Fix Section Break Causing Blank Pages in Google Docs to PDF
A section break creating a blank page in the PDF is using the wrong break type or is placed in a position that forces an extra page. Here is how to identify the problem section break and fix it.
Identify the section break type
With paragraph marks visible (Ctrl+Shift+8), scroll to the blank page area. Look for a double-dotted line with a section break label. The label will say 'Section break (next page)', 'Section break (continuous)', 'Section break (even page)', or 'Section break (odd page)'. The type determines how it behaves.
Replace next-page breaks with continuous breaks
If you used a next-page section break to change a formatting property like margins or columns, but you do not actually need the content to start on a new page, delete the next-page section break and re-insert a continuous section break with Insert > Break > Section break (continuous). Apply the different page settings to the new section.
Even and odd page section breaks
Even-page and odd-page section breaks force the next section to start on the next even or odd page respectively. If the current page is already an even page and you insert an even-page break, the next section starts on the following even page, creating a blank odd page in between. Use next-page breaks unless you specifically need even/odd alignment.
Remove the section break if no longer needed
If the section break was used historically to apply settings that are no longer needed, delete it entirely. Click immediately before the section break symbol and press Delete. Verify that the formatting of the adjacent content still looks correct after removing the break.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does removing the section break change my document formatting?
Section breaks carry formatting settings for the sections they define. When you delete a section break, the preceding section inherits the settings of the following section. Check margins, columns, and orientation after deleting a section break and re-apply any settings that changed.
Related article
Fix page breaks in Google Docs PDF export →Ready to Try It?
Install the free Chrome extension and start converting your Google Docs to PDF in one click.
Install Free Extension