Formatting Issues

How to Keep a Blank Back Cover as the Last Page in Word

Emma Brown Oct 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to fix a specific page, such as a blank or colored back cover, permanently at the end of a document so that new content does not disrupt its position.

How to Keep a Blank Back Cover as the Last Page in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a document with a fixed layout structure, such as a pricing guide, that requires a dedicated back cover.
Observed behavior: Word does not have a native 'keep at end' feature, so adding content before the final page often pushes the back cover down or merges it with standard document text.

Before you start

Ensure your document's main content is mostly complete before formatting the final page, and turn on 'Show/Hide ¶' (Ctrl+*) to easily spot where your section breaks are located.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Section Break to Isolate the Back Cover

Since Word lacks an automatic 'last page' setting, the most effective workaround is placing the back cover in its own separate section at the end of the document.

By utilizing a 'Next Page' or 'Even Page' section break, you decouple the final page's layout from the rest of the document. This ensures that any new content added above the break will just create standard new pages without pushing into your back cover design.

Position the cursor

Click at the very end of your document's main content, right before the spot where you want the back cover to begin.

Insert a Section Break

Navigate to the 'Layout' tab on the ribbon, click on 'Breaks', and select 'Next Page' (or 'Even Page' if printing double-sided) under the Section Breaks category.

Format the back cover

In the newly created final section, leave the page blank or insert shapes to act as your colored background for the back cover.

Add future content correctly

Whenever you need to add more text to the document later, ensure you place your cursor above the section break so the back cover remains securely at the end.

Use a Section Break to Isolate the Back Cover

Avoid Typing After the Break: Make sure never to place your cursor and type inside or after the final section break, as it will push your back cover elements down and create unwanted new pages at the end of your document.

Solution 2

Use Microsoft Publisher for Complex Layouts

If you are designing a document with strict, fixed page layouts, a desktop publishing tool may be more appropriate than a word processor.

Easily Manage Page Layouts with WPS Writer

How to Create an Isolated Back Cover in WPS Office

WPS Office Writer offers an intuitive interface to manage document sections, allowing you to easily set up a permanent blank or colored back cover for your reports and pricing guides.

1. Open your document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your existing document or create a new one.
2. Insert a Section Break: Navigate to the 'Page Layout' tab, click on the 'Breaks' drop-down menu, and select 'Next Page Section Break'.
3. Set up the final page: Format this newly created final page with your desired background color, images, or leave it entirely blank.
4. Keep content separated: Ensure all future content additions are typed strictly before the section break marker to keep the back cover isolated at the very end.

Free and lightweight word processing software.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats and layouts.Intuitive page layout and section break controls.Rich template library for professional document designs.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Word have a 'keep at end' setting for specific pages?

Microsoft Word is designed as a text-flowing word processor, meaning text naturally pushes downward as it is added. It does not treat pages as rigid canvases like desktop publishing software does, so pages are generated dynamically based on content.

Can I lock the back cover so it cannot be accidentally edited or moved?

Yes. You can restrict editing by going to the Review tab > Restrict Editing. You can allow editing only in specific sections (like the main body) while locking the final section that contains your back cover.

How do I add a background color only to the last page?

The 'Page Color' feature applies to the entire document. To color only the last page, insert a large rectangular shape covering the entire final page, fill it with your desired color, and set the text wrapping to 'Behind Text'.

What is the difference between a Page Break and a Section Break?

A Page Break simply pushes text to start on the next page but keeps the same document formatting. A Section Break completely separates parts of the document, allowing you to have different page layouts, margins, and headers or footers in the new section.

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