Inserting page breaks in Google Docs is useful for controlling where text and images appear in your document. Page breaks allow you to separate sections of a document and ensure key parts always start on a new page.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about inserting, removing, and formatting page breaks in Google Docs.
When to Use Page Breaks
Here are some common reasons to insert page breaks in Google Docs:
- Start chapters or major sections on a new page
- Keep headings and subheadings with related content
- Prevent widows/orphans (single words stranded on a page)
- Create space for images and tables
- Customize page numbering
Page breaks are especially helpful for long documents like reports, books, theses, and presentations.
How to Insert a Page Break
Inserting a page break in Google Docs is simple:
- Place cursor where you want the page break
- Select Insert > Break > Page Break
- A page break is inserted and text moves to the next page
Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Enter (Windows) or ⌘ + Return (Mac) to insert a page break.
Tips
- To add a page break before a heading or paragraph, select it and choose Format > Line and Paragraph Spacing > Add Page Break Before.
- Use View > Show Section Breaks to see page break lines in your document.
- Insert multiple page breaks to create more space or span a section across specific pages.
Removing Page Breaks
To remove a page break:
- Click below the page break
- Press Backspace or Delete key to remove it
The content from the next page will move up after the page break is deleted.
Formatting Tips
- Adjust page size, margins, and orientation in File > Page Setup before adding page breaks
- Use page break before a heading to keep it at top of new page
- Add different headers/footers in each section
- Reset page numbers after major sections
Conclusion
Learning how to properly use page breaks in Google Docs gives you more control over document formatting and layout. Insert them before major sections, headings, figures or to prevent awkward spacing.
Adjusting page setup options before inserting breaks allows you to customize the look even further. Don’t forget you can quickly remove page breaks if you change your mind.
With these tips, you’ll be able to produce professional, polished documents of any length in Google Docs. Page breaks help improve readability and organization – giving readers a better experience.
