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Fix Cannot Delete Endnote Separator in Word for Mac
Question details
The user is unable to delete the endnote separator because the Endnotes pane disappears when switching to Draft view.
- Product
- Word for Mac 2023
- Device & OS
- macOS Sonoma
- Scenario
- Attempting to format a document by removing the default endnote separator line.
- Observed behavior
- After selecting View > Draft and Show Endnotes, the Endnotes pane vanishes, leaving only the Footnotes toolbar and preventing access to the endnote separator.
Save your current document and ensure your Mac is connected to the internet, as this issue is linked to a known UI conflict that requires software updates.
Update macOS and Microsoft Office
Since this is a known user-interface conflict with macOS Sonoma, installing the latest patches from Apple and Microsoft is the primary fix.
Microsoft and Apple frequently release patches to resolve UI glitches like disappearing panes. Updating both your operating system and the Office suite ensures you have the latest bug fixes.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, select 'System Settings', go to 'General', and click 'Software Update'. Install any available macOS Sonoma updates.
Open Microsoft Word. From the top menu bar, click 'Help' and select 'Check for Updates'. Follow the prompts in the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool to install the latest version.
After both updates are installed, restart your Mac and attempt to view the Endnotes pane in Draft mode again.
Report the Issue to Microsoft and Apple
If updating does not immediately resolve the bug, reporting it directly helps developers prioritize a permanent fix.
Edit Documents Without UI Glitches Using WPS Office
If Microsoft Word's interface bugs on macOS Sonoma are delaying your work, switch to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free Office suite that handles footnotes and endnotes flawlessly on Mac.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the Mac version. Follow the simple installation prompts.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file. Your original formatting will remain perfectly intact.
- 3. Edit Your Endnotes: Navigate to the References tab to easily manage, edit, or remove endnotes and separators without interface glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Endnote pane disappear in Word for Mac?
This is a known user-interface conflict associated with macOS Sonoma and specific versions of Word for Mac 2023. The interaction between the OS update and Word's Draft view causes the pane to vanish.
Can I delete the endnote separator in Print Layout view?
No, Microsoft Word requires you to be in Draft view to access and modify the endnote separator. You must select View > Draft, then go to References > Show Notes.
Is there a temporary workaround if updates don't fix it?
If updates do not resolve the issue, you can try opening your document in Word for the Web (via your browser) or use a highly compatible alternative like WPS Office to remove the separator.
