How to Fix Word for Mac Printing Blank Pages and Changing Document Formatting
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where a Word document prints smaller than intended, inserts unwanted blank pages, and compresses multiple pages into one when saving as a PDF.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Printing a document or saving it as a PDF in Word for Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The document displays normally as two pages on screen, but prints smaller with an extra blank page after each page. Additionally, saving the document as a PDF combines both pages onto a single sheet.
Ensure your Mac is properly connected to the printer and save a backup copy of your document before attempting formatting changes or driver updates.
Check Document Formatting and Section Breaks
Use this solution to identify and remove hidden formatting markers that force unwanted blank pages during printing.
Hidden formatting symbols, particularly Odd-Page or Even-Page section breaks, frequently cause unexpected blank pages to print. Removing these breaks can quickly restore normal printing behavior.
Open the document in Word for Mac, navigate to the 'Home' tab, and click the paragraph mark icon (¶) to display hidden formatting symbols.
Scroll through your document and look for 'Section Break (Odd Page)' or 'Section Break (Even Page)'. Click just before the break and press the 'Delete' key to remove it.
Go to the 'View' tab and select 'One Page' to ensure the document layout appears correctly before attempting to print or export as PDF again.
Update Printer Drivers and Word for Mac
Use this method if the printing layout issues are caused by outdated software or a corrupted printer driver on macOS.
Copy Content to a New Blank Document
This solution helps when the current document file is corrupted, causing persistent printing and PDF export errors.
Use WPS Office to Print and Save Documents Error-Free
If Microsoft Word for Mac continues to cause layout changes or blank pages during printing, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. You can seamlessly open your Word documents and print or export them to PDF without unexpected formatting glitches.
- 1. Download and install: Download WPS Office Free for Mac and install the application.
- 2. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx or .doc file.
- 3. Print or export to PDF: Click 'Menu' > 'Print' to print your document normally, or select 'Export to PDF' for an accurate digital copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word for Mac add a blank page when printing?
This is usually caused by hidden 'Odd Page' or 'Even Page' section breaks, manual page breaks, or excessive empty paragraph returns at the end of the document. Removing these hidden formatting marks typically resolves the issue.
How do I stop multiple pages from printing on a single sheet on Mac?
In the Mac Print dialog (Cmd + P), locate the 'Layout' settings dropdown. Ensure the 'Pages per Sheet' option is set to '1' instead of '2' or more.
Does saving a Word document to PDF on Mac change its formatting?
Normally, saving as a PDF preserves your exact formatting. If pages shrink or merge into one, it is often due to a corrupted printer driver or incorrect paper size settings in the 'Page Setup' menu.
