Proper formatting is key to making documents readable and professional. One commonly used technique is adding double spacing between lines. Double spaced text improves readability, leaves room for edits, and meets style guide requirements like APA format.
In this guide, we’ll walk through multiple methods for quickly and easily adding double spacing in Word documents Whether setting up a new file or modifying an existing document, these tips will boost productivity.
What is Double Spacing?
Double spacing refers to setting the line spacing between paragraphs to two times the default This adds extra space between each line of text compared to standard single spacing,
Benefits of double spacing include:
- Improved readability and fewer distractions
- Space for making handwritten notes and edits
- Compliance with academic formatting guidelines
- More visually appealing look on the page
Double spacing was common for typewriters to accommodate corrections. It’s still used today especially for academic papers due to easing reading and editing.
When to Use Double Spacing
Common uses cases for double spacing documents include:
- Academic essays and research papers
- Business reports and memorandums
- Legal briefs and contracts
- Scripts and screenplays
- Submission of manuscripts
- Documents intended for print rather than digital display
Check the guidelines relevant to your industry or institution. For students, always clarify spacing requirements from your professor.
How to Add Double Spacing in Word
There are several quick and easy ways to add double spacing in Word:
Set Default Document Spacing
To automatically double space the entire document as you type:
- Click the Design tab
- Select Paragraph Spacing > Double
All new typing will be double spaced until changed.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
To double space selected text:
- Highlight the desired paragraphs
- Press Ctrl+2 on the keyboard
This instantly doubles the line spacing.
Modify Paragraph Properties
To customize specific sections:
- Select the target text
- Right click and open the Paragraph dialog box
- Choose Double from the spacing options
- Click OK
Use this to adjust formatting paragraph-by-paragraph.
Adjust Line Spacing
To quickly tweak spacing of highlighted text:
- Go to Home tab
- Open the Line Spacing menu
- Choose 2.0
Useful for modifying spacing on the fly while writing and editing.
Double Spacing a Few Lines
To double space only certain lines or passages without affecting the whole document, use one of these targeted approaches:
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Highlight Text First: Select the target paragraph before double spacing
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Split Paragraphs: Divide text into separate paragraphs for selective formatting
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Use Styles: Define custom styles like “Double Space Header” to apply consistently
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Set Defaults: Change default spacing for styles like “Normal” to single space most text
With a little forethought, you can double space exactly where needed without impacting the entire document.
Removing Double Spacing
To revert back to standard single spacing:
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For the whole document, return to the Design tab and choose Paragraph Spacing > Single
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For selected text, choose Line Spacing 1.0 or press Ctrl+1
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For specific paragraphs, edit the Paragraph properties and select Single
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To reset default document properties, go to Layout tab and click Reset
Double Spacing Tips
Keep these tips in mind when working with double spaced documents:
- Add extra space after headings and titles for improved appearance
- Use consistent spacing throughout for a polished, professional look
- Watch for extra spaces between words created accidentally
- Review full document for odd spacing before submission or printing
- For drafts, use wider margins and larger font to facilitate handwritten edits
Troubleshooting Double Spacing
If you are having issues with double spacing:
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Ensure all paragraph marks are properly formatted
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Watch for text boxes and tables disrupting spacing
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Verify spacing settings haven’t been overridden locally
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Check that style formatting isn’t contradicting double spacing
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Try clearing overrides by selecting all text and resetting styles
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For system issues, repair the Office installation or contact support
Double Space FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about double spacing:
What are best practices for double spaced documents?
Use 1-inch margins, 12 point professional font like Times New Roman, double space entire document, add extra space between sections, number pages, add header with your name and title.
Can I double space only parts of a document?
Yes, you can selectively apply double spacing to certain paragraphs, passages, or text highlighted. This allows mixing single and double spaced formatting.
How much extra space is double spacing?
Double spacing sets the line height to exactly two times the font size. For 12 point text, this means 24 points from the bottom of one line to the bottom of the next line.
What are the keyboard shortcuts to add double spacing?
Use Ctrl+2 to quickly double space highlighted text or Ctrl+1 to single space text.
Get Your Document Spacing Right
Proper use of paragraph formatting like double spacing gives all your Word documents a polished, professional look. Whether you want to improve readability, allow editing space, or follow style guidelines, adding double line spacing is quick and easy. Use the handy tips in this guide to efficiently space documents perfectly every time.
StepsMethod
1. Click the Design tab. 2. Click Paragraph Spacing. 3. Click Double.
Adding Double Line Spacing to a Word Document
To double-space an entire Microsoft Word document, click Design at the top. Select Paragraph Spacing, and then select Double.
