Deleting a page in Microsoft Word might seem tricky at first, but it’s quite simple once you get the hang of it. We’ve all been there—you’re editing a document and suddenly there’s an unwanted blank page or extra content page that you just can’t seem to get rid of. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and we’ll guide you through the steps to clean up your document.

Sometimes, those pesky extra pages are caused by hidden paragraph markers, page breaks, or section breaks. These can sneak in without us noticing, especially when we’re focused on getting the content just right. In my experience, using the “Go To” feature or the navigation pane can make finding and deleting those extra pages much easier. Press “Ctrl + G,” type “\page” and then press “Enter” to locate the page you want to delete, and hit “Delete” to remove it. It’s really that simple!
Navigating through a Word document with tables and graphics can also lead to unwanted pages. We’ve seen how annoying it can be when an extra page appears just because a table didn’t fit on a previous page. By turning on paragraph marks (by pressing “Ctrl + Shift + 8”), we can see all hidden formatting marks. This helps us spot any extra returns or breaks that might be causing blank pages and easily get rid of them. Stick with us, and you’ll turn into a Word wizard in no time! ✨
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How To Delete A Page In Word
Deleting a page in Word can sometimes feel like a scavenger hunt. Don’t fret! We’ve got you.
Sometimes an extra blank page sneaks into the end of our document. Here’s a quick fix:
- Click the View tab.
- Open the Navigation Pane.
- Select Pages to see all pages.
- Click the unwanted page and press Delete.
For PC users:
Press Ctrl + G and type \page in the Enter Page Number box. Hit Enter, then close and press Delete.
For Mac users:
Press Option + Command + G and type \page in the Enter Page Number box. Hit Enter, then close and press Delete.
Sometimes stubborn blank pages hide between text. They’re tricky!
- Make sure Paragraph Marks are visible (
Ctrl + Shift + 8on PC orCommand + 8on Mac). - Check for extra breaks or hidden formatting marks.
- Delete any mysterious symbols.
And that’s it! With these steps, our document should look spotless. Enjoy your blank-page-free masterpiece!
Common Issues When Deleting A Page
When trying to delete a page in Word, two main problems can pop up: unwanted blank pages and content that won’t seem to delete. Both issues can be frustrating, but we have detailed ways to tackle each.
Unwanted Blank Pages
Blank pages can appear for various reasons. Sometimes, Word adds extra paragraph marks or formatting at the end of your document. We can fix this by showing paragraph marks:
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + 8to reveal all hidden formatting marks. - Look for extra paragraph marks (¶) and delete them.
Another cause is section breaks. To remove these, we need to find and delete them:
- Go to the Home tab.
- Click Show/Hide Paragraph marks to see the section breaks.
- Delete any unwanted section breaks.
If you’re dealing with a table at the end of the document, Word might insert a blank paragraph after it. Adjust the table to prevent this:
- Right-click the table.
- Select Table Properties and adjust settings to fit content within the page.
Persistent Content That Won’t Delete
Sometimes we face stubborn content that just won’t go away. Here’s how to address this:
- Navigation Pane: Use the Navigation Pane to ensure you’re selecting the entire page. Go to View > Navigation Pane, select Pages, and choose the troublesome page.
- Go To Feature: Press
Ctrl + G, type\page, and click Enter. This highlights the page, making it easier to delete. - Text Selection: Click from the beginning of the text, then use
Shift + Clickto select the entire content.
Sometimes hidden formats like headers or footers might also keep the page intact. Double-check these and remove any persistent elements.
Advanced Techniques For Page Management
Managing pages in Word can often require more than just basic deletion techniques. We’ll look at the use of section breaks and the removal of page breaks to help you manage your pages more effectively.
Using Section Breaks
Section breaks are powerful tools to control the layout and formatting of different parts of your document. They let you apply distinct settings to sections without affecting the entire document.
Types of Section Breaks:
- Next Page: Starts the new section on the next page.
- Continuous: Starts the new section on the same page.
- Even Page/Odd Page: Begins the section on the next even or odd page.
Inserting a Section Break:
- Place the cursor where you want the break.
- Go to Layout > Breaks.
- Choose the type of section break you need.
Using section breaks can help manage headers, footers, and page numbering. This creates a more organized document. For instance, starting a new chapter on a fresh page is seamless with section breaks.
Removing Page Breaks
Unwanted page breaks can mess up the flow of your document. Knowing how to remove these breaks is crucial for smooth formatting.
Steps to Identify and Remove Page Breaks:
- Show formatting marks by clicking ¶ in the toolbar.
- Place the cursor before the page break line.
- Press Delete on your keyboard.
Page breaks can be manually inserted and often end up in places they shouldn’t be. Removing these unnecessary breaks ensures a consistent flow.
If you encounter stubborn breaks that don’t delete easily, check the Paragraph settings or revisit the section break locations. Eliminating stray page breaks can make your document more polished and professional.