Use Pages line breaks, page breaks and formatting marks
Shift-Return inserts a line break in Pages, Return starts a paragraph, and Command-Return inserts a page break. Shift-Command-I shows formatting characters.
Pages · Reviewed 2026-11-05 · Review method
Platform, keyboard and verification notes
- Scope
- Pages · macOS app; Apple Mac documentation source checks on 4 November 2026 and editorial review on 5 November 2026. No running-app compatibility test is claimed.
- Keyboard and customization
- English-language Apple documentation. Modifier and punctuation keys may differ on other keyboard layouts.. Documented defaults, not a reading of your current menu. Check the app menu and custom App Shortcuts if a binding differs; focus and selected content can change its effect.
- Review basis
- Documentation reviewed 2026-11-05 by Codex — primary-documentation and editorial review; no hands-on runtime test. These bindings were not tested in a running app for this guide.
Keyboard shortcuts for this task
| Action | Keys | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Line break | Shift-Return | Continues within the current paragraph rather than creating a new paragraph. Source ↗ |
| Paragraph break | Return | Starts a new paragraph in body-text editing. Source ↗ |
| Page break | Command-Return | In document text; creates a deliberate new-page boundary. Source ↗ |
| Show formatting characters | Shift-Command-I | Reveals invisibles for inspection. Source ↗ |
| Show layout boundaries | Shift-Command-L | A separate layout aid when diagnosing page structure. Source ↗ |
Choose a break based on the document structure
A continuation line inside one paragraph, a new paragraph and a new page have different purposes. For an address block, a line break may preserve one paragraph’s role. For a new argument, a paragraph break is more suitable. To begin a deliberate new page, use a page break instead of filling the page with repeated empty paragraphs that can shift when earlier text changes.
Reveal the hidden structure when layout looks wrong
Formatting characters can help you inspect why text is not flowing as expected. Look for the actual breaks before deleting visible space or changing margins. Showing layout boundaries is a separate visual aid. Neither command fixes the document automatically; they make structure easier to inspect so that the edit you choose targets the cause rather than only the appearance.
Compare three controlled examples
In a disposable document, create a short address with a line break, a second paragraph of explanation, and a page break before an appendix heading. Turn on formatting characters and inspect the difference between the three boundaries. Then insert or remove some preceding text and observe which structure still expresses your intention. This gives you a more dependable layout than adjusting a page through repeated blank lines.
Sources and corrections
- Keyboard shortcuts for Pages on Mac — Apple Support — checked 2026-11-04
Found a mismatch? Email pashaseenainc@gmail.com with your app version, macOS version, keyboard layout and the command. Please leave personal document names out.
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