Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
VGSOURCES
Get listed

desktop publishingPATCH 2026.10.26

How to Use Page Options in Microsoft Publisher

By VGSources Team 11 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Microsoft Publisher’s Page commands let you add pages without rebuilding a publication. Open the publication, choose Insert > Pages > Pages, then select Insert Blank Page, Insert Duplicate Page, or Insert Page. A blank page gives you an empty page below the current one; a duplicate carries over the preceding page’s objects; and the Insert Page dialog lets you set a page count, placement, and content treatment. Newsletter publications also expose columns, inside-page formats, and suggested objects through Page Options. The labels can vary by Publisher edition, and Microsoft says Publisher support and Microsoft 365 subscriber access end after October 2026, so check the edition you are using before following the steps.

What are Page Options in Microsoft Publisher?

Page Options are Publisher’s controls for adding and shaping pages in a publication. The central Pages command contains three insertion choices:

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Insert Blank Page creates an empty page immediately below the current page.
  • Insert Duplicate Page creates a copy of the preceding page, including its existing objects.
  • Insert Page opens a dialog for adding one or more pages, choosing their position, and deciding what content each new page receives.

For newsletter templates, the separate Page Options task pane handles page columns, inside-page formats, and suggested objects. These controls solve different problems: the Pages command changes the publication’s page count or copies page content, while the newsletter controls change the arrangement and type of an inside page.

How do I open the Pages commands?

Use the following path in the open publication. If a command is unavailable, first confirm that the publication window has focus and that the Insert tab is active.

#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter | 4Pack Type C Female to A Male Cable Converter for Apple Duo 17 16 15 14 Plus,iWatch Watch 12 11 10,iPad 9 8 Air,Airpods 5 4
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
  1. Open the publication in Microsoft Publisher.
  2. Select the Insert tab on the ribbon.
  3. In the Pages group, select Pages.
  4. Choose Insert Blank Page, Insert Duplicate Page, or Insert Page.

The current page is the reference point. A blank page or duplicate is placed below that page. The Insert Page dialog gives you an additional choice: place the new pages before or after the current page.

How do I insert a blank page?

Insert Blank Page is the fastest option when the next page should start empty. It adds one blank page below the page currently selected in the publication.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  1. Click the page that should come immediately before the new page.
  2. Choose Insert > Pages > Pages.
  3. Select Insert Blank Page.

Use this command when you intend to create the new page’s text boxes, pictures, forms, or other objects yourself. Because the command is a quick action rather than a dialog, it does not ask for a page count or a before/after choice. If you need either of those controls, use Insert Page instead.

When is a blank page the right choice?

  • Starting a new section that should not inherit the previous page’s objects.
  • Adding an intentionally empty page to a multi-page publication.
  • Creating a page that will later receive a layout you design manually.

After insertion, select the new page in the page navigation area and add the objects required by your publication. The command itself supplies the page; it does not populate a design.

How do I insert a duplicate page?

Insert Duplicate Page copies the preceding page’s objects onto a new page below the current page. It is useful when the next page should begin with the same arrangement and you will edit the copied content.

  1. Select the page whose arrangement you want to carry forward, or select the page immediately before the intended insertion point.
  2. Choose Insert > Pages > Pages.
  3. Select Insert Duplicate Page.

The duplicate preserves the objects from the preceding page. Treat the result as a starting layout: replace the copied text or graphics that should differ on the new page, and inspect every object before publishing. If the new page should not inherit any objects, choose Insert Blank Page instead.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
Sale
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter | USB C Dongle with 90W Max Power Delivery, 3×5Gbps USB A Data Ports, for MacBook, Dell, and More (Charger Not Included)
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

What does “duplicate” mean here?

In this command, duplication refers to the page’s existing objects being carried onto the added page. It does not mean that Publisher merely increases the page count while leaving the new page empty. For more control over how many pages are added or where they go, use the dialog described next.

How do I use the Insert Page dialog?

Insert Page is the flexible choice. It allows you to specify the number of pages, insert them before or after the current page, and choose whether the pages are blank, contain one text box each, or duplicate all objects from the page.

