How to Delete a Page in Apple Pages (Word Processing vs. Page Layout)
To delete a page in pages mac users must first determine which document mode their file uses. In a Page Layout document (flyers and newsletters), select the page thumbnail in the sidebar and tap the Delete key. In a Word Processing document (reports and essays), selecting a thumbnail highlights the entire section—to remove a single page, you must select and delete the text on that specific page.
Check Your Document Type First
Click the Document icon in the upper-right corner of the Pages toolbar.
If "Document Body" is Checked:
You are in Word Processing mode. Text flows continuously. Do NOT press delete on sidebar thumbnails, or you will delete every page in that section! Highlight text on the page and press backspace.
If "Document Body" is Unchecked:
You are in Page Layout mode. Each page is an independent sheet. Click View > Page Thumbnails, click the page thumbnail, and press Delete.
Crucial Apple Pages Gotcha: The Yellow Selection Box
In Word Processing mode, clicking a thumbnail puts a thick yellow border around multiple pages at once. That yellow border signifies a Section. Pressing Delete with that yellow border active will erase every page inside that box! Always deselect and manually delete the text if you only want one page gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I just click a page thumbnail and press Delete in Apple Pages?
In Apple Pages "Word Processing" mode, thumbnails represent entire document sections rather than individual pages. Pressing Delete on a highlighted thumbnail will delete all pages in that entire section. You must select the text body on that specific page and delete it.
How do I know if my Apple Pages file is Word Processing or Page Layout?
Click the Document button in the top-right toolbar. If the "Document Body" checkbox is checked, it is a Word Processing document. If the box is unchecked or says "Convert to Page Layout", it is a Page Layout document.
How do I delete a single page in a Page Layout document in Pages?
Click View in the top toolbar, select "Page Thumbnails", click the individual thumbnail you want to discard, and press the Delete key on your Mac keyboard.
How do I delete a page in Apple Pages on iPad or iPhone?
Open the document, tap the View Options icon in the toolbar, turn on "Page Thumbnails", tap the thumbnail, and if in Page Layout mode, tap Delete. If in Word Processing mode, select and delete the page text.
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