how to make your essay double spaced in word

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What is double-spacing, option 1: configure document to automatically double space, option 2: double space with a keyboard shortcut, option 3: double-space by editing the text properties.

If you need to add some line spacing to your Word document or write an APA style piece, double spacing is a useful feature. You can quickly double space your documents with just a few clicks or a keyboard shortcut.

Virtually every college student eventually has to double space a document in Microsoft Word. It provides plenty of margins to make notes or suggestions in a document. It's also a great way to make it easier to read---I can't read anything on a Kindle without changing the view to double-spaced, for instance---and can be more visually appealing for certain types of writing.

If you use Google's apps, double spacing on Google Docs is a common task as well. Fortunately, there are several ways to use double spacing in Microsoft Word. You can set your document up ahead of time with double-spaced formatting, or apply double spacing to the document after finishing it instead.

Related: How to Double-Space on Google Docs

If you don't have anything written yet, you can use a cool trick from the 2007 version of Microsoft Word (that still exists in the current version of the software) to create some random text to edit. Simply open up a new document, click anywhere in the field, and type

to create some fancy Lorem Ipsum text . Do this as many times as you like to create additional paragraphs.

Once you've generated your text or finished writing your document, it's time to set your line spacing.

Related: Undocumented Microsoft Word Feature: Insert Lorem Ipsum Text

If you want to configure your document to automatically double space as you write, there are two ways to do it.

The first method uses the "Line Spacing" icon under the "Home" tab. In the "Home" tab, navigate to the "Line Spacing" icon.

Select "2.0" from the drop-down menu. Your text will now be double spaced. You can do this to quickly double spacing at any point in the writing process, but it works best for setting up the document.

You can accomplish the same goal using the Design tab. Start by clicking the "Design" tab in the ribbon.

In the "Design" tab, navigate over to the "Paragraph Spacing" option. Select it to bring up a menu.

In the drop-down menu, select "Double :"

And that's it! Your document will now automatically set each line to double spaced as you write:

Another easy way to double space your documents is to use our old friend, the please note this method works as both a way to configure the document before writing and to double space while writing.

To double space with a keyboard shortcut, first highlight your desired text, or select everything using the Ctrl+A command.

With the desired text selected, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+2 to quickly apply double space formatting to your text.

A third method for double spacing your text is to edit the paragraph settings of specific passages. First, highlight the text you want or use Ctrl+A to select all:

Right-click your mouse to bring up a menu and select "Paragraph: "

In the "Paragraph" menu, select the drop-down menu located beneath "Line Spacing:"

Select "Double" and click "OK :"

Using these methods to quickly double space text in Microsoft Word will help you get past those formatting roadblocks with ease. Happy writing!

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How to Double Space in Word

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 Fact Checked

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 44 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 885,486 times. Learn more...

Changing the line spacing can make a Word document easier to read and make notes on when printed. Follow this guide to change the spacing in any version of Word, regardless of your operating system.

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 .

Word 2016/2013/Office 365

• To double-space a specific area of text, highlight the text, click the Line and Paragraph Spacing button on the Home tab (4 horizontal lines with two blue arrows), then select 2.0.

Word 2007/2010

• If you don’t see the line spacing button, it is most likely missing because the window isn’t large enough. You can access it by clicking the arrow button next to the word Paragraph. This will open the Paragraph menu.
• In the Paragraph menu, you can adjust the line spacing using the Line Spacing dropdown menu from the Spacing section.

• Before will add space before the paragraph begins.
• After will add spacing every time you press Enter to start a new paragraph.

• ”Exactly” will allow you to set an exact spacing between lines, measured in points. There are 72 points to an inch.
• ”Multiple” will allow you to set larger spacing, such as triple spacing.

• You can change the spacing of the entire document by selecting all of the text and then adjusting the spacing settings. To quickly select all of the text Press Ctrl + A (PC) or ⌘ Command + A (Mac). This will not affect headers, footers, or text boxes. You will need to select these sections individually to change the spacing in them.

