How to format one page as landscape in word: Step-by-step guide to changing page orientation in Microsoft Word

Formatting a single page as landscape in Microsoft Word allows you to better present wide tables, charts, or images without affecting the orientation of other pages. Here’s a step-by-step guide to changing just one page to landscape orientation:

1. Place your cursor at the beginning of the page you want in landscape.
2. Go to the “Layout” or “Page Layout” tab at the top.
3. Click on “Breaks,” then select “Next Page” under Section Breaks. This creates a new section.
4. Move your cursor to the page you want in landscape (now in the new section).
5. Again, go to the “Layout” or “Page Layout” tab, then click “Orientation” and select “Landscape.”
6. If you only want one page as landscape, insert another section break after that page, then set the following section’s orientation back to “Portrait.”

Using section breaks ensures other pages retain their original portrait orientation. As a designer, I often use this approach when presenting wide-format furniture layouts or large visual mood boards within a proposal. If you want to preview how your different orientations look together, visualization tools can be invaluable. For example, when experimenting with 3D floor planner layouts, toggling between landscape and portrait can help you choose the best format for each element of your presentation.

Tips 1:

Consider using headers and footers linked to each section, so page numbers and titles display correctly even when switching orientations between landscape and portrait.

FAQ

Q: Can I convert just one page in Word to landscape without affecting others?

A: Yes, by adding section breaks before and after the target page, you can change its orientation independently.

Q: Where can I find section breaks in Word?

A: The section break option is under the “Layout” or “Page Layout” tab, within the “Breaks” menu.

Q: Why do my headers and footers look different after changing orientation?

A: Headers and footers are section-dependent. Use “Link to Previous” to ensure consistency or customize them for each section.

Q: Will images and tables rearrange automatically in landscape?

A: No, you may need to resize or adjust them after changing page orientation to make the most of the wider layout.

Q: Can I use this method in all versions of Word?

A: Yes, section breaks and orientation changes are supported in most modern versions of Microsoft Word.