Template Issues

How to Continue a Microsoft Word Template on the Second Page

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to extend a Microsoft Word template, such as a resume or CV, onto a second page without losing the original formatting and layout.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Working with a single-page Word template and needing to add more professional experience or content that exceeds the first page.
Observed behavior: Content does not seamlessly flow to the second page with the correct layout because the template relies on fixed tables or specialized header and footer settings.

Before you start

Enable formatting marks and table gridlines in your document so you can easily identify the hidden tables and structure used to build the template.

Solution 1Recommended

Expand Table-Based Templates

Use this method for most resume templates, which are typically built using invisible tables rather than standard flowing paragraphs.

Locate the end of the table

Click inside the very last cell of the existing table on your template.

Add a new row

Press the Tab key on your keyboard to automatically generate a new row and push the layout onto the second page.

Duplicate specific rows

To maintain specific column formats, highlight an existing row, copy it, and paste it below the current rows.

Solution 2

Adjust Header and Footer Settings

Use this method if the template's design elements are stored in the header or footer and disappear when a new page is created.

Solution 3

Force Content Flow via Copy and Paste

Use this approach when the template relies on standard text blocks and you want to duplicate the structure to a new page.

Seamless Template Editing

Easily Manage Multi-Page Resume Templates with WPS Office

WPS Writer offers an intuitive interface for editing complex templates. You can effortlessly expand table-based resumes, adjust layout settings, and maintain perfect formatting across multiple pages.

1. Open your template: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word resume template.
2. Show table gridlines: Navigate to the Table Tools tab and click 'View Gridlines' to reveal the template's structure.
3. Extend the layout: Click in the last table cell and press Tab to add new rows onto the second page.
4. Adjust page headers: Double-click the header area to easily toggle 'Different First Page' and copy your designs to the next page.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx and .dotx) templatesEasily view and manipulate hidden table gridlines for precision editingRich library of free, built-in professional resume and CV templatesLightweight and available on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my template formatting break when it goes to the second page?

Many Word templates use hidden tables or text boxes to restrict content to a single page. When text naturally overflows, it falls outside these structured elements, causing the layout to break. You must manually add rows to the table instead of just pressing Enter.

How do I see the hidden tables in my resume template?

Click anywhere inside the text of your resume to reveal the Table Layout tab on the ribbon. From there, select 'View Gridlines' to make the invisible borders visible.

Can I just duplicate the entire first page of the template?

Yes. You can press Ctrl+A to select all content, copy it, insert a Page Break (Ctrl+Enter) at the end of the document, and paste the content onto the new page. You may still need to adjust header and footer settings if they do not carry over automatically.

Document & File Issues