How to Add a Section Break in Google Docs
Short Answer
How do you add a section break in Google Docs?
Click where the new section should start, then click Insert › Break and choose Section break (next page) or Section break (continuous). Turn on View › Show section breaks to see them. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then P B N.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Layout › Section Break (Next Page). On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Using the Menus
- Click where you want the new section to start.
- Click Insert › Break.
- Choose Section break (next page) to start on a new page, or Section break (continuous) to stay on the same page.
Section breaks are hidden by default; click View › Show section breaks to see them. Like page breaks, they need pages format, not pageless.
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Docs has no shortcut for this.
The Word-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Docs document.
- Click where you want the new section to start.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Word-style key-tips appear.
- Press P, B, then N. ShortieCuts runs “Section Break (Next Page)”.
| Keys | Also in ShortieCuts |
|---|---|
| Alt PBO | Section Break (Continuous)Layout key-tips |
When the ALT route helps: Word puts section breaks under Layout › Breaks: Alt, P, B, N for next page and Alt, P, B, O for continuous. ShortieCuts uses the same letters in Google Docs.
More Google Docs How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt H6 | Superscript & SubscriptBuilt-in: Ctrl + . |
| Alt HU | Bullet PointsBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + 8 |
| Alt HR | Find and ReplaceBuilt-in: Ctrl + H |
| Alt H7U | Change Case |
| Alt HN | Numbered ListBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + 7 |
| Alt FEP | Download as PDF or Word |
FAQ
Is there a keyboard shortcut to add a section break in Google Docs?
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Docs doesn't include one. Click where the new section should start, then click Insert › Break and choose Section break (next page) or Section break (continuous). Turn on View › Show section breaks to see them. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then P, then B, then N.
Does Alt + P + B + N work in Google Docs?
Not on its own. Google Docs has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + P + B + N there won't add a section break. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then P, then B, then N, and ShortieCuts runs its "Section Break (Next Page)" command.
How do I add a section break in Google Docs on a Mac?
The steps above work the same way on a Mac. With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then P, then B, then N.
What is a section break for in Google Docs?
Each section can have its own margins, page numbers and page orientation. For example, a section break lets you turn one part of a document landscape while the rest stays portrait.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.