Line Spacing can be a Snap

photograph of blank pieces of paper on a pink surface

 Line spacing is something that we use all the time but let’s be honest we don’t really pay much attention to it.

What is Line Spacing

It’s actually, as you may have guessed from the title, the spacing between the lines in your document.

Added automatically whether you reach the end of the line, or you press Return to end the paragraph.

Quick additional note – this command is part of the Paragraph Formatting options. It’s applied to the whole paragraph, not individual lines.

Standard line spacing

The default is single, but there is more to this option, than you might think.

There are actually 3 standard options: from single, to 1.5 and up to double line spacing.

Why would you want to change the spacing?

One option can be for a little bit of extra space space, potentially to write notes in.

Perhaps you want to write comments around or near the text, okay this is useful if you are printing out the document.

If you want to keep it digital then we’ve got comments and track changes (Keeping a track of the changes isn’t a chore).

However, additional spacing can make it easier to read on screen.

What options are there to change the Line Spacing?

You know the rule – there are at least three method for each option, and this is no exception.

Ribbon

It’s easy to change – in fact there’s a button on the ribbon for you.

In the Paragraph Group on the Home Ribbon is Line and Paragraph Spacing button.
Line and Paragraph Spacing on the Home Ribbon

Click on the button to apply one of the 6 options – from 1 to 3 lines.

Shortcut Keys

As you may be aware, I do love my shortcut keys. They are quick and easy to use.

And the three standard options have their own keyboard shortcuts.

So what are these wonderful shortcut keys? Let me tell you:

  • Single Line = CTRL +1
  • One and half = CTRL +5
  • Double = CTRL +2

Easy to remember 😊

Dialog Box – Paragraph

Note: If you’re not sure how to display the additional options, I’ve got a YouTube Video that shows you how – More Commands on the Ribbon.

Paragraph Formatting - including the Spacing options.
Paragraph Formatting – Dialog Box

See all of the options for the line spacing, and also the spacing before and after the paragraph.

Next Steps

Interested in learning how paragraph formatting can be used better in your business? Book a Call with me and let’s talk.

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