How to Create Sections in Microsoft Word (2026)

How to Create Sections in Microsoft Word (2026)

Sections allow different formatting in different parts of your document. Chapters can have different headers, page orientations can change mid-document, and different page numbering formats are possible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Position Cursor

Click where you want a new section to begin.

Step 2: Insert Section Break

Click Layout > Breaks > Section Breaks. Choose the type: Next Page, Continuous, Odd Page, or Even Page.

Step 3: Format New Section

The new section is independent. Modify margins, headers, page numbers, and orientation for this section only.

Step 4: Unlink Headers/Footers

Double-click the header in the new section. Click Design > Link to Previous to toggle linking.

Step 5: Continue Formatting

Return to document and format the section’s content independently.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using page breaks instead of section breaks—page breaks don’t enable independent formatting
• Forgetting to unlink sections—changes in one section affect all linked sections
• Creating too many sections—too many formatting areas make documents complex

Tips and Tricks

• Use section breaks liberally—they’re powerful for complex document layouts
• Section breaks are invisible in normal view. Show formatting marks (Ctrl+Shift+8) to see them.
• Test section formatting carefully—misaligned section breaks cause formatting chaos

Further Reading

• Microsoft Support — Word — Official Microsoft resource providing detailed instructions on using sections and formatting in Word.
• Microsoft Learn — Office — Comprehensive tutorials and guides on Microsoft Office features, including document structuring with sections.
• Microsoft Office Help — Helpful support articles and troubleshooting tips for managing sections, headers, footers, and page layouts in Word.