Page breaks in Google Docs push text onto a new page. You can delete a manual break like any other character, but some gaps come from section breaks or paragraph settings instead. Here is how to find and remove each kind.
Quick Answer
Click at the very start of the text just after the break and press Backspace. Or click just before the break and press Delete.
How to Remove a Page Break in Google Docs
- Open the document.
- Turn on View, Show non-printing characters (Ctrl+Shift+P) so breaks are easier to see.
- Click at the very start of the first line after the break.
- Press Backspace until the text moves up to the previous page.
- If a gap remains, open View and turn on Show section breaks, then delete any section break the same way.
- Check Format, Line and paragraph spacing and make sure Add page break before is not selected.
Types of Breaks
| Break | How to remove |
|---|---|
| Page break | Backspace after it, or Delete before it |
| Section break (next page) | Show section breaks, then delete it |
| Add page break before | Format, Line and paragraph spacing, turn it off |
| Blank lines | Delete the empty paragraphs |
| All page gaps | Switch to Pageless in File, Page setup |
Troubleshooting
- Backspace does nothing: the gap may be a section break. Show section breaks first.
- Table pushes to next page: tables can split across pages; reduce row heights or margins.
- Break comes back: suggestions mode may be on. Switch to Editing in the top-right.
- Related: switching a doc to pageless format and printing one tab from a Google Doc.
Related: Remove blank space in Google Docs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add a page break?
Insert, Break, Page break, or press Ctrl+Enter.
Can I remove all page breaks at once?
There is no single button, but switching to Pageless removes page layout altogether.
Does this work in the mobile app?
Yes. Tap after the break and press backspace on the keyboard.
Will removing breaks change my printing?
Yes. Text will flow onto the previous page when printed.
Summary
- Show non-printing characters.
- Click after the break.
- Press Backspace.
- Remove section breaks if needed.
- Turn off Add page break before.
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.