A section break controls formatting between parts of a Word document, such as margins, columns, headers, footers, or page orientation. Deleting one can therefore change the formatting of the sections around it.
Delete a section break in Word
- Open the document.
- Select the Home tab.
- Click the Show/Hide ¶ button so formatting marks are visible.
- Locate the line labeled Section Break.
- Place the cursor immediately before the break and press Delete, or select the break and delete it.
If you are using a keyboard where Delete behaves differently, placing the cursor immediately after the break and using Backspace can accomplish the same removal.
Why the formatting changed
When a section break is deleted, Word combines the surrounding sections and one section’s formatting can replace the other’s. If you only wanted to remove an unexpected blank page, first determine whether the break is necessary for different headers, orientation, or columns. Changing the break type may be better than deleting it.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.