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How to Delete Pages on Google Docs [Step-by-Step Guide]

November 21, 2023 1.1K views

Google Docs, a widely-used word processor, occasionally poses challenges when it automatically adds new pages. If you've mistakenly added extra pages, fret not. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of deleting these pages, providing practical solutions for a seamless editing experience.

How to Delete a Page in Google Docs?

 Delete Pages on Google Docs

Delete Pages on Google Docs

Deleting a page in Google Docs can be achieved through two straightforward methods. Let's explore each method with detailed steps:

Method1 Use the Backspace or Delete Key

This method is the simplest and most straightforward way to delete a page in Google Docs. It is effective for both pages with content and blank pages.

Steps:

Step 1: Open the Google Docs document you want to edit.

Step 2: Navigate to the page you want to delete.

Step 3: Click and drag your cursor across the entire page to highlight all of the content.

highlight all of the content.

highlight all of the content.

Step 4: Press the Backspace or Delete key on your keyboard.

Press the Backspace or Delete

Press the Backspace or Delete

Step 5: The page should now be deleted.

Method2 Adjust Page Breaks

This method is useful for deleting blank pages or pages with a single line of text. It is also helpful if you want to fine-tune the page layout of your document.

Steps:

Step 1: Open the Google Docs document you want to edit.

Step 2: Go to the View menu and select Show Print Layout. This will display the document in a paginated view, making it easier to identify page breaks.

 the View menu

the View menu

Step 3: Navigate to the page you want to delete.

Step 4: Locate the page break at the end of the page. It will appear as a dotted line.

Step 5: Click on the page break and press the Backspace or Delete key on your keyboard. The page break will be removed, and the blank page will be merged with the previous page.

Step 6: If the page you want to delete contains a single line of text, you can simply highlight the text and press the Backspace or Delete key. This will remove the text and the page break, effectively deleting the page.

Comparison of Methods

Feature

Method 1

Method 2

Simplicity

Simple and straightforward

Less straightforward, requires understanding of page breaks

Effectiveness

Effective for both pages with content and blank pages

Effective for blank pages or pages with a single line of text

Fine-tuning

Not suitable for fine-tuning page layout

Useful for fine-tuning page layout

Both methods effectively delete pages in Google Docs. The best method for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you simply want to delete a page, Method 1 is the easiest and most straightforward option. If you need to fine-tune the page layout of your document or delete blank pages, Method 2 is a better choice.

How to Remove a Blank Page at the End of Google Docs

Often, an extra blank page appears at the end of a Google Docs document, leaving an unsightly gap. This can be caused by various factors, such as excessive line spacing or page breaks. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to remove this unwanted blank page.

Method1: Change the Custom Spacing

If the blank page is caused by excessive line spacing, adjusting the custom spacing can effectively remove it.

Steps:

Step 1: Open the Google Docs document containing the blank page.

Step 2: Place the cursor at the end of the document, just before the blank page.

Step 3: Click on the Format menu and select Line spacing > Custom spacing.

 Line spacing > Custom spacing.

Line spacing > Custom spacing.

Step 4: In the Custom spacing window, set the After paragraph value to 0 and click OK.

This will remove the extra line spacing and eliminate the blank page.

Method2: Adjust Margins

In some cases, the blank page may arise due to inappropriate margin settings. Adjusting the margins can effectively remove the blank page.

Steps:

Step 1: Open the Google Docs document containing the blank page.

Step 2: Click on the File menu and select Page setup.

 select Page setup.

select Page setup.

Step 3: In the Page setup window, adjust the Bottom margin value to a smaller value, such as 0.5 inches.

the Page setup window

the Page setup window

Step 4: Click OK to apply the changes.

This will reduce the bottom margin and eliminate the blank page.

Method 3: Delete Page Breaks

In certain instances, a page break may be inserted at the end of the document, causing an unnecessary blank page. Deleting this page break can effectively remove the blank page.

Steps:

Step 1: Open the Google Docs document containing the blank page.

Step 2: Go to the View menu and select Show Print Layout. This will display the document in a paginated view, making it easier to identify page breaks.

select Show Print Layout

select Show Print Layout

Step 3: Navigate to the end of the document, where the blank page begins.

Step 4: You should see a dotted line indicating a page break. Click on the dotted line.

Click on the dotted line.

Click on the dotted line.

Step 5: Press the Backspace or Delete key on your keyboard.

This will remove the page break and the blank page.

These three methods effectively remove a blank page at the end of a Google Docs document. The choice of method depends on the specific cause of the blank page. If the blank page is caused by excessive line spacing, use Method 1. If it's due to inappropriate margins, use Method 2. And if a page break is the culprit, use Method 3.

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 WPS Office logo

WPS Office logo

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WPS Office is an all-in-one office suite that encompasses three primary components: WPS Writer, WPS Spreadsheet, and WPS Presentation. These applications mirror the functionalities of their Microsoft Office counterparts, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, respectively.

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Suitable Users:

WPS Office is an excellent choice for individuals and businesses seeking a cost-effective and feature-rich office suite. It is particularly suitable for users who:

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  • Frequently collaborate on documents

Having personally used WPS Office, I found it to be a capable and versatile office suite. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive feature set make it a viable alternative to Google Docs, particularly for those seeking a free and offline solution. The AI-powered features, such as intelligent translation and grammar correction, add an extra layer of usefulness. Overall, WPS Office is a commendable choice for anyone seeking a powerful and feature-rich office suite without breaking the bank

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FAQs about Deleting Pages on Google Docs:

How do you Delete an extra page on Google Docs Mobile?

Step 1: Open Google Docs App: Launch the Google Docs app on your mobile device.

 Open Google Docs App

Open Google Docs App

Step 2: Locate Extra Page: Scroll through your document to find the extra page you want to delete.

Step 3: Access Editing Mode: Tap on the document to enter editing mode.

Step 4: Highlight Content: Press and hold on the content of the page you wish to delete until it's highlighted.

Step 5: Select Delete: Look for the delete option, often represented by a trash bin icon. Tap on it to remove the selected content, effectively deleting the extra page.

Step 6: Confirm Deletion: Confirm the deletion if prompted to ensure the removal of the extra page.

Note: The steps may vary slightly depending on the specific version of the Google Docs app and your mobile device.

How do I get Google Docs back to normal view?

Step 1: Open Google Docs App: Launch the Google Docs app on your mobile device.

Open Google Docs App

Open Google Docs App

Step 2: Open the Document: Access the document for which you want to restore the normal view.

Step 3: Access Viewing Options: Look for an icon or menu option that represents viewing settings. This may be located at the top or bottom of the screen.

Step 4: Adjust Viewing Mode: Tap on the viewing settings icon and select the appropriate mode to revert to normal view. This might be named "Print Layout," "Document View," or something similar.

Step 5: Exit Full Screen: If your document is in full-screen mode, exit it by tapping on the relevant option.

Step 6: Confirm Changes: Confirm the changes, and your Google Docs should now be back to the normal view.

Note: The exact steps might differ based on the version of the app and the mobile device you're using

Summary

Learn how to easily delete pages in Google Docs with two methods—using the Backspace or Delete key and adjusting page breaks. The guide also covers removing blank pages at the end of your document. Plus, discover the advantages of WPS Office as a user-friendly and powerful alternative to Google Docs, especially in creating spreadsheets within WPS Writer. With insights from personal experience, the article highlights WPS Office's unique features, making it a versatile and seamless solution for document editing. In summary, master Google Docs troubleshooting while exploring the benefits of WPS Office for enhanced document creation.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.