Whether for personal preference or as a requirement for the APA or MLA writing style, we’ll show you how to double-space in Google Docs. Contents
The nice part about this format in Google Docs is that you can apply it to the entire document or only selected blocks of text. Plus, you can double-space in Google Docs on the web and in the mobile app. Recommended Videos
Quick answer: If youre on the web client and want to get things done fast, all you need to do is click “Format” at the top, go to “Line & paragraph spacing” and then select “Double”.
Double spacing lines in Google Docs is a super easy way to format your documents for improved readability and appearence. Whether you need to meet formatting guidelines for school assignments, want additional spacing for editing or reviewing, or simply prefer the visual aesthetic, implementing double line spacing only takes a few clicks.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to double space lines on the web and mobile versions of Google Docs
What is Double Spacing?
Double spacing refers to the vertical whitespace between each line in a paragraph.
Instead of the default single spacing which has standard line height, double spacing increases the gap between each line to twice the amount Visually, this creates a more open, airy look on the page
Double spaced documents tend to be easier to read and edit as well, The extra space between lines allows your eyes to track from one line to the next with less strain, This makes proofreading less fatiguing
When to Use Double Spacing
Here are some of the most common reasons to double space lines in Google Docs:
-
Academic and professional formatting guidelines – Certain style guides like APA, MLA, or Chicago require double spacing for papers, reports, manuscripts, etc. Double check your specific requirements.
-
Editing documents – The extra interline space makes proofreading less visually demanding. Double space during the editing process, then switch back to standard spacing for the final version.
-
Viewing on smaller screens – Mobile devices have less real estate. Double spacing can improve readability when viewing docs on smartphones or tablets.
-
Legibility and appearance – Some people simply prefer how double spacing looks on the page. The extra whitespace creates a more open, readable aesthetic.
How to Double Space in Google Docs on the Web
Double spacing lines in Google Docs on the web is a super quick and easy process:
-
Open your Google Doc and highlight the text you want to double space. You can select all text using Ctrl/Command+A.
-
Click the Line and Paragraph Spacing option in the toolbar (it looks like an arrow and lines).
-
Select Double from the dropdown menu.
The selected text is now double spaced! The extra interline whitespace is immediately visible.
To return lines to normal single spacing, just repeat the steps and choose Single instead.
Set Double Spacing as the Default
If you’ll be double spacing documents frequently, you can save double spacing as the default for new Google Docs:
-
Open a document that already has double spacing applied.
-
Click Format > Paragraph Styles > Options in the toolbar.
-
Select Save as my default styles.
Now any new docs you create will automatically have double line spacing applied!
How to Double Space on Google Docs Mobile
Need to double space a document on the go from your smartphone? The Google Docs apps for both iOS and Android make it easy:
-
Open the Google Docs app and select the document to edit. Tap the pencil icon to start editing.
-
Choose the text you want to double space. Tap and hold to select on Android, or double-tap on iPhone.
-
Tap the Format icon (uppercase A with lines on Android, underlined A on iPhone).
-
Tap Paragraph then the arrow next to Line spacing until it shows 2 or 2.00.
The selected text now has double line height! Repeat to revert to single spacing later on.
Troubleshooting Double Spacing Issues
Having issues getting double spacing to work properly in your Google Doc? Here are some quick fixes:
-
Make sure you’ve selected all the text you want double spaced before applying the setting.
-
Double check that the Paragraph menu shows a line spacing value of 2 or 2.00 after selecting Double.
-
Try clearing any extra paragraph spacing like Before or After spacing. This can override the double spacing.
-
Be aware that tables, text boxes, headers and other elements may need to be double spaced separately from body text.
-
For stubborn issues, try copying the content to a new document and applying double spacing there.
-
Make sure you’re using the most updated version of Google Docs. Older versions may not fully support double spacing.
More Handy Google Docs Tips and Tricks
Now that you know how to quickly double space document lines on the web and mobile apps, here are a few more useful Google Docs tips:
-
Use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl/Command+B for bold, Ctrl/Command+I for italics, and Ctrl/Command+U for underline to speed up formatting.
-
Add page numbers in the header or footer to keep multi-page docs organized. Double click the top or bottom margin to access headers and footers.
-
Enable offline access in Google Docs settings to view and edit docs without an internet connection. Changes will sync when you’re back online.
-
To prevent accidental changes to a doc, you can suggest view-only access in the sharing options.
-
Install the Google Docs add-ons to incorporate even more capabilities like workflows, editing tools, integrations with other apps and more!
Double Space FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about double spacing in Google Docs:
How do I double space a paragraph?
To double space a paragraph, simply highlight the entire paragraph then go to Format > Line and Paragraph Spacing > Double.
How do I double space selected text?
First select the text you want to double space, then apply the Format > Line and Paragraph Spacing > Double menu option.
How do I double space in APA, MLA, or Chicago style?
Most modern style guides recommend double line spacing for academic papers, reports, manuscripts, and publications. Always check the official guidelines for any specific spacing instructions.
Why is my document not double spacing properly?
Make sure you’ve selected all the relevant text before applying double spacing. Also check for any extra paragraph spacing like Before or After spacing that could override the setting.
Can I double space on mobile?
Yes! The Google Docs apps for both Android and iOS devices provide the same double spacing options as the web. Look for the Format > Paragraph > Line Spacing menu.
Spacing Lines Out in Style
And that’s all it takes to insert professional polish, boost clarity, and enhance readability using double line spacing in Google Docs!
Implementing this useful formatting option only takes seconds whether you’re on the web or mobile app.
So space things out and give your documents room to breathe. Your eyes (and your readers) will thank you!
Double-space in Google Docs on the web
Head to Google Docs on the web, sign in, and open your document or create a new one.
Step 1: If you already have text on the page, select all relevant text in your document that you want to transform to double-spacing.
Step 2: Go to the toolbar and select the Line and paragraph spacing button or go to the Format menu and choose Line and paragraph spacing.
Step 3: Select Double using either the drop-down or pop-out menu.
Step 4: Your selected text or new document now have double-spacing applied. You can follow the same steps to choose a different line spacing option later if you like.
