Adding a Microsoft Word section break is essential when you want to organize your document into different formatting areas—like having multiple columns, page orientations, or headers/footers in one file. Section breaks give you the control to treat parts of your document independently. This guide explains exactly how to insert and manage section breaks on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu platforms, including keyboard shortcuts and manual methods.
✂️ What Is a Section Break in Microsoft Word?
A section break separates portions of your document so that each section can have its own layout or formatting. With section breaks, you can:
- Change page orientation mid-document
- Create different header/footer content
- Switch between column layouts
- Insert a cover page or appendix with unique formatting
Types of section breaks:
- Next Page – Starts the new section on the next page
- Continuous – Starts the section on the same page
- Even Page – Section begins on the next even-numbered page
- Odd Page – Section begins on the next odd-numbered page
🪟 How to Insert Section Break in Word on Windows
✅ Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut (Word Desktop)
While there’s no direct key combo solely for section breaks, here’s the fastest way using shortcuts:
- Press Alt + N to open the Insert tab
- Press B to open the Breaks menu
- Use arrow keys or press S to select the type of section break
- Press Enter
🧠 You can also use Alt > P > B (Page Layout > Breaks) depending on Word version.
✅ Method 2: Ribbon Menu
- Go to Layout > Breaks
- Under “Section Breaks,” choose:
- Next Page
- Continuous
- Even Page
- Odd Page
🍏 How to Insert Section Break in Word on macOS
✅ Method 1: Menu Navigation
- Go to the Layout tab (or Document Elements in older versions)
- Click Breaks
- Under Section Breaks, choose the type you need
✅ Method 2: Custom Shortcut
Word for Mac doesn’t have a built-in shortcut, but you can create one:
- Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Shortcuts
- Choose App Shortcuts > +
- Add Microsoft Word, type “Next Page Section Break” as the menu title
- Assign your preferred shortcut (e.g., Command + Shift + Enter)
✅ Once set up, this lets you insert section breaks instantly.
🐧 How to Insert Section Break in Word on Ubuntu
Ubuntu users often use:
- LibreOffice Writer
- Microsoft Word Online
✅ LibreOffice Writer Method
- Click Insert > More Breaks > Manual Break
- In the dialog box, choose:
- Section Break
- Set to start on a new page or continuous
✅ LibreOffice also lets you manage section formatting in detail.
✅ Microsoft Word Online
- Go to the Layout tab
- Click Breaks
- Select the desired section break
🎯 Note: Word Online has limited support for advanced section formatting compared to desktop apps.
📋 Quick Reference: Section Break Shortcuts
| Platform | Method | Shortcut or Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Insert Ribbon | Layout > Breaks > Section Break type |
| Windows | Shortcut Sequence | Alt + N > B > S (or arrow keys + Enter) |
| macOS | Menu Navigation | Layout > Breaks > Section Break type |
| macOS | Custom Shortcut | Set via macOS Keyboard > App Shortcuts |
| Ubuntu | LibreOffice Manual | Insert > More Breaks > Manual Break |
| Word Online | Toolbar Insert | Layout > Breaks > Section Break |
❓ FAQ – Microsoft Word Section Breaks
What’s the difference between a section break and a page break?
A page break just moves text to a new page. A section break also allows different formatting (e.g., page size, orientation).
How do I view section breaks in Word?
Click Home > ¶ Show/Hide to see hidden formatting marks, including section breaks.
Can I remove a section break?
Yes. Make formatting marks visible, click just before the section break line, and press Delete.
Are section breaks supported in Word Online?
Partially. You can insert them, but full formatting controls are only available on desktop apps.
Will my section formatting carry over to PDFs?
Yes. Section formatting is preserved when exporting or printing to PDF from Word.
✅ Conclusion
Using a Microsoft Word section break is the key to mastering complex document formatting. Whether you’re working on Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, these methods and shortcuts let you insert section breaks effortlessly and structure your document like a pro. Section breaks help you separate content visually and functionally, perfect for resumes, research papers, eBooks, and manuals.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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