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Show or Hide White Space Between Pages (Print Layout) in Word — Step-by-Step Guide

Show or Hide White Space Between Pages (Print Layout) in Word

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Practical ways to show or hide the gap between pages — plus a one-click option with Kutools for Word.

Why this matters: In Print Layout, Word shows a visible “white space” between pages (the top/bottom margins). That gap helps with page-layout accuracy, but it can also break reading flow, waste vertical space on smaller screens, and make long documents harder to scan. Sometimes you want that space visible; other times you want a compact, distraction-free view.

show-hide-white-space
Before you start: The gap exists only in Print Layout. In Draft or Web Layout you’ll see a more continuous, page-less view.

Methods Overview

Below are multiple ways to control the white space. Method 2 uses Kutools for Word for a simple, dedicated toggle and extra flexibility.

  1. Use Word’s Built-in Toggle (Double-Click or Options)
  2. Use Kutools for Word: Compact View
  3. Switch to Draft or Web Layout (Continuous Editing)
  4. Adjust Margins (When You Need Less White Space, Not Hidden)

1 Use Word’s Built-in Toggle (Double-Click or Options)

Quick and native: no add-ins required.

  1. Switch to View → Print Layout.

    print-layout

  2. Fast toggle: hover over the boundary between two pages until a double-arrow cursor shows, then double-click to hide/show the white space.

    click-to-hide-white-space

  3. Settings route: go to File → Options → Display and check/uncheck Show white space between pages in Print Layout, then click OK.

    options-hide-show-white-space

Pros
  • Native to Word; no installation.
  • Double-click is very fast once learned.
  • Setting persists until you change it.
Cons
  • Double-click target can be finicky.
  • Options path is buried for new users.
  • Not a visible ribbon button to remind you.

Best for: Users who prefer native controls and only switch occasionally.

2 Kutools for Word: Compact View (One-Click)

The simplest, most visible switch — great for frequent use.

  1. Install Kutools for Word (free 30-day trial). Download Kutools for Word

  2. Open your document and go to the Kutools tab.

  3. Click Compact View to instantly hide or show the white space between pages. You can also keep it always hidden for a distraction-free layout.

    kutools-compact-view

  4. Other Options: Show White Space in the Current Document Hide White Space in the Current Document

    kutools-show-hide-white-space-in-current-document

Pros
  • One-click ribbon button — no hunting in settings.
  • Easy to teach teammates; consistent workflow.
  • Part of a toolkit with 100+ other productivity features (formatting, navigation, selection, etc.).
Cons
  • Requires installing an add-in.
  • License needed after the trial.

Best for: Power users, editors, and anyone who toggles this view frequently and wants a reliable, visible control on the ribbon.

3 Switch to Draft or Web Layout (Continuous Editing)

Hide page margins entirely while drafting.

  1. Go to View.

  2. Choose Draft for fast scrolling (no margins) or Web Layout for a page-less feel.

    draft-web-layout

Pros
  • Continuous flow — ideal for editing on small screens.
  • Less “stop-and-go” at page breaks.
Cons
  • Not WYSIWYG for printing (headers/footers/margins aren’t shown as in Print Layout).
  • Less precise for final page design.

Best for: Drafting, reorganizing, and reading without being distracted by page breaks.

4 Adjust Margins (When You Need Less White Space, Not Hidden)

If your goal is to reduce, not toggle, the space.

  1. Go to Layout → Margins.

  2. Choose Narrow or set Custom Margins… for smaller top/bottom margins.

Pros
  • Permanent layout change — no toggling needed.
  • Fits more content per page.
Cons
  • Alters printed layout (may not suit formal documents).
  • Doesn’t provide a quick on/off view toggle.

Best for: Final designs where smaller margins are acceptable and print rules are flexible.

Troubleshooting & Tips

  • Double-click doesn’t work? Ensure Print Layout is active and your pointer is exactly over the page boundary; try zooming to 80–120%.
  • Setting keeps reverting? Templates or view changes can affect it; use the Options route for a stickier setting — or the visible Compact View button in Kutools.
  • Word for the web? Layout controls are more limited than desktop; consider Draft-like editing or use the desktop app for precise control.
  • Team workflows: Kutools’ ribbon button makes behavior easy to explain and reproduce across teammates.

Summary: If you only toggle occasionally, use Word’s double-click or the Options path. If you switch frequently (or want a clear button on the ribbon), Kutools for Word’s Compact View delivers a reliable one-click experience — plus access to 100+ other time-saving tools.

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