  1. Select the page that will be the reference point.
  2. Choose Insert > Pages > Pages > Insert Page.
  3. In the Insert Page dialog, enter the number of pages to add.
  4. Choose Before or After the current page.
  5. Select one content treatment: Insert Blank Pages, Create one textbox on each page, or Duplicate all objects on page.
  6. Select OK to apply the settings.
Dialog choice What it controls Best use
Number of pages How many pages are added in the operation Adding several pages without repeating the command
Before Places the new pages before the current page Inserting material that belongs ahead of an existing section
After Places the new pages after the current page Continuing the publication after the selected page
Insert Blank Pages Adds pages without copied objects Building each new page from an empty starting point
Create one textbox on each page Adds one text box to every new page Preparing pages for text-first content
Duplicate all objects on page Carries the current page’s objects onto each new page Repeating a page structure across several pages

How should I choose the content treatment?

Choose Insert Blank Pages when the pages need independent layouts. Choose Create one textbox on each page when each page should begin with a text-entry area rather than a completely empty canvas. Choose Duplicate all objects on page when the same arrangement must be reused several times and you will change the copied content afterward.

How do I avoid inserting pages in the wrong place?

Before opening the dialog, click the page that establishes the insertion point. Then verify Before or After in the dialog rather than relying on the page you last edited. After selecting OK, review the page sequence and open a newly inserted page to confirm that its content treatment matches your selection.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Which Page command should I choose?

The quickest decision is based on four questions: should the page be empty, should it copy existing objects, how many pages are needed, and where should they be placed?

Need Command Why
One empty page below the current page Insert Blank Page It is the direct one-page blank insertion
One page that starts with the preceding page’s objects Insert Duplicate Page It copies the preceding page’s arrangement
Several pages at once Insert Page The dialog accepts a page count
Pages before the current page Insert Page The dialog provides a Before placement
A page or pages with one text box each Insert Page The dialog offers Create one textbox on each page
Several pages carrying copied objects Insert Page The dialog offers Duplicate all objects on page

This choice prevents a common mismatch: using a quick blank-page command when you actually need a controlled insertion point, or duplicating a layout when the new page should be independent.

Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter | 85W Max PD, 2 USB 3.0 & 1 USBC Data Ports, SD/TF Card Reader, for Laptops/Mac and Other Type C Devices (Charger Not Included)
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

How do Page Options work for newsletter layouts?

Newsletter templates expose additional layout controls in the Page Options task pane. These settings are for the page’s column structure and inside-page format, not simply for increasing the page count.

How do I change the number of columns?

In the Page Options task pane, locate Columns and choose the number of columns for each page. Column count changes the intended structure of the newsletter page, so check the page after applying it and make sure the existing stories and objects still fit the chosen arrangement.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How do I choose an inside-page format?

For an inside page, select the left or right inside page first. Then choose a format such as 3 stories, Calendar, Order form, Response form, or Sign-up form. Selecting the correct inside page matters because the left and right pages are separate targets in a newsletter spread.

How do Suggested objects work?

Under Suggested objects, select an object to insert on the page. This is a way to add a recommended page element after choosing the page’s columns or format. Inspect the inserted object in context and adjust the rest of the page so the content remains readable.

Where are these newsletter controls located?

Microsoft’s guidance places the newsletter layout controls in the Page Options task pane and also directs users to the Options control on the Page Design tab when changing columns and inside-page formats. If you are looking for a newsletter format rather than a new page, use those controls instead of the basic Insert Page commands.

What is a practical workflow for building a multi-page newsletter?

Use page insertion for the publication’s length, then use newsletter options for the design of each inside page. Keeping those decisions separate makes it easier to diagnose an unexpected layout.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray | Data transfer & Fast charging for MacBook, iPhone 17/16/15, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Apple Watch
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
  1. Open the newsletter publication and identify the page that should precede the new material.
  2. Use Insert Page if you need multiple pages, a specific before/after position, or a text box on each page.
  3. Select the new inside page in the publication.
  4. Open Page Options and set the column count.
  5. Choose the left or right inside page and apply the appropriate format, such as 3 stories or Calendar.
  6. Use Suggested objects only for elements that belong on that page.
  7. Review the page sequence and the objects on every inserted page before exporting or printing.

This workflow avoids treating a newsletter format as if it were a page-insertion command. The Pages menu changes how many pages exist; the newsletter options determine how a selected page is organized.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why can’t I find the Pages command?

