Inserting a page break in Google Docs is a straightforward task. Essentially, you just need to place your cursor at the point where you want the new page to begin, and then insert the break. After doing this, the text following the cursor will move to the start of the next page, leaving the rest of the current page blank.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Insert a Page Break in Google Docs
Before we dive into the steps, let me explain what we’re about to do. Inserting a page break allows you to start a new page without having to hit the Enter key repeatedly. It’s especially useful for creating new chapters in a document or separating sections clearly.
Step 1: Open your document in Google Docs
You’ll want to make sure you’re in the document where you need the page break.
This might seem obvious, but it’s a crucial first step. If you’re not in the right document, you’ll end up adding a page break somewhere you don’t want it.
Step 2: Place your cursor where you want the page break
Click in the document where you want the next page to start.
Remember, wherever the blinking cursor is placed, that’s where the new page will begin. So, be careful and ensure you’re not splitting a sentence or a word.
Step 3: Go to Insert in the menu bar
Once your cursor is placed, look up at the top of the screen and find the “Insert” option.
This menu is where all the magic happens. You’ll find tons of useful tools here, but for now, we’re focused on the page break feature.
Step 4: Select Break, then Page break
After clicking “Insert,” a drop-down menu will appear. Hover over “Break,” and another menu will pop out to the side. Click on “Page break.”
As soon as you click “Page break,” the document will immediately add a break and jump to the start of the next page. It’s like hitting an invisible “Enter” key until you reach the next page.
Once you complete these steps, you’ll see that the text following the point where you inserted the page break has now moved to the top of the next page in the document.
Tips for How to Insert a Page Break in Google Docs
- Use page breaks to separate chapters or sections clearly.
- If you accidentally insert a page break, just undo it with Ctrl+Z (Cmd+Z on a Mac).
- Don’t use page breaks to create space; instead, adjust the paragraph spacing settings.
- Remember that page breaks can affect the formatting of your document, so use them sparingly.
- Page breaks are especially useful for creating professional-looking documents like resumes or reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a page break and hitting enter a bunch of times?
Hitting enter repeatedly just adds empty lines, but a page break moves the text to the top of the next page, no matter how many lines are left on the current page.
Can I remove a page break after I’ve added it?
Absolutely! Just place your cursor at the beginning of the page break and hit backspace.
Will page breaks affect the pagination of my document?
Yes, inserting a page break will change the number of pages in your document and where content is located within it.
What happens to the text after I insert a page break?
The text that comes after the page break will start at the top of the next page, leaving the rest of the current page blank.
Can I use keyboard shortcuts to insert a page break?
Yes, you can use Ctrl+Enter (Cmd+Enter on Mac) as a shortcut to insert a page break.
Summary
- Open your document in Google Docs.
- Place your cursor where you want the page break.
- Go to Insert in the menu bar.
- Select Break, then Page break.
Conclusion
Knowing how to insert a page break in Google Docs is a nifty skill that can add a touch of professionalism to your documents. It’s a simple, but powerful tool that can help you organize your content, manage your document’s layout, and enhance readability. Whether you’re working on an essay, creating a report, or writing a novel, mastering page breaks can make a significant difference in the presentation of your work. Remember to use page breaks judiciously, and always keep your document’s flow and formatting in mind. With this knowledge in your toolkit, you’re well on your way to creating well-structured and visually appealing documents. Happy writing!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.