How to Insert a Page Break in Google Docs

A page break lets you move the next part of your document to a new page without pressing Enter over and over again.

It is useful for reports, essays, resumes, manuals, and any document where you want a clean page transition.

QUICK ANSWER

Use Insert > Break > Page break

On a computer, place your cursor where you want the new page to begin, then choose Insert > Break > Page break.

How to Insert a Page Break on a Computer

1

Place the cursor

Click where you want the next page to begin.

2

Open the Insert menu

Click Insert at the top of Google Docs.

3

Choose Break

Move to Break.

4

Select Page break

Click Page break. The text after your cursor moves to a new page.

EGGLOVER TIP

The faster method on a computer is Ctrl + Enter. On a Mac, use Command + Enter if your shortcut setup supports it.

Page Break vs Section Break

Page breaks and section breaks can both move content, but they are used for different purposes.

Break Type	What It Does	Best For
Page break	Starts the following content on a new page	New chapters, sections, cover pages, resumes
Section break	Creates a separate document section	Different margins, headers, footers, or page numbers

Simple rule

If you only want to start on a new page, use a page break. If you want the next part of the document to have different formatting or page settings, a section break is usually more useful.

How to Add a Page Break Before a Paragraph

Google Docs also has an option called Add page break before. This is useful when you want a heading or paragraph to always begin at the top of a new page.

Add page break before

1. Click inside the paragraph.
2. Open Format.
3. Choose Line & paragraph spacing.
4. Select Add page break before.

This option is especially useful for headings because the heading can stay attached to the start of a new page instead of being separated by manual blank lines.

Why Is Page Break Missing in Google Docs?

IMPORTANT

Page breaks are not available in Pageless documents. If you cannot find the option, open File > Page setup and switch the document to Pages.

How to Remove a Page Break

If a page break was added in the wrong place, you can remove it quickly.

Remove a page break

1. Click directly below the page break.
2. Press Backspace or Delete.
3. Continue until the page break disappears.

How to Insert a Page Break on Android

The Google Docs Android app also lets you insert a page break.

1. Open the document.
2. Tap Edit.
3. Tap the Insert button.
4. Tap Page break.

How to Insert a Page Break on iPhone or iPad

The steps are similar on iPhone and iPad.

1. Open your document in the Google Docs app.
2. Tap Edit.
3. Tap Insert.
4. Choose Page break.

When Should You Use a Page Break?

New chapter

Start a new chapter at the top of the next page.

Resume section

Keep major resume sections on separate pages.

Report layout

Separate title pages, summaries, or appendices.

Clean formatting

Avoid using repeated blank paragraphs to force content downward.

Related Google Docs Guides

How to Add Page Numbers in Google Docs

Add automatic page numbers to your document.

How to Change Page Orientation in Google Docs

Switch between portrait and landscape pages.

How to Add Headers and Footers in Google Docs

Add repeating information at the top or bottom of pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Page break in Google Docs?

On a computer, go to Insert > Break > Page break.

What is the shortcut for a page break?

Ctrl + Enter is the standard Google Docs shortcut for inserting a page break.

Why is Page break missing?

Your document may be using Pageless format. Switch it to Pages in File > Page setup.

What is the difference between a page break and a section break?

A page break starts content on a new page. A section break also creates a new document section that can have different formatting or page settings.

Can I insert a page break on my phone?

Yes. In the Google Docs mobile app, tap Edit, Insert, and then Page break.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Use page breaks instead of adding extra blank lines

In Google Docs, go to Insert > Break > Page break to move the next part of your document to a new page. Page breaks help keep your document cleaner and more predictable than repeatedly pressing Enter.

SOURCES AND LAST CHECKED

This guide is based on current Google Docs Editors Help documentation for page breaks, section breaks, Pages and Pageless formats, keyboard shortcuts, Android, and iPhone/iPad. Last checked: September 2026.