• Select all the text you wish to change the spacing of.
• Press Ctrl + 2 (PC) or ⌘ Command + 2 (Mac). This will give you double spacing.
• Press Ctrl + 5 (PC) or ⌘ Command + 5 (Mac). This will give you 1.5-line spacing.
• Press Ctrl + 1 (PC) or ⌘ Command + 1 (Mac). This will give you single spacing.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/double-space-the-lines-in-a-document-9c026fce-5231-4508-b236-5cd3a4953469
• ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/change-the-line-spacing-in-word-04ada056-b8ef-4b84-87dd-5d7c28a85712
• ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/word/page-layout/1/
• ↑ https://www.cedarville.edu/insights/computer-help/post/how-to-change-default-line-spacing-in-word

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MS Word Tips: How to Use Double Spacing

• 3-minute read
• 7th November 2023

Double spacing in Microsoft Word is a formatting technique that can enhance the readability and presentation of your documents. Whether you’re a student working on an essay, a professional drafting a report, or a writer formatting a manuscript, understanding how to use double spacing effectively is essential.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what double spacing is, and how to apply it to your text. We’ll also share some handy keyboard shortcuts to help make the process even more efficient.

What Is Double Spacing?

Double spacing refers to the practice of inserting a blank line between each line of text in a document, effectively making it appear as though there’s an empty line between each line of text. This spacing style is particularly useful for a variety of document types and scenarios.

When Is Double Spacing Commonly Used?

Most academic institutions require essays, research papers, and dissertations to be double-spaced. This format makes it easier for professors to provide feedback and annotations. Additionally, many style guides (such as MLA ) use double spacing.

If you’re a writer or author, you’ll often find publishers and literary agents prefer double-spaced manuscripts. This format allows for easier editing and readability. Business documents, such as reports and proposals, and legal documents often benefit from double spacing as well.

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How to Apply Double Spacing in Microsoft Word

Let’s go through the steps to apply double spacing to your text in Microsoft Word.

Method 1: Using the Ribbon

• Open your Microsoft Word document.
• Highlight the text you want to double space or press Ctrl + A to select the entire document.
• Go to the Home tab on the Ribbon.
• In the Paragraph group, locate the Line Spacing option. It usually looks like three lines with an arrow next to it.
• Click on the arrow to open the Line Spacing menu.
• Select 2.0 from the menu, which represents double spacing. Alternatively, you can click on the arrow at the bottom right-hand corner of the Paragraph group and select 2.0 under Line Spacing .

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

• Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + 2 to quickly apply double spacing.

Mastering the art of double spacing in Microsoft Word is a valuable skill for anyone who deals with Word documents regularly. Whether you’re a student, writer, or professional, knowing when and how to use double spacing can greatly improve the readability and presentation of your work.

And once you’ve finished writing your document, be sure to send it to one of our expert editors! We’ll ensure your grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, referencing, and more are perfect. You can try out our proofreading service for free today.

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How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay and Score an A for it

Many guidelines for formatting essays, as presented in rubrics, recommend double-spacing as one of the proper formats for standard comprehensive essays . For instance, when you receive the assignment instructions, essay prompts, or other academic homework assignment instructions, the Spacing of the work is usually specified.

The common spacing specifications include a 1.5 spaced essay, single-spaced essay, and a double-spaced or 2.0 spaced essay. In most cases, instructors will insist that your essay must be typed and double-spaced on standard-sized 8.5" by 11" paper, with margins of 1" on all sides.

In this detailed guide, we focus on the definition of a double-spaced essay, how to double-space an essay on MS Word or Mac Pages, and how to spice up that essay so that you score higher marks.

What is a double-spaced essay?

Here is the meaning of a double-spaced essay : A double-spaced essay is a standard essay written on a standard-sized (8.5" x 11") paper with a one-inch margin around the paper formatted with double spaces between the lines that make a paragraph with no extra spacing between paragraphs.  

In terms of word count, a double-spaced essay contains either 275 or 300 words in total per page, depending on the font used. Formatting a paper in double-spacing makes it easier for the tutor to read through the essay, make corrections within the left spaces, and follow through with ideas in your essay.

The number of words in a double-spacing essay also depends on the page margins you have set for your text. For instance, if you use A-4 sized page, an essay will have fewer words, the same as an A3 page. However, a standard-sized age with one-inch margins all around should have 275 words as a standard.

With short essays being between 250 words and 1000 words, with the most common in college being a 500-word essay, you can write as many words as you wish depending on the scope of the question, essay prompt, and the topic.

In most instances, students are advised to use font 12 points of 11 depending on the font type you are using. Failure to format your essay in the required Spacing might lead to penalties ranging from deduction of grades to poor grades.

As you set out to write or edit your essay, ensure that you choose a font that your professor advises. But this should only be the last thing you do as you polish your essay. For instance, some students find it comfortable writing with a given font, say Arial font 13, and then converting to Times New Roman font 12 when editing.

What is the significance of Double Spacing in essays and assignments?

