What a section break does and when you need one
A section break is a marker in your document that lets you change formatting rules for just part of the page — without changing the whole document. The most common reason to use one is when you want different page numbers, headers, footers, margins, or column layouts in different parts of the same document.
For example, you might want your introduction to have no page number, your main chapters to start numbering at page 1, and your appendix to use Roman numerals. Without a section break, changing the page number format would change it everywhere. With a section break, you can set different rules for each section.
Section breaks are invisible — they do not print and do not show on the page unless you turn on formatting marks. But they control what happens on the page after them.
Key Takeaways
- Insert a section break by clicking Layout, then Breaks, then choosing Continuous, Next Page, Odd Page, or Even Page depending on where you want the new formatting to start.
- Next Page breaks start the new section on a fresh page; Continuous breaks keep text flowing on the same page but change formatting rules.
- After you insert a section break, you can change page numbers, headers, footers, margins, and columns separately for each section.
- Section breaks are invisible in normal view but appear as dotted lines if you turn on formatting marks using Ctrl+* or the pilcrow button in the toolbar.
How to insert a section break in Word
Open your document and place your cursor exactly where you want the new section to begin. This is usually at the end of a paragraph or before a heading. Click anywhere in that line — Word will insert the break at the start of that paragraph.
Go to the Layout tab in the ribbon at the top. Look for the Breaks button — it usually shows a small icon with lines. Click it to see your options.
You will see four choices under "Section Breaks". Choose one:
- Continuous — starts a new section on the same page. Use this when you want to change column layout or margins mid-page without forcing a page break.
- Next Page — starts the new section on the next page. Use this for chapters, appendices, or any time you want a fresh page with different formatting.
- Odd Page — starts the new section on the next odd-numbered page. Use this in books where chapters always begin on the right side.
- Even Page — starts the new section on the next even-numbered page. Less common, but useful for specific layouts.
Click your choice. The break is now in your document, though you will not see it unless you turn on formatting marks.
Seeing section breaks on your screen
Section breaks are hidden by default. To see where they are, turn on formatting marks by pressing Ctrl+* (on Windows) or Cmd+8 (on Mac). You can also click the pilcrow button (¶) in the Home tab toolbar.
When formatting marks are on, section breaks appear as a dotted line across the page with the words "Section Break (Next Page)" or "Section Break (Continuous)" depending on which type you used. This helps you see exactly where your sections divide.
Turn formatting marks off the same way — press Ctrl+* again or click the pilcrow button. The breaks stay in your document; they just become invisible again.
Changing formatting after you add a section break
Once a section break is in place, you can format each section separately. Place your cursor anywhere in the section you want to change, then adjust the formatting. The changes will only affect that section, not the whole document.
To change page numbers: go to Insert, then Page Number, then Page Number Format. You will see a checkbox that says "Continue from previous section" — uncheck it to start numbering fresh in this section. You can also choose Roman numerals, letters, or other numbering styles here.
To change headers or footers: double-click the header or footer area. You will see a Design tab appear. Look for "Link to Previous" — if it is highlighted, click it to unlink this section's header from the one before it. Now you can type a different header just for this section.
To change margins, columns, or page orientation: go to Layout, then Margins (or Columns, or Orientation). The change will explore only to the section your cursor is in.
Deleting a section break you no longer need
Turn on formatting marks so you can see the section break. Click directly on the dotted line that says "Section Break" and press Delete. The break disappears, and the section after it takes on the formatting of the section before it.
If you delete a section break and your formatting suddenly changes in ways you did not expect, undo the deletion when ready by pressing Ctrl+Z. This means the two sections had different formatting rules, and removing the break merged them.
Common mistakes when using section breaks
The biggest mistake is inserting a section break in the middle of a paragraph instead of at the paragraph break. Always place your cursor at the very end of a paragraph or at the start of a heading, then insert the break. If you insert it mid-sentence, Word will split the paragraph in unexpected ways.
Another common problem is forgetting to unlink headers or footers from the previous section. If you insert a section break and change the header, but the header stays the same everywhere, go back and check the "Link to Previous" button in the header area. It is probably still on.
Do not use section breaks when you actually need a page break. A page break (Ctrl+Enter) just forces a new page; a section break changes formatting rules. If you only want a fresh page with the same formatting, use a page break instead.
When to use Continuous versus Next Page breaks
Use Continuous when you want to change formatting without forcing a new page. Common examples: switching from single-column to two-column layout mid-document, or changing margins for a table or image while keeping text flowing on the same page.
Use Next Page when you want a fresh page with different formatting. This is the standard choice for chapters, appendices, or any major section that should start at the top of a new page. It is also the safest choice if you are not sure which one you need.
Odd Page and Even Page breaks are less common. Use them only if you are formatting a book or document that will be printed double-sided and you want chapters to always start on the right (odd) or left (even) page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have different page numbers in different sections?
Yes. Insert a section break where you want the numbering to change. Place your cursor in the new section, go to Insert > Page Number > Page Number Format, and uncheck "Continue from previous section". You can then set the starting number and style for that section only.
Why does my header still say "Link to Previous" is on when I want to change it?
Double-click the header area to enter header-editing mode. Look at the Design tab that appears. The "Link to Previous" button should be visible — if it is highlighted or pressed, click it to turn it off. Then you can type a new header for just this section.
What happens if I delete a section break?
The section after the break takes on all the formatting of the section before it. If the two sections had different page numbers, margins, headers, or columns, they will now be the same. You can undo this with Ctrl+Z if it was a mistake.
Do section breaks print or show up in the final document?
No. Section breaks are formatting markers only. They do not print, do not appear in PDFs, and do not show unless you turn on formatting marks in Word. Readers will only see the results — different page numbers, headers, or layouts — not the breaks themselves.
Can I use a section break to change just the margins on one page?
Yes, but you need two section breaks — one before the page you want to change and one after it. Insert the first break, change the margins in that section, then insert another break to return to the original margins. This way only the middle section has the new margins.