A stray blank or unwanted page in Microsoft Word usually comes from extra paragraph marks or a page break. Removing it tidies up your document so it prints and reads the way you intend.
What you'll need
- Microsoft Word
- A document
Step by step
- Turn on formatting marksOn the Home tab, click the paragraph symbol that looks like a backwards P. This reveals hidden paragraph marks and page breaks so you can see what is filling the page.
- Find the causeLook on the unwanted page for extra paragraph marks or a Page Break line. These invisible elements are usually what create a blank page.
- Select the empty contentClick at the start of the empty area and drag to the end, or click just before a page break to place your cursor there.
- Delete itPress Delete or Backspace to remove the selected paragraph marks or the page break. The following text should move up to fill the gap.
- Check the resultScroll through to confirm the page is gone and nothing else shifted incorrectly, then click the paragraph symbol again to hide the formatting marks.
Handy tips
- A blank last page is often just one extra paragraph mark. Put your cursor on it and press Backspace to clear it.
- If the page comes from a section break, place your cursor before it and delete carefully, since section breaks control margins and headers.
- You can also use Find and Replace with the special code for a manual page break to locate breaks quickly.
Heads up
- Deleting a section break can change the page layout, margins, or headers of nearby pages. Check the surrounding pages after removing one.
FAQ
Why can't I delete the last blank page?
Word always keeps a final paragraph mark, and if it does not fit on the previous page it spills onto a new one. Try reducing the spacing of that last paragraph or shrinking its font to a small size.
What is the difference between a page break and a section break?
A page break just starts new text on the next page, while a section break also changes layout settings like margins, columns, or headers for the pages that follow.
How do I see what is on a blank page?
Turn on formatting marks with the paragraph symbol on the Home tab. This shows paragraph marks and breaks that are otherwise invisible.