How to Delete a Page in Microsoft Word: Complete Guide with Shortcuts and Tips

Removing unwanted pages in Microsoft Word is a common issue that can impact document formatting and readability. Whether it’s a blank page or an extra page with hidden content, removing it ensures your document looks professional and organized. This guide will walk you through effective methods to delete pages, specifically for cases where pages seem “stuck” or refuse to delete.

Why Do Extra Pages Appear in Microsoft Word?

Extra pages in Word can result from multiple reasons, such as:

• Blank Spaces and Paragraph Markers: Pressing “Enter” too many times or having extra paragraph markers.
• Manual Page or Section Breaks: Page and section breaks create clean divisions but can also leave unwanted pages.
• Tables or Content Extending Beyond the Page: Embedded tables or content spilling over due to formatting can push text onto a new page.

Knowing why these pages appear helps you understand which method to use for deletion.

How to Delete a Page in Microsoft Word Using Backspace or Delete Key

If you have a page in Microsoft Word that you want to delete quickly, here are the basic steps:

1. Place Your Cursor at the End of the Document: For Windows, scroll to the end and click where you see the extra page.
2. Press Backspace or Delete: Simply press “Backspace” (or “Delete” on Mac) until the unwanted content or page is removed.

Key Tip: Removing Blank Pages

If this method doesn’t work, it could mean there are invisible characters or breaks causing the extra page.

Method 2: Using the ‘Go To’ Feature to Delete a Page in Word

The “Go To” function is a powerful tool for removing pages directly. Here’s how:

1. Access the Go To Command: For Windows, press Ctrl + G; for Mac, use Option + Command + G.
2. Enter the Page Number: Type “\page” in the Enter Page Number box, then click “Go To.”
3. Verify and Delete: This will highlight the entire page. Press “Delete” to remove it completely.

This method is especially useful if you’re wondering, “how do I delete a page in Word that won’t delete?”

Deleting Blank Pages in Word by Showing Paragraph Marks

In Word, blank pages are often due to paragraph markers or hidden formatting characters. To reveal these markers:

1. Turn on Paragraph Marks: Press Ctrl + Shift + 8 (or Command + 8 on Mac). This will display all hidden formatting marks.
2. Remove Extra Paragraphs and Spaces: Scroll to the blank page and delete any extra paragraph symbols or spaces.

By removing these markers, you should be able to clear out any blank pages, especially ones that seem resistant to deletion.

Removing Section Breaks to Delete an Extra Page

Section breaks are often the culprits for adding unwanted pages. Here’s how to remove them:

1. Show All Hidden Characters: This can be done using the Ctrl + Shift + 8 command.
2. Locate Section Breaks: Look for section breaks labeled as “Next Page,” “Continuous,” or “Even/Odd Page.”
3. Delete the Breaks: Select and delete the break to remove the extra page.

Pro Tip: Be careful with section breaks as removing them can affect formatting throughout your document.

Using the Navigation Pane to Remove Blank Pages

The Navigation Pane provides a quick way to view and delete pages. Here’s how:

1. Open Navigation Pane: Go to the “View” tab and select “Navigation Pane.”
2. Navigate to Pages: Click on the “Pages” tab to see an overview of all document pages.
3. Select and Delete: Find the blank or extra page, click on it, and press “Delete.”

This tool can be especially useful for long documents where it’s hard to locate blank pages.

Shortcut Keys for Deleting Pages in Word

For those who prefer using shortcuts, here are quick ways to delete pages in Word:

• Delete a Blank Page: Use Ctrl + G, type “\page,” and press “Enter,” then delete.
• Removing Extra Paragraphs: Ctrl + Shift + 8 displays paragraph marks, allowing you to identify and delete extra spaces.
• Removing Section Breaks: Use Ctrl + Shift + 8 to show hidden section breaks, which you can delete directly.

Shortcut keys make the process faster and are especially helpful for managing blank or unwanted pages.

Advanced Tips: Adjusting Page Layout to Avoid Extra Pages

If you still find blank pages in the middle or at the end of your document, adjusting your layout settings may help:

1. Adjust Margins and Spacing: Go to the “Layout” tab, and under “Margins,” reduce the space to ensure no extra pages are created.
2. Check for Hidden Content: Sometimes, tables or images can create extra pages. Adjust their placement or size to resolve this.
3. Remove Headers/Footers on Blank Pages: Blank pages can sometimes appear due to header or footer content. Double-click the header/footer section and delete content on the blank page.

Removing Unwanted Pages in Microsoft Word on Mac

For Mac users, the steps are similar to Windows but use different shortcut keys:

• Use Option + Command + G: This opens the “Go To” function on Mac.
• Delete Key on Mac: Mac keyboards use the “Delete” key in place of “Backspace.”

Deleting pages on Mac follows the same principles as in Windows but with Mac-specific commands.

Conclusion: Keep Your Documents Neat by Removing Unwanted Pages

With these methods, you can ensure your Word documents remain professional and organized. Removing blank or extra pages improves readability and enhances the presentation of your work. So, next time you ask yourself, “how to delete a blank page in Microsoft Word?” just follow these steps for a clean, polished document.

By following these steps, you’ll have full control over your document’s layout, eliminating any unwanted pages with ease.

Frequently Asked Question’s