
- Click OK.
Word adds section breaks before and after the selection, so the selected content lands on its own page or pages with the new margins.
Method 3: Insert section breaks yourself
For full control, add the breaks first:
- Click where the new section should start.
- Go to Layout > Breaks and choose Next Page under Section Breaks.
- Add another Next Page break where the section should end.
- Click anywhere inside the middle section, open Custom Margins, set the margins, and choose This section in Apply to.
See where your sections are
Press Ctrl + Shift + 8 (Command + 8 on a Mac), or click the ΒΆ button on the Home tab, to show formatting marks. Section breaks appear as dotted lines labeled with the break type. Turn the marks off the same way. For help, see how to turn off paragraph symbols in Word.
You can also add the section number to the status bar: right-click the status bar at the bottom of the window and check Section.
Watch out for headers and footers
New sections start with Link to Previous turned on, so headers and footers continue as before. If the margin change also needs a different header or footer, double-click the header in the new section and click Link to Previous on the Header & Footer tab to unlink it. Page numbers continue automatically unless you change them.
Different margins for odd and even pages
If you’re printing a booklet or binding pages, you may want mirrored margins rather than separate sections. In Custom Margins, set Multiple pages to Mirror margins. The left and right margins become Inside and Outside, so they alternate correctly on facing pages. Add a Gutter for extra space at the binding.
Deleting a section break safely
When you delete a section break, the text before it takes on the formatting of the section after it. If margins suddenly change after deleting a break, press Ctrl + Z to undo, then adjust the margins in each section before deleting the break again.
For the basics of changing margins, see how to set margins in Word. If you want them as small as possible, see how to remove margins in Word.
Related: How to change margins in Word Online.
Related: Select multiple pictures in Word.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my margins change for the whole document?
The Apply to box was set to Whole document. Undo, then repeat the steps and choose This point forward or This section.
Can I use a different margin on just one page in the middle?
Yes. Put a Next Page section break before and after that page, then set margins for the middle section only.
Can I make one page landscape the same way?
Yes. In the same Custom Margins window (Page Setup), choose Landscape under Orientation and set Apply to This point forward or Selected text. Word adds section breaks so only those pages turn sideways, which is perfect for wide tables and charts.
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.