How to Remove a Blank Page After an Envelope in Microsoft Word
Question details
The user needs to delete an extra blank page that appears immediately after generating or formatting an envelope in the document.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating, formatting, and preparing an envelope for printing within a word processing document.
- Observed behavior
- An unwanted blank page is automatically generated after the envelope, typically caused by hidden formatting marks or non-printing characters that force a page break.
Ensure your envelope's return and delivery addresses are fully formatted before you modify the underlying paragraph structures.
Delete Hidden Paragraph Marks to Remove the Blank Page
Reveal hidden formatting symbols to easily locate and delete the stray paragraph marks that are causing the extra blank page.
When you add an envelope to a document in Microsoft Word, the software often inserts hidden paragraph markers or section breaks to separate the envelope layout from standard pages. Revealing these non-printing characters is the most reliable way to delete the unwanted blank page without ruining your envelope's formatting.
Navigate to the Home tab on the top ribbon and click the Pilcrow (¶) button located in the Paragraph group. This will display all hidden formatting marks in your document.
Scroll down to the unwanted blank page. You will see one or more paragraph marks (¶) at the top of this empty page. Use your mouse to highlight them.
Press the Delete or Backspace key on your keyboard repeatedly until the highlighted paragraph marks are removed and the blank page completely disappears.
Easily Format Envelopes and Pages in WPS Writer
WPS Writer provides an intuitive interface for creating envelopes and managing document layouts, allowing you to easily view formatting marks and eliminate stubborn blank pages.
- 1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your existing document or start a new envelope project.
- 2. Toggle Formatting Marks: Go to the Home tab and click the Show/Hide Editing Marks icon to reveal hidden paragraph breaks and section markers.
- 3. Remove Unwanted Pages: Highlight the formatting marks on the empty page and press the Delete key to instantly clean up your document layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word automatically add a blank page after my envelope?
Word sometimes inserts a section break or an un-deletable paragraph mark at the end of the envelope formatting to preserve its specific margins and layout. This can push the subsequent paragraph mark onto a new page, resulting in a blank page.
Can I prevent the blank page from printing without deleting it?
Yes, you can specify exactly which pages to print. Go to File > Print, and under the Pages section, enter the page number of the envelope (usually page 1). This ensures your printer only prints the envelope and skips the blank page.
What if deleting the paragraph mark removes my envelope formatting?
If deleting the mark alters your layout, the blank page is likely tied to a mandatory section break. Instead of deleting it, highlight the paragraph mark on the blank page, change the font size to 1pt, and set the paragraph line spacing to exactly 1pt. This shrinks the mark enough to fit on the previous page.
How do I permanently hide the Pilcrow (¶) symbols after fixing the page?
Simply click the Pilcrow button in the Paragraph group on the Home tab again, or press Ctrl + Shift + 8. This toggles the non-printing characters off, returning your document to its standard view.
