How to Delete a Page in Microsoft Word (Windows, Mac, iOS & More) – Step-by-Step Guide
Deleting a page in Microsoft Word is a simple process if you use the right method. Whether you’re on Windows, Mac, iOS, or using Word Online, you can effectively remove unwanted pages and maintain a clean document layout. By understanding the reasons behind extra pages and utilizing the appropriate techniques, you can ensure your document remains professional and well-structured.
This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to delete a page in Word for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Word Online. You’ll also find troubleshooting tips, advanced techniques, and frequently asked questions to help you confidently manage your documents.
Understanding Why Unwanted Pages Appear in Word
Before deleting a page, it helps to know why Word might have created it in the first place. Here are the most common reasons:
✔️ Extra Paragraph Marks (¶) – Unnecessary paragraph symbols might push content onto a new page.
✔️ ️Manual Page Breaks – If you (or someone else) manually inserted a page break, it can cause extra pages.
✔️ Section Breaks – Section breaks define page formatting and sometimes leave behind blank pages.
✔️ Tables or Images – Large tables or images that don’t fit within the margins can push content onto a new page.
✔️ Margin & Line Spacing Issues – If margins are too wide or spacing is too large, Word may create an unwanted page.
Now that we understand the possible causes, let’s go over the solutions.
How to Delete a Page in Microsoft Word on Windows
Method 1: Delete a Specific Page Using the “Go To” Function
If you need to delete a specific page, this method is quick and efficient.
Steps:
1️⃣ Open the “Go To” Dialog Box:
- Press Ctrl + G (Windows) or Option + Command + G (Mac).
- The Find and Replace dialog box will appear.
2️⃣ Navigate to the Page:
- In the Enter page number field, type \page.
- Click Enter, and Word will select the entire page.
3️⃣ Delete the Page:
- Press the Delete key to remove the selected page.
📌 Tip: This method works for both blank and content-filled pages.
Method 2: Delete a Blank Page at the End of the Document
A blank page at the end of a document is often caused by extra paragraph marks or an accidental page break.
Steps:
1️⃣ Show Hidden Formatting Marks:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + 8 to reveal paragraph marks (¶).
- This will help you see if extra paragraph symbols are causing the blank page.
2️⃣ Delete Extra Paragraphs:
- Scroll to the last page and highlight all empty paragraph marks (¶) or page breaks.
- Press Delete or Backspace repeatedly until the blank page disappears.
📌 Tip: If a blank page remains, check for section breaks (see Method 4).
Method 3: Delete a Page with Content
If a page contains text, images, tables, or graphics that you no longer need, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Select the Entire Page:
- Place the cursor at the beginning of the page.
- Click and drag to highlight everything on the page.
- Alternatively, press Ctrl + A to select all content in the document, then manually deselect the content you want to keep.
2️⃣ Delete the Content:
- Press Delete or Backspace until the page disappears.
📌 Tip: If the page remains, check for hidden formatting issues like section breaks or tables.
Method 4: Remove Pages Caused by Section Breaks
A section break can create an unwanted blank page. Removing it can solve the issue but may affect formatting.
Steps:
1️⃣ Show Formatting Marks (¶)
- Press Ctrl + Shift + 8 to see hidden section breaks.
2️⃣ Find the Section Break:
- Look for “Section Break (Next Page)” or “Continuous” at the bottom of the unwanted page.
3️⃣ Delete the Section Break:
- Click before the section break and press Delete.
⚠️ Warning: Deleting a section break may alter headers, footers, or margins.
Deleting a Page in Microsoft Word on Mac
Mac users can follow similar steps:
✔️ To delete a blank page: Press ⌘ + 8 to show paragraph marks and delete extra ones.
✔️ To delete a page with content: Select it using the cursor and press Delete.
✔️ To remove section breaks: Go to View > Show Paragraph Marks, find the break, and delete it.
📌 Tip: Mac users should also check for page layout settings under Format > Document.
How to Delete a Page in Word on iPhone/iPad (iOS)
If you’re using Word on iOS:
1️⃣ Open the Document in the Word App.
2️⃣ Tap on the Text Area.
3️⃣ Use the Backspace Key to delete unwanted content.
4️⃣ For Blank Pages: Tap and hold to select extra paragraph marks and delete them.
📌 Tip: Use Apple’s Trackpad Mode (press and hold the spacebar) for easier text selection.
Troubleshooting: What If the Page Won’t Delete?
If the page refuses to be deleted, try these fixes:
🔹 Resize Tables or Images – A table extending beyond the margins might be pushing content to a new page.
🔹 Adjust Margins & Line Spacing – Go to Layout > Margins and set a narrower margin.
🔹 Delete Headers or Footers – Sometimes, hidden content in headers keeps pages from being removed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I delete multiple pages at once?
Yes, you can highlight multiple pages and press Delete or use Ctrl + G and enter a page range.
2. What happens if I delete a section break?
Removing a section break can affect formatting, headers, and footers. If needed, reapply formatting manually.
3. How do I delete a blank page in Word with tables?
Tables sometimes extend onto a blank page. Try:
✔️ Reducing table size.
✔️ Adjusting margins under “Layout”.
4. Why does Word create extra pages after saving?
Common reasons include:
✔️ Hidden paragraph marks.
✔️ Incorrect page settings.
✔️ Unwanted manual page breaks.
Conclusion
Deleting a page in Microsoft Word doesn’t have to be frustrating! Whether you’re using Windows, Mac, iOS, or Word Online, these methods will help you remove unwanted pages effortlessly.
With these tips, you’ll always have a clean, professional-looking document!