Inserting a page break in Microsoft Word is a simple yet powerful tool to organize your document. By following a few steps, you can ensure your content flows smoothly, making it easier to read and navigate. This guide will walk you through each step clearly and concisely.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Insert a Page Break in Word
Adding a page break in Word helps you start a new page at a specific point in your document. This is particularly useful when you’re working on long documents like essays, reports, or books. Follow these steps to insert a page break in Word:
Step 1: Open Your Document
First, open your Microsoft Word document where you need to insert a page break.
Once your document is open, make sure you are in the "Print Layout" view. This view allows you to see the entire page as it will appear when printed.
Step 2: Position Your Cursor
Second, click to place your cursor where you want the new page to begin.
Ensure that your cursor is precisely located at the point where you want the text on the next page to start. This is crucial for maintaining the flow of your document.
Step 3: Open the "Insert" Tab
Third, navigate to the "Insert" tab at the top of the screen.
The "Insert" tab contains a variety of tools for adding different elements to your document, including tables, pictures, and, of course, page breaks.
Step 4: Click on "Page Break"
Fourth, click on "Page Break" in the "Pages" group.
This action will insert a page break at the location of your cursor, moving everything after the cursor to the next page.
Step 5: Verify the Page Break
Finally, scroll to where you inserted the page break to verify that it has been successfully added.
You should see a clear division between the pages, with the content after the cursor starting at the top of the new page.
After you’ve inserted the page break, your document will be divided into separate pages at the chosen points. This helps in organizing your content and makes it easier to format your document for various purposes like printing or creating professional reports.
Tips for Inserting Page Breaks in Word
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Pressing "Ctrl + Enter" is a quick way to insert a page break.
- Avoid Excessive Breaks: Only use page breaks when necessary to keep your document clean.
- Check for Hidden Breaks: Use the "Show/Hide" feature to ensure no unintended page breaks are in your document.
- Combine with Section Breaks: For more complex formatting, use section breaks along with page breaks.
- Undo Mistakes: If you insert a page break by mistake, press "Ctrl + Z" to undo it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a page break in Word?
A page break is a marker in your document that tells Word to start a new page at a specific point.
Can I delete a page break once it’s inserted?
Yes, you can delete a page break by placing your cursor on the line after the break and pressing "Backspace".
Is there a difference between a page break and a section break?
Yes, a page break starts a new page, while a section break can start a new section and allows different formatting for each section.
How do I see where page breaks are in my document?
Use the "Show/Hide" feature (ΒΆ) in Word to see non-printing characters, including page breaks.
Can I format different sections differently with page breaks?
No, for different formatting in different sections, you need to use section breaks instead of page breaks.
Summary
- Open your document.
- Position your cursor.
- Open the "Insert" tab.
- Click on "Page Break".
- Verify the page break.
Conclusion
Inserting a page break in Word is a fundamental skill that can significantly enhance the organization and readability of your documents. Whether you’re drafting a school report, writing a book, or preparing a business proposal, knowing how to insert page breaks efficiently ensures your content is well-structured and easy to navigate.
Remember, you can use keyboard shortcuts for quicker access, and always verify your page breaks to avoid any layout issues. With these tips and steps, you’re well on your way to mastering document formatting in Word.
For further reading, explore more advanced features like section breaks and how they can complement page breaks to give your document a professional polish. Happy writing!

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.