Menu labels can vary by Publisher edition. Start with the three checks below before changing the publication.

  • Confirm that a publication is open rather than working from a start screen or another Office application.
  • Select the Insert tab and look for the Pages group.
  • If you are editing a newsletter layout, check the Page Design tab’s Options control for columns and inside-page formats.

If the command still does not appear, compare the labels in your edition with the labels above. The exact wording can differ, but the functions remain conceptually distinct: blank insertion, duplicate insertion, and the more detailed Insert Page dialog.

What if the new page appears in the wrong position?

Return to the page sequence and identify the page that was selected when the command ran. The quick blank and duplicate commands add below the current page. For a controlled location, select the intended reference page, open Insert Page, and explicitly choose Before or After.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What if the new page has unwanted content?

Unwanted objects usually indicate that a duplicate option was selected. Use Insert Blank Page or Insert Blank Pages for a clean start. If a repeated layout is intentional, keep the duplicate and edit the copied objects so each page contains the correct material.

What if the newsletter’s columns or format are wrong?

Use the Page Options task pane, or the Options control on the Page Design tab, rather than inserting another page. Select the correct inside page before choosing a column count or format; otherwise, you may change a different page than the one you meant to edit.

Best Value
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display | 85W Max PD, 1 Powered USB-C 5Gbps & 2 Powered USB-A 3.0 5Gbps Data Ports, for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell and More (Black)
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.

How do Page Options relate to printing and exporting?

Page Options creates and arranges publication pages; it does not determine every downstream publishing choice. Publisher can distribute a publication by email, PDF/XPS, website publication, commercial printing, or desktop printing. Choose the output method after the page sequence and page content are correct.

For a folded booklet, Microsoft’s guidance describes printing on 11-by-17-inch (tabloid) paper and selecting a booklet, side-fold option when the printer supports it. That is a printing setup, not an Insert Page setting. Confirm the paper size and booklet capability in the print workflow separately from your page insertion decisions.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What should I check before producing the final output?

  • Verify that every required page exists and is in the intended order.
  • Open pages created with a duplicate option and confirm that copied objects were replaced or intentionally retained.
  • Check newsletter columns and inside-page formats on the correct left or right page.
  • Choose the required output route—email, PDF/XPS, website publication, commercial printing, or desktop printing.
  • For booklet printing, confirm that 11-by-17-inch/tabloid stock and side-fold booklet support are available in the printing setup.

Will Microsoft Publisher still be available after October 2026?

Microsoft’s current support guidance states: “After October 2026, Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported. Microsoft 365 subscribers will no longer have access.” This makes the Publisher edition and subscription status part of the practical setup, especially for publications that must be edited after that date.

Until the retirement date, use the labels in your installed edition and expect minor menu differences between editions. If a team depends on Page Options for recurring newsletters or forms, document the insertion choices and the newsletter layout settings while the application remains available, and verify the support status for the specific edition before scheduling future work.

What are the essential Page Options decisions?

Use Insert Blank Page for one empty page, Insert Duplicate Page for one page based on the preceding page, and Insert Page when you need a page count, before/after placement, or a choice between blank pages, one text box per page, and duplicated objects. For newsletters, set columns and inside-page formats in Page Options after the page exists. Finally, treat printing and export as separate steps, and account for Publisher’s announced end of support after October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a page before the first page of a publication?

The controlled way is to select the relevant page, open the Insert Page dialog, and use its Before placement. The quick blank and duplicate commands are designed to add below the current page, so they do not provide that placement choice.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Why does a duplicated newsletter page still need editing?

Duplication carries the preceding page’s objects to the new page, which gives you a starting structure rather than finished editorial content. Review every copied object and change the text or graphics that should differ on the new page.

Does changing columns add another page automatically?

No. Column settings belong to the newsletter page layout. Add the required page with a Pages command first, then use Page Options or the Page Design tab’s Options control to set the columns.

Is booklet side-fold printing controlled by Page Options?

No. Booklet and side-fold choices belong to the printing workflow. Microsoft’s guidance discusses 11-by-17-inch/tabloid paper for folded booklets, with side-fold selected when the printer supports it.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

desktop publishingMicrosoft PublishernewslettersPage Optionsprinting

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.