I have a 250 page document. In many cases there remains significant space between the final line of the body text on a given page, and the footnote separator line. That is, in these cases it would appear to me that another couple of lines of text should be able to fit there. But MS Word instead leaves the area blank and starts putting body text on the following page.

What are the variables that determine how much of the empty space between the final line of body text and the footnote separator line, can be used? I have a feeling that if I adjust the settings, I can make better use of that space.

Probably the most significant will be the presence of footnotes in the text of the next page. Where possible, Word wants footnotes to be on the same page as the referencing text.


Other factors will be keep with next and keep lines together paragraph formatting.

I am talking about where there are no other extenuating factors-- i.e. no foot note, widow orphan turned off, keep lines together turned off. When it is just a question of space-- how much space Word is expecting to protect beneath the final line of text, and how much space above the footnote separator line, and I don't know what other variables may impose their demands to protect space. When it is just a question of space, then what are those space settings. If you let me know that, I can go and try and figure out how to let that space be utilized.

Sorry. I do not know this. Someone else here may, but I doubt it.


You have the same ability to experiment that I do, and that is what I would have to do to get an answer for you. And even then, I would not know that my answer would apply to your situation.

Have a look at this video which shows you how you can edit the spacing around the footnote separator. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0SZW_hSrvw

If that doesn't solve your problem, look at the page setup margins for each section and the content in the footer to see where the drivers of that space are coming from. Is there a white floating shape in the vicinity of the footer that is pushing text away from the area?

Next, look at the pagination settings of the text in the vicinity of the bottom of the page. Is there Keep with Next, Keep Lines Together or Page Break Before settings at play?

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Andrew Lockton
Chrysalis Design, Melbourne Australia

Without actually seeing the problem document, it can be difficult for anyone to give specific advice. Can you attach a document to a post with some representative data (delete anything sensitive)? You do this via the paperclip symbol on the 'Go Advanced' tab at the bottom of this screen.

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Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

For a discussion of factors involved, see http://wordfaqs.ssbarnhill.com/BottomLine.htm.

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Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
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