Changing the orientation of just one page in a Word document can be a bit tricky, but it’s totally doable! First, you’ll need to place your cursor at the beginning of the page you want to change. Then, create section breaks before and after that page. Finally, change the orientation of that specific section to landscape or portrait, depending on your needs. Voilà! Your single page now boasts its new look.
Step-by-Step Tutorial for Changing Orientation of One Page in Word
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to change the orientation of a single page without affecting the rest of your document. Let’s dive into the steps!
Step 1: Place Your Cursor
Place your cursor at the start of the page you want to change.
This is crucial because Word needs to know exactly where you want the changes to begin. You don’t want to accidentally change the orientation of the wrong page, right?
Step 2: Insert a Section Break
Go to the “Layout” or “Page Layout” tab and select “Breaks,” then choose “Next Page” under Section Breaks.
Inserting a section break is like drawing a line in the sand. It tells Word, “Hey, treat everything after this point differently.”
Step 3: Repeat the Section Break
Move your cursor to the end of the page and insert another “Next Page” section break.
This second break is your stop sign. It marks where the orientation change ends, so the following pages don’t get affected.
Step 4: Change the Orientation
Click anywhere on the page you want to change, go to the “Layout” tab, and select “Orientation.” Choose either “Portrait” or “Landscape.”
Now, you’re in the driver’s seat. This step is where the magic happens, making your selected page stand out with its new layout.
Step 5: Check Your Work
Review your document to ensure only the intended page has the new orientation.
It’s always a good idea to double-check. Make sure your changes haven’t snuck onto any other pages.
After completing these steps, your selected page will have a different orientation from the rest of your document. This can be super handy for including wide tables or images without disrupting the flow of your content.
Tips for Changing Orientation of One Page in Word
- Ensure you’re inserting section breaks, not page breaks, to keep changes confined.
- Double-check the entire document after making changes to prevent unwanted shifts.
- Use the “View” tab to see section breaks and better manage your layout.
- Remember, orientation changes can affect headers and footers.
- Save your document before starting, just in case you need to revert back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the orientation of multiple pages at once?
Yes, just create section breaks around the group of pages you want to change.
Why is my whole document changing orientation?
Make sure you’ve inserted section breaks, not page breaks, which affect the entire document.
How do I know if I’m using section breaks correctly?
Use the “View” tab and select “Draft” view to see all section breaks clearly.
Can I have different headers for each section?
Yes, uncheck “Link to Previous” under the “Design” tab to create unique headers.
Is it possible to revert changes after saving?
If you’ve saved, use the “Undo” feature or manually reset the orientation using section breaks.
Summary
- Place your cursor at the start of the page.
- Insert a “Next Page” section break.
- Insert another section break at the end of the page.
- Change the orientation in the “Layout” tab.
- Check your document for accuracy.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of changing the orientation of one page in Word can elevate your document game significantly. Whether you’re preparing a professional report or a school project, this skill can help tailor your content presentation to perfection. Imagine trying to fit a wide table or a detailed chart into a portrait layout—it’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. By following these steps, you can customize each page to suit its needs without affecting the whole document.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different layouts to see what works best for your content. If you enjoyed this tutorial, explore other Word features that can further enhance your documents. Happy formatting!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.