Knowing the keyboard shortcut for inserting a page break saves time and keeps your document structure clean. This guide explains the exact keys to press in different apps and platforms.
Use the quick reference table below to compare common shortcuts at a glance, then explore each application in detail.
| Application | Windows / ChromeOS | macOS | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Word | Ctrl + Enter | Command + Enter | Insert a page break instantly |
| Google Docs | Ctrl + Enter | Command + Enter | Same as Word, works in browser |
| LibreOffice Writer | Ctrl + Enter | Command + Enter | Native shortcut for page breaks |
| WPS Office | Ctrl + Enter | Command + Enter | Compatible with MS Office style |
| Notion (page insert) | /td>Cmd + P then New Page | Use slash command for quick page creation |
Keyboard Shortcut for Page Break in Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word users rely on a consistent shortcut across Windows and macOS. Pressing Ctrl + Enter on Windows or Command + Enter on Mac inserts a page break immediately where your cursor sits.
This shortcut works in all recent versions of Word for desktop, ensuring continuity whether you draft reports or format academic papers. It does not add extra spacing like pressing Enter repeatedly, which helps maintain clean document flow.
For users on Word for the web, the same Ctrl + Enter or Command + Enter shortcut applies when using a supported browser, keeping the experience familiar across platforms.
Google Docs Page Break Shortcut
Google Docs mirrors the desktop shortcut, using Ctrl + Enter on Windows and ChromeOS, and Command + Enter on Mac. This keeps behavior consistent if you switch between Google Docs and other word processors.
Because Google Docs runs in the browser, you do not need additional extensions or settings. Place your cursor where you want the new page to start and hit the keys.
Collaborators editing the same doc can also benefit from the same shortcut, making team formatting predictable and reducing manual layout fixes.
LibreOffice and WPS Office Shortcuts
LibreOffice Writer follows the same standard, with Ctrl + Enter on Windows and Command + Enter on macOS. This makes it easy for users migrating from Microsoft Office to adapt without relearning layout tools.
WPS Office also supports Ctrl + Enter on Windows and Command + Enter on Mac, aligning with MS Office style. Its lightweight interface responds quickly, so you can insert page breaks without lag during long editing sessions.
Both programs respect the break as a formatting element, which appears clearly in Print Preview and printed output.
Best Practices for Using Page Breaks
Using page breaks consistently keeps your document structure predictable and reduces the need for manual spacing adjustments.
- Place breaks before major sections like chapters or new topics, not between lines or paragraphs.
- Avoid stacking multiple breaks to create blank space; adjust margins or spacing settings instead.
- Check Print Preview after inserting breaks to confirm page flow before finalizing.
- Use section breaks when you need different headers, footers, or page orientation.
Streamlined Document Layout with Shortcuts
Mastering the keyboard shortcut for inserting a page break improves document control across Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice, and WPS Office.
FAQ
Reader questions
Will pressing Enter many times work the same as a page break?
No, pressing Enter repeatedly adds empty lines that can shift if you edit text. A page break keeps the layout stable and prints on a new page.
Can I change or remove a page break after inserting it?
Yes, place your cursor just after the break and press Backspace to remove it, or double-click the break in Print Preview to adjust its position.
Do page breaks behave the same in landscape and portrait modes?
Yes, the break moves with the content, and orientation changes affect where the page ends, but the break still forces content to the next page. On mobile, switch to a physical or on-screen keyboard, then long-press the Enter key or tap the dedicated symbols row to find the page break shortcut, or use menu options to insert a break.