This tutorial shows how to insert a blank page in Microsoft Word (without repeatedly pressing the Enter or Return key on your keyboard). We will also look at how to delete a blank page.
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The images below are from Word for Microsoft 365. These steps will also work for Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, and Word for Mac.
How to Insert a Blank Page in Microsoft Word
- Place your cursor where you would like to insert the blank page.
- Select the Insert tab in the ribbon.
- Select Blank Page in the Pages group.
Your blank page should be inserted into your document.
How to Delete a Blank Page in Microsoft Word
These steps show how to delete a blank page inserted using the steps above. If this method doesn’t work for you, please see the bonus section below for two additional deletion methods.
- Select the Home tab in the ribbon.
- Select the Show/Hide button in the Paragraph group to show the hidden formatting marks in your document.
- Place your cursor at the start of the page break automatically created when you inserted your blank page.
Important Note: Mac users may have to place their cursor at the end of the page break rather than the start in order to delete the break.
- Press the Delete key on your keyboard to delete the page break.
- (Optional) If your blank page was inserted between existing content rather than at the end of your document, also delete the page break automatically created after the existing content.
Your blank page should be deleted.
Two More Ways to Delete Blank Pages
Blank pages can be created by several other issues, including leftover section breaks and unnecessary paragraph marks.
Delete Blank Pages Created by Section Breaks
If your unwanted blank page was created by a section break, you must delete the section break to delete the blank page.
- Select the Show/Hide button in the Home tab (see figure 4) to locate the section break.
- Place your cursor at the start of the break and press the Delete key on your keyboard. (Mac users may have to place their cursor at the end of the break in order to delete it.)
Delete Blank Pages Created by Paragraph Marks
Blank pages can be created by unnecessary paragraph marks.
- Select the Show/Hide button in the Home tab (see figure 4) to locate the paragraph marks.
- Select the paragraph mark or place your cursor directly in front of it, and then press the Delete key on your keyboard until the blank page is removed.
Related Resources
How to Create a Cover Page in Microsoft Word (Built-In and Custom)