You are probably wondering why we double-space essays or why it is the preferred standard for essays you write in high school and college. Below are some of the top three reasons why teachers want essays to be double-spaced.

• Double-spacing makes it easier to read through the document quickly as the lines do not blur together.
• Double-spaced essays are also reader-friendly. A reader can easily read and trace the points in your essay without needing extra aids or larger fonts.
• Double-spaced essays or assignments are also preferred because they leave whitespaces where the instructors can write comments on the paper.
• Another reason is that double-spaced essays give you (the essayist) enough room to communicate to your readers. The Spacing enhances the spatial mode of the essay or paper, making it easier to spot main points, read without getting lost or straying into other lines, and use one's fingers.

Double-Spacing vs. Other tyles of Spacing for Essays

When writing an essay, report, dissertation, annotated bibliography, or research paper for school, you should be aware of the type of Spacing required. There are three types of Spacing for school assignments: single, 1.5, and double Spacing.

A double-spaced paper or document, which is the most common, entails creating 2.0 spaces between lines in a paragraph without spaces between paragraphs. Double-spacing is a norm of most college assignments; even dissertations and theses are mostly double-spaced.

A 1.5 spaced essay or document means that the lines or sentences in a paragraph are spaced 1.5 mm from one another without spaces between paragraphs.

Finally, a single-spaced paper has little white spaces between the typed lines in the paragraphs. The lines within the paragraph are spaced 1.0 from one another. This means that there is little room for comments, remarks, or feedback from the professor. You should only use single and 1.5 spacing if your instructor advises so.

If you have typed your paper and realize that you have the wrong spacing, do not worry. You can do the Spacing of an essay or document either on a word document or on a Mac, as we shall explain shortly. The good news is that you can do this at any point in your writing process. The process will differ depending on the program you are using. Let's explore widely.

If you are wondering what a double-spaced essay looks like, have a look below.

Here is how single Spacing should look like in an essay:

Pages vs. Spacing Chart

To try to bring things to their perspective, here is a table comparing word count to Spacing. It can help you plan your essays.

You can simply conclude from the table abov e that a single-spaced page has the exact word count as twice a double-spaced paper.

How to set Double-Spacing on your Computer

Some people prefer to use other font styles and formats when writing, then edit the entire document to the required format and Spacing later, which is okay. Others like to keep everything organized from the beginning, which means setting double-spacing from the onset. Whether on Mac Page's word processor or MS word processor, here are some steps to take.

Pages on a Mac

If you are using a Page's word processor on a mac, you can follow these steps to double-space your paper:

• Highlight the text that you wish to double-space
• Click on Inspector, a blue button on the top right of your window
• In the new window, select the Text tab or the "T."
• Find the section labeled Spacing and type 2 into the box to the right of the slide bar.

On Microsoft Word Processor

If you are typing your assignment on a word document, follow the following steps to double-space it:

1. Select the text that you wish to change its Spacing

2. Under the Home tab , go to the Paragraph Click on the small arrow in the bottom left corner, as shown below.

3. A new window will pop up with various settings, including general, indentation, and Spacing, as shown in the figure below.

4. Click on the line spacing drop-down arrow

5. Select " Double " from the list

6. Check the " Don't add space between paragraphs of the same style ."

7. Press OK to execute the changes and save

The process is more or less the same for all Microsoft word processing versions. 

You can also adjust the line-spacing from the toolbar on your Microsoft word processor . This is probably the best way if you are one of those that want a page with double-spacing from the onset.

1. Under the Paragraph section of the Home Tab , locate the line-spacing button .

2. Click on the button to expand it as shown below.

3. Choose 2 . 0 for double-spacing , 1.5 for 1.5 line-spacing, and 1.0 for single spacing.

4. Click on OK to make the paper double-spaced.

How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay: 9 Steps to Take

Suppose you are assigned to write a double-spacing essay and you are wondering how to proceed, here is a little cheat sheet to keep you going. We asked our top essay writers and here were their exact recommendations; they can help you craft a double-spaced essay or assignment.

1. Read the essay prompt

The first thing you should always do when assigned to write a double-spaced essay is to thoroughly read the assignment prompt. It helps you unpack the question, brainstorm on a good topic, and pick the best topic for your essay. additionally, you also get to understand the Spacing, font type and size, and length/wordcount of your essay. It is an integral step in writing an essay.

2. Select a good essay topic

After reading the instructions, you need to rewrite the question on your own terms, conduct some research, evaluate the viable topics, then choose a hot topic for your essay. depending on your area of study, select a topic that is neither too narrow nor too broad. Go with a topic that is easy to find resources and one that you have genuine interest in writing a paper. If you are left with the option of selecting a topic on your own, select a topic that is relevant to the subject of study.

3. Use appropriate evidence

We cannot insist less how much it is important to cite all the sources that you use in an essay. First, failure to cite sources used in an essay could amount to plagiarism, which is a punishable offense in higher education and even professional realms. Therefore, you need to manage your in-text citations and reference list to ensure that your paper has some scholarly rigor. Citing facts paraphrased, quoted, or summarized from a source bolsters the arguments in the paragraphs of your essay. It brings in a string of a scholarly streak that makes the paper flow, make sense, and support your thesis statement.

4. Present your facts well

When planning for your essay or writing an essay outline/structure, you ought to have thought of the scaffolding of your essay. An essay scaffold refers to the order in which you present your arguments, themes, or texts in an essay. Have some semblance of organization in your essay. As an essayist, ensure that you substantiate your claims using proper evidence.

Instead of casually presenting an idea because you do not believe in it, use the available empirical evidence to make the essay even more desirable. It is also appropriate not to jump into unwarranted or unsupported conclusions.

If you do so, let it be on grounds of the evidence presented to support your thesis statement. Equally, your essay must always address the readers, so focus on what would interest them. From the title to the reference page, ensure that your readers are well-entertained and hooked.

5. Have a good essay structure

Apart from determining the order of argument, ensure that your essay is also well-structured. A comprehensive essay with a definite structure intrigues the readers. It also simplifies the writing process because everything falls into its rightful place.

You will have a laser-sharp focus on a structured essay than an essay you write haphazardly. Such an essay (a poorly-planned essay) will probably miss a thing or two. But when you have an essay outline , your chances of intriguing your readers increased. In short, a well-structured essay is reader-friendly.

Instead of beginning with the introduction, like anyone else, why not begin with the body paragraphs. Because you have a preliminary thesis, your body paragraphs can be developed without the introduction.

You can then finalize the writing process by tweaking the thesis into a final thesis, based on the arguments on the body paragraphs, and then writing a catchy introduction.

When you have your introduction, you can now finalize the writing process by writing an equally catchy conclusion that leaves your readers yearning for more.

As long as you maintain the standard format of a three-paragraph or a five-paragraph essay, whichever order you use to write does not matter provided the quality of the essay is met.

Choose the essay scaffold depending on the type of essay you are writing. For instance, you can use Toulmin, classic argument method, or Rogerian approach when writing an argumentative essay . similarly, you can choose to use chronology or point-by-point contrast when writing a classification or compare and contrast essay .

6. Use simple vocabulary

When writing any essay, it is not the chance to measure who knows what vocabulary. Instead, it is a chance to present facts from research to reinforce your ideas and thoughts on a given topic. Resist the temptation of using tough words to impress your teacher. Simplicity always wins when it comes to essay writing. Write in plain and simple language.

Use the ordinary words that makes it easier for your instructor to read and flow with your ideas. They never have the time to peruse a thesaurus, and even if they do, you would probably irritate their appetite leading to poor grades.

Use simple common words to communicate with the audience. Most engaging and top-grade essays are written in simple language. Students who write simple papers end up scoring better, as long as the facts are presented, flowing, and well organized.

7. Use short and long sentences

Every piece of assignment you write is meant to impress your readers. Using short sentences and long sentences blended together makes an essay readable. Short sentences are brief, easy to understand, and allow for easier navigation.

Although sometimes it is tempting to use complex sentences, they are counted as run-on or ambiguous sentences. When writing, this should not trouble you. However, when editing the paper, shorten the long sentences that have empty but complex vocabularies. It narrows down to simplicity again.

All our writers are better because they have mastered the art of balancing short and long sentences. With such a craft, you can convince even the toughest professor on earth for the best grades.

Brevity, coherence, accuracy, composition, and clarity comes from a mastery of how to use short sentences. So, try to practice often and use this approach for success in your essays.

8. Balance your paragraphs

To achieve a perfect paragraph in an essay is akin to getting an A+. It is not hard although it is something that most people struggle with.

Ensure that your topic sentences achieve cohesion and coherence. Cohesion means a good flow while coherence means achieving a sense of the whole. Your paragraphs should transition into one another.

Each paragraph should present a single idea linked to the order. Check out our guide on the PEEL paragraphing format . We also have a checklist for a good essay paragraph . A paragraph is an indispensable or irreplaceable node within a coherent sequence of logic. They are the building blