Removing page breaks in Word 2016 can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually pretty straightforward once you know where to look. Whether you’ve unintentionally added a break or inherited a document with too many, getting rid of them will make your document look cleaner and more professional. In a nutshell, you’ll need to go into the ‘Draft’ view, locate the breaks, and delete them. Let’s get into the details, shall we?
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Remove Page Breaks in Word 2016
Before diving into the step-by-step guide, understand that removing page breaks can help you manage the layout of your document more effectively. Sometimes, these breaks can appear in inconvenient places, and eliminating them can improve the flow of text and overall presentation.
Step 1: Switch to Draft View
Go to the ‘View’ tab and select ‘Draft.’
When you’re in the ‘Print Layout’ view, page breaks can be hard to spot. Switching to ‘Draft’ view makes them more visible—represented by dotted lines across the page.
Step 2: Locate the Page Break
Scroll through your document to find the dotted line indicating a page break.
Page breaks can be manual or automatic. Manual ones are inserted by users, while automatic breaks are created by Word when a page fills up.
Step 3: Select the Page Break
Click on the dotted line to select the page break.
Once selected, the page break should be highlighted, making it clear that you’re about to delete that specific break.
Step 4: Delete the Page Break
Press the ‘Delete’ key on your keyboard.
After pressing ‘Delete,’ the page break will be removed, and the text will reflow to fill the space.
After completing these steps, your document will have one less page break, which may change how the content is distributed across pages. This could mean less scrolling or more continuous reading for your document’s audience.
Tips for Removing Page Breaks in Word 2016
- Always save a copy of your document before making changes, just in case you need to revert back.
- If you have Track Changes turned on, make sure to accept or reject any changes surrounding the page break before trying to delete it.
- To quickly find all page breaks, use the ‘Find’ function (Ctrl + F) and search for ‘^m,’ which is the code for manual page breaks in Word.
- To prevent adding unintentional page breaks, be careful when pressing ‘Ctrl + Enter,’ as this is the shortcut for inserting a manual page break.
- If you’re finding too many automatic page breaks, consider adjusting your paragraph settings to manage widow/orphan control and keep lines together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a manual and automatic page break?
A manual page break is one that you insert yourself, while an automatic page break is one that Word adds when the text reaches the end of a page.
Can I undo a page break removal?
Yes, immediately after deleting a page break, you can press ‘Ctrl + Z’ to undo the action.
Will removing a page break affect the formatting of my document?
It can, as text will flow to fill the space where the break was, potentially altering the layout of your document.
Can I remove all page breaks at once?
No, you have to remove each break one at a time. However, using the ‘Find and Replace’ tool can speed up the process for manual breaks.
Why can’t I see the page breaks in ‘Print Layout’ view?
Page breaks are less visible in ‘Print Layout’ view, so switching to ‘Draft’ view makes them easier to find and remove.
Summary
- Switch to Draft View
- Locate the Page Break
- Select the Page Break
- Delete the Page Break
Conclusion
In conclusion, removing page breaks in Word 2016 is a simple process that can greatly improve the readability and professionalism of your document. By following the steps outlined above, you can effortlessly navigate through the ‘Draft’ view to locate and eliminate unwanted page breaks. Remember to always keep a backup of your document before making changes, and utilize the tips provided to manage page breaks more effectively. If you’re ever unsure or hit a snag, the FAQ section can be a handy reference point. By mastering this skill, you’ll ensure your documents are always presented exactly the way you want them to be, without any pesky interruptions. Now that you know how to remove page breaks in Word 2016, why not give it a try and see how much cleaner your document can look?
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.