Pages won't delete a file on my Mac Studio

Question

Pages won't delete a file on my Mac Studio

Mac Studio, M1 MAX, in the app Pages

Can't delete a document in Pages. Pop up window: "The document (name of document) could not be opened. The document doesn't exist"

When I choose Open Recent>tap on, or long hold, or even right-click and release, the pop up window shows. It also won't allow me to select and drag or Command_Delete document. Maybe I've missed something but it truly shouldn't be this difficult to do.

So I cannot delete

What works on this Mac Studio? After searching all that I can find on this, and so much is for iPhones, am I getting the feeling this has not been solved from a coding standpoint?

Mac Studio, macOS 26.2

Posted on Feb 2, 2026 8:28 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Phil0124

Level 10

217,898 points

Feb 2, 2026 9:56 AM in response to OutsideShooter

The Open Recent list does not hold physical files. They are merely dynamic pointers to files somewhere on your Mac for files you've recently opened.

If the File it was pointing to was deleted from wherever it was saved to, then the entry in Recents no longer points to anything, so there is nothing for it to delete. The only way to remove it, would be to use "Clear Menu" option at the bottom of the list in Pages' File menu ➜ Open Recent.. This should remove all entries from the Open Recent menu and Recent folder in the Open Dialog.

It will get populated again when and as you open files again.

Reply

Answer 2

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,632 points

Feb 3, 2026 7:20 AM in response to OutsideShooter

Pages should be taking its Open Recent menu count from System Settings > Menu Bar > Recent documents, applications, and servers adjustment. This can be set beyond 20 but 60 max. If you open and save 21 or more documents, you will have your answer.

The open recents in Pages v15.1 are independent of those logged in earlier versions of Pages.

Reply

Answer 3

Feb 2, 2026 5:16 PM in response to Phil0124

Interesting. I won't ask why because I only care that it works or I have to go elsewhere.

Thanks so much for answering. Now the only other question I can think of, if you see this, is is there still a 20 file limit to Pages? Or has it been upscaled for more file (pointers)?

Thanks again

Reply

Answer 4

Feb 3, 2026 7:58 AM in response to VikingOSX

Viking OSX,

I see my Recent documents, applications and servers preset at 50 and it cannot be adjusted higher.

Thanks for that direction.

In mentioning Pages 15.1 are independent of those logged in earlier versions, my app is only up to 14.5, with no apparent manner of doing an update, that I can see.

Reply