Microsoft Word is one of the best word processing tools available in the market. It is a default application in most Windows computers, and it is widely used for creating documents and writing reports. Deleting an extra page on MS Word might seem like a basic task, but it can be quite frustrating if you don’t know how to do it effectively. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to delete an extra page on MS Word.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Deleting an Extra Page on MS Word
Deleting an extra page on MS Word might seem quite simple, but it can be very challenging if you don’t know the right approach. You might try to delete the blank space at the bottom of the previous page, but the extra page might still remain. If the issue is not solved quickly, it can make your document look unprofessional.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you start deleting an extra page on MS Word, it is important to ensure that you have a backup of your document. You should also check if you have saved the document recently to avoid losing any important data. It is also important to ensure that you understand the structure of the document. Ensure that you identify the page that you want to delete before you commence the process.
Method 1: Using Backspace or Delete key
Step 1: Go to the extra page you wish to delete, click on the end of the line before the extra page, and use the backspace or delete button to delete the line.
Step 2: You may also place your cursor at the beginning of the next page (the one on which you want to keep) and press backspace until the cursor is at the end of the previous page.
Pros: This is a quick and easy method, especially when the extra page is at the end of the document.
Cons: This method might leave some extra space or a blank line, which might interfere with the document’s formatting.
Method 2: Using Paragraph Markers
Step 1: Open the document and click on the paragraph mark ("¶") in the Home tab, or press "Ctrl+Shift+8" on your keyboard. This will highlight all non-printing characters, including spaces, tabs, and paragraph marks.
Step 2: Identify the extra page by checking the paragraph marks. You will notice that there is an extra paragraph mark on the next page that you wish to delete.
Step 3: Place your cursor before the extra paragraph mark and press delete until both the extra page and the paragraph mark are removed.
Pros: By using the "¶" marker, it ensures that you remove the right paragraph. It is highly efficient.
Cons: You may land up to break the continuity of the concerned page, which may get affected when removing the extra paragraph.
Method 3: Adjusting Page Margins
Step 1: Click the "Page Layout" tab in the ribbon.
Step 2: Click on "Margins" in the Page Setup section.
Step 3: Adjust the margins of the document. If the extra page is blank, increasing the bottom margin size will move down the text from the last page, ultimately deleting the blank extra page.
Step 4: Check your document to confirm if the extra page has been removed.
Pros: This method allows you to adjust the margins of your document, ensuring that it looks professional.
Cons: This method may affect the document’s formatting if you are not careful. The format customization may break when the changes in the margin settings made.
Method 4: Using the Navigation Pane
Step 1: Go to the "View" tab in the ribbon.
Step 2: Click on "Navigation Pane" in the Show section.
Step 3: Select the "Browse the headings" option.
Step 4: Click on the small arrow to the left of the heading to expand the text.
Step 5: Identify the heading that is causing the extra page, then delete it.
Pros: This is a reliable method to remove the extra page if it is due to a heading.
Cons: If you are not familiar with the "Navigation Pane" feature, you might struggle to make the right adjustments.
Why Can’t I Delete an Extra Page on MS Word?
Deleting an extra page on MS Word can be challenging if you don’t understand the structure of your document. Here are some common reasons why you might not be able to delete an extra page and how to fix them:
Q1: Why is my extra page still showing up after I deleted the text?
A1: In this case, you have to remove the paragraph marker that is causing the page to appear. To do this, use the "¶" marker to delete the extra paragraph.
Q2: Why is my document formatting changing when I delete an extra page?
A2: This is common, and it is caused by changes in margin settings or paragraph indentation. Use the "Page Layout" and "Paragraph" tabs to make the necessary formatting adjustments to your document.
Additional Tips
– Use the "Draft" mode to view multiple pages of your document simultaneously. This will make it easier to identify the extra page.
– Ensure that you do not add any additional spacing on your document. It might cause an extra page.
5 FAQs about Deleting an Extra Page on MS Word
Q1: Is it possible to delete only one section of a page in MS Word?
A1: Yes, it is possible to delete only one section of a page. You simply need to use the "Page Setup" section from the "Page Layout" tab and remove the settings from that specific section.
Q2: Why does the extra page reappear when I save my document?
A2: This happens when there is a break or column break on the extra page. If this is the case, navigate to the end of the previous page, click on "Page Layout" > "Breaks," then delete any breaks present.
Q3: Can I remove a page from the middle of a document?
A3: Yes, you can. However, it might affect the overall structure of the content.
Q4: There is a big blank space between the pages, how can I remove it?
A4: This problem might arise because of the settings in your document’s paragraph spacing. To remove it, navigate to the "Paragraph" section on the "Page Layout" tab and choose "Remove Space Before/After Paragraph."
Q5: Can removing a footer or header fix an extra page issue?
A5: Yes. Click on the "Insert" tab > "Header" or "Footer" > "Remove Header/Footer."
In Conclusion
Deleting an extra page on MS Word might seem like a simple task, but it can lead to significant formatting issues if not done correctly. There are different methods to delete an extra page on MS Word, including using paragraph markers, adjusting page margins, or using the navigation pane. However, it is essential to ensure that you understand the structure of your document before commencing the process. Additionally, use the additional tips and FAQs provided to avoid any formatting issues and make the process easier.