How to Delete a Blank Page in Word (Quick & Easy Fixes)

Blank pages in Microsoft Word can be frustrating, especially when they refuse to delete. These extra pages are usually caused by hidden formatting, page breaks, tables, or section breaks.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• How to delete a blank page in Word
• Why blank pages appear
• How to remove page breaks and section breaks
• How to fix extra blank pages after tables
• How to delete blank pages on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices
• Common Word formatting problems and solutions

These instructions work for:

• Microsoft Word for Windows
• Word for Mac
• Microsoft 365
• Word Online
• Word mobile apps

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Why Is There a Blank Page in Word?

Blank pages usually appear because of:

• Extra paragraph marks
• Page breaks
• Section breaks
• Hidden formatting
• Large tables
• Extra spacing
• Formatting errors

The key to removing a blank page is identifying what's causing it.

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Fastest Way to Delete a Blank Page in Word

Use the Backspace or Delete Key

1. Click on the blank page
2. Press:
   • Backspace
   • Delete
   • Fn + Delete (Mac)

Sometimes the blank page disappears immediately.

If not, hidden formatting is usually the cause.

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How to Show Hidden Formatting Marks in Word

Word hides many formatting elements by default.

Enable Formatting Marks

1. Open Word
2. Click the Home tab
3. Select the ¶ Show/Hide button

This reveals:

• Paragraph marks
• Page breaks
• Section breaks
• Hidden spaces

These hidden formatting marks often explain why blank pages appear.

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How to Delete Extra Paragraph Marks

Extra paragraph symbols are one of the most common causes of blank pages.

Remove Empty Paragraphs

1. Enable formatting marks
2. Highlight extra paragraph symbols (¶)
3. Press Delete or Backspace

The blank page should disappear.

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How to Delete a Page Break in Word

Manual page breaks force content onto a new page.

Remove a Page Break

1. Show formatting marks
2. Locate the Page Break line
3. Click before the break
4. Press Delete

This merges the pages together.

Official Microsoft support:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/delete-a-page-in-word-0a6a9f3d-3d47-4c6c-9a82-f52f5f7f3d7d

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How to Delete a Section Break in Word

Section breaks can create stubborn blank pages.

Remove Section Breaks

1. Enable formatting marks
2. Locate the Section Break
3. Highlight the break
4. Press Delete

Important Warning

Deleting section breaks may change:

• Headers and footers
• Margins
• Page orientation
• Document formatting

Always review formatting afterward.

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How to Delete a Blank Page After a Table

Word often creates extra blank pages after tables.

Fix Table-Related Blank Pages

1. Click after the table
2. Highlight the hidden paragraph mark
3. Reduce the font size to 1
4. Set spacing to 0

This usually removes the unwanted page.

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How to Delete a Blank Page in Word on Windows

Keyboard Shortcut Method

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + 8 to show formatting marks
2. Remove:
   • Paragraph marks
   • Page breaks
   • Section breaks
3. Press Delete

This is one of the fastest Windows methods.

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How to Delete a Blank Page in Word on Mac

Mac Shortcut Method

1. Press Command + 8 to show formatting marks
2. Locate hidden formatting
3. Remove the unwanted marks
4. Press Fn + Delete if needed

Mac users often encounter hidden section breaks causing extra pages.

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How to Delete a Blank Page in Word Online

Word Online supports basic page removal.

Remove Blank Pages Online

1. Open the document
2. Show extra spacing if visible
3. Highlight unwanted blank lines
4. Press Delete

For advanced formatting problems, desktop Word usually works better.

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How to Delete a Blank Page in the Word Mobile App

On iPhone or Android

1. Open the Word app
2. Tap near the blank page
3. Delete empty lines or spaces
4. Remove page breaks if visible

The mobile app may not display all hidden formatting symbols.

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Why Blank Pages Keep Returning in Word

Common causes include:

• Template formatting
• Large tables
• Automatic spacing
• Section breaks
• Incorrect margins
• Hidden paragraph marks

Showing formatting symbols usually identifies the problem quickly.

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How to Prevent Blank Pages in Word

To avoid future blank pages:

• Avoid pressing Enter repeatedly
• Use proper page breaks
• Review formatting regularly
• Keep tables within margins
• Check section breaks before printing

Good formatting habits prevent most blank page problems.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I delete a blank page in Word?

Hidden formatting marks, section breaks, or tables are usually responsible.

What is the paragraph symbol in Word?

The ¶ symbol shows hidden formatting and paragraph marks.

Can section breaks create blank pages?

Yes. Section breaks commonly cause undeletable blank pages.

Why is there a blank page after my table?

Word automatically inserts a paragraph mark after tables, which can push content onto a new page.

Does deleting section breaks affect formatting?

Yes. It may change page layout and formatting settings.

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Final Thoughts

Blank pages in Microsoft Word are usually caused by hidden formatting rather than actual empty pages.

Whether the issue involves:

• Paragraph marks
• Page breaks
• Section breaks
• Tables
• Extra spacing

Word includes tools that make identifying and removing blank pages much easier.

Learning how to use formatting marks can save time and prevent future document formatting issues.