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Continuous Section Breaks not working in Word 365 (inserts section page break instead)

Anonymous
2019-08-21T17:44:52+00:00

This seems to be a recent bug in Word 365.

I am attempting to have a bullleted list appear in two columns within my document, but when I insert a Section break (continuous), it automatically changes to a Section break (next page). I can add a continuous section break before the next page section break and then copy and paste the information between, adding another continuous section break before the next page section break, but then I have to continue to add (or copy & paste) content before the page break. In other words, I can't add the continuous section break and adjust formatting after adding all the information without causing more work or having an extra page at the end of my document. I know for a fact that I used to be able to add breaks and additional formatting after first drafting copy.

Has anyone else had/reported this issue? Is this a known bug that is being fixed? 

I prefer to work smarter, not harder so any advice on alternative solutions or information on potential resolution timelines would be great!

Thanks.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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  1. Stefan Blom 339.2K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2019-09-04T11:12:18+00:00

    It's I've attempted to insert a continuous break within a single column page and I'm still getting the next page break. I've figured out a bit of a workaround (inserting a break and then inserting a break before that break. The continuous break works if there's a next page break following it. 

    Here, I am able to insert a continuous section break within a column. Testing in a two-column section, the new section starts in the next column. See screen shot.

    Have you tried inserting the section break and then change the type of section in the Page Setup dialog box?

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-09-04T10:18:42+00:00

    Hi Amanda,

    Thanks for providing the Word version for us.

    I tested it in the same version, but I didn’t have the same situation as yorus. Here are my test steps:

    1. In a Word document, select some paragraph of the content then click the Column-> Two.
    2. Copy and paste this content to a new document.
    3. Choose a place insert Continuous break.
    4. The continuous break works normally, and it didn’t change to next page break. I also don’t have the extra blank page at the end of the document.

    You mentioned that this issue happened when you copy a content with formatting, and issue disappeared after you clear all the formatting. Based on this behavior, the issue may relate to the formatting of the original contents.

    I suggest you try this way to check whether the issue occurs in the new document, if not, the issue may relate to the original content which has formatting:

    1. Create a new document and input some texts.
    2. Choose a place to insert Continuous Breaks.
    3. Check if it can work normally.

    Moreover, we appreciate your efforts of finding a workaround. This will help other members when they have the similar issue. (Insert a break then inserting a break before that break. Or insert continuous break after cleaning all the formatting.

    Thanks for your patience and understanding.

    Regards,

    Ivy

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-08-25T09:16:15+00:00

    Hi Amanda,

    Please let us know the result and information if you need any further help. Provide them when you have time.

    Thanks,

    Ivy

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-08-22T03:56:28+00:00

    Hi Amanda,

    Sorry for the all inconvenience.

    Per your description, I tested at my end. When I insert a continuous section break in the 2 columns page, it works as expected. And it didn’t change to Next Page section. (it won’t add any extra pages.)

    After my research, I found that if you want to insert a Continuous section break into the same page in which you have inserted a footnote, the new page will be created. The new page is created to prevent footnotes (or endnotes) from two different sections of the document from being displayed on the same page. If you have this situation, you can refer to this article to find the solutions.

    To narrow down this issue, I want to suggestion you try these steps to see the result:

    1. Try to create a Word document and check if this issue happens?
    2. Try to update your Office. Go to Word-> Help-> Check for Update.

    If the issue still persists, can you provide the related information for us?

    1. The screenshot of the Word version page. Word-> About Word.
    2. When did the issue happen? What have you changed before it happened, like uptade?
    3. Does this issue happen to all Word document?

    Regards,

    Ivy

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  3. Stefan Blom 339.2K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2019-08-22T00:04:19+00:00

    Is your text in newspaper columns? If you want to force content to the next column, you can insert a column break (Ctrl+Shift+Enter).

    However, a better option is to use a two-column table instead. You can add or remove borders as desired.

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