While removing a few extra pages might save you a few pennies when printing, almost all blank pages are needed. In the publishing world, certain pages need to start on the right side of a two page layout.  The Table of Contents and Category Dividers are two examples of these types of pages that always are placed on the right side of a two page layout.

Quick Answer: Blank pages appear in a cookbook because printed books often need major sections, such as the Table of Contents or category dividers, to start on the right-hand page. A blank page may be added at the end of a section to keep the next section in the correct position. These pages may change as recipes are added, edited, or removed.

If you run your preview and look at the 3D Preview, you’ll see that almost all blank pages are the end of sections to leave the new sections to start fresh.

In terms of the recipes categories, if the last page of a recipe category is blank, that page was placed there so as to have the next category starts on the right page side. However, if you add additional recipes to that first section, the blank page may come and go depending on the number of recipes in the section.

You have an option of adding a photo using the Cookbook Picture Manager or a custom page using the Custom Pages Tool to the “end” of any recipe section. That can help fill the blank page. However, if you have not finished the section and add/edit recipes, you may end up with a blank page after your photo/custom page, so wait until all of your recipes are added before considering adding any custom pages.

Blank Page Troubleshooting Checklist

• Review the cookbook in 3D Preview.
• Check whether the blank page appears before a Table of Contents, divider, or new category.
• Confirm that all recipes have been added.
• Avoid filling blank pages until recipe editing is complete.
• Decide whether the blank page improves section layout.
• Add a photo or custom page only after the section is final.
• Preview again before placing the print order.

Bill Rice is Founder and Co-Publisher of the Family Cookbook Project, the leading online cookbook publisher with a website that helps families and individuals collect, preserve and share food memories by creating their own printed custom cookbooks. He is the author of The Wellfleet Oyster Cookbook and the Cape Cod Cocktail Cookbook (Available on Amazon), both created using FamilyCookbookProject.com. He is also editor of the Donovan Family Cookbook, now it’s third printing and is an avid genealogist tracing his family back to the 1600’s.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Blank Pages in a Cookbook

Why are there blank pages in my cookbook?
Blank pages often appear because printed books use two-page layouts. Major sections, such as the Table of Contents or category dividers, may need to start on the right-hand page, so a blank page is added before them.

Are blank pages in my cookbook a mistake?
Not usually. Many blank pages are intentional and help the cookbook print with a cleaner, more professional layout.

Can I remove blank pages from my cookbook?
Some blank pages may change as recipes are added or edited, but others may be needed for proper section placement. Review the 3D Preview before deciding whether to fill or adjust them.

Can I add a photo to a blank page?
Yes. After your recipes are final, you may be able to add a photo using the Cookbook Picture Manager or add a custom page using the Custom Pages Tool.

Why do blank pages appear at the end of recipe sections?
A blank page may appear at the end of a recipe section so the next category or divider can begin on the right-hand page.

When should I fill blank pages with photos or custom pages?
Wait until all recipes have been added and edited. If you fill blank pages too early, the page layout may change and the blank page may move.