Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 5, 2025)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and Word in Microsoft 365
As you are typing in Word, you will notice the program automatically keeps track of where you are. When your document no longer fits on a single page, Word automatically inserts a page break (indicated by a thin dashed line when viewing your document in Normal view) and wraps your text to the next page.
There may be times, however, when you want to insert a break in your text manually. Word supports the following types of breaks:
To insert a break in your document, follow these steps:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (6703) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Adding a Break to Your Document.
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2025-07-06 00:09:08
R. A. Williams
An annoying problem I have occasionally encountered is this: I have a Section Break (Next Page) followed, after a couple of lines, by a Section Break (Continuous). I want to get rid of the latter and retain the former. But when I select the Continuous break and delete it, it does disappear, but the Next Page break has changed into a Continuous break! I angrily move, insert, and delete breaks until I finally get my way. (Someday I'll actually write down what I did!)
How does one effectively replace a Continuous with a Next Page Section Break?
Thanks,
Bob Williams
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