A Page Break in Microsoft Word is used to end the current page and start a new one, even if the current page is not completely filled with text. It helps control the flow and layout of the document, especially in reports, projects, books, and formatted assignments.
1. Meaning of Page Break
A Page Break is a marker in a document that tells Word to move the content after the break to the next page.
It does not create extra blank lines — it simply shifts text to start from a new page.
For example:
If you’re writing a report and want a new chapter to begin on a new page, you insert a page break before that chapter.
2. Purpose of Page Breaks
Page breaks are used to:
- Start a new chapter or section on a new page.
- Separate title pages, tables, charts, and references.
- Ensure consistent page formatting.
- Prevent automatic text shifting when editing.
- Make documents look professional and organized.
3. Types of Page Breaks
(a) Manual Page Break
- Inserted manually by the user.
- It forces the text after the break to begin on the next page.
(b) Automatic Page Break
- Word automatically moves text to the next page when the current page is full.
- This happens naturally while typing long text.
4. How to Insert a Page Break
Method 1: Using the Ribbon
- Place the cursor where you want to start a new page.
- Go to the Insert tab on the Ribbon.
- In the Pages group, click Page Break.
- The cursor will move to a new blank page.
Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcut
- Press Ctrl + Enter
→ This instantly inserts a page break at the cursor position.
Example:
If you have:
Chapter 1: Introduction
(Paragraphs here)
and you want the next chapter to start on a new page, place the cursor after the last paragraph of Chapter 1 and press Ctrl + Enter.
Now, “Chapter 2” will begin on a new page.
5. Viewing Page Breaks
To see where page breaks are inserted:
- Go to Home tab → Paragraph group.
- Click on the ¶ (Show/Hide) button.
- You will see a dotted line labeled “Page Break” showing the position of the break.
6. Deleting a Page Break
If you inserted a page break by mistake:
- Click ¶ (Show/Hide) to view hidden formatting marks.
- Place the cursor before the Page Break line.
- Press Delete or Backspace.
7. Difference Between Page Break and Section Break
| Feature | Page Break | Section Break |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Starts a new page | Starts a new section with different formatting |
| Formatting | Keeps same layout and style | Can have different headers, footers, margins, or orientation |
| Common Use | New chapters or topics | Different page styles (portrait/landscape) |
8. Best Practices
- Use manual page breaks to control where new topics or sections begin.
- Avoid pressing Enter repeatedly to reach a new page.
- Use Section Breaks if you need a new layout or formatting change.
- Always turn on ¶ marks when working with long documents — it helps spot page breaks easily.
9. Example Use Cases
| Document Type | When to Use Page Breaks |
|---|---|
| Report or Thesis | Start each chapter on a new page |
| Resume | Begin new section (Experience, Education) on a new page |
| Newsletter | Divide articles or columns clearly |
| Assignment | Separate cover page, content, and bibliography |
10. Conclusion
Page Breaks in MS Word are simple yet powerful tools that give you precise control over how text flows across pages. By inserting page breaks correctly, you can make your document look organized, readable, and professional — essential for BBA students preparing reports, projects, or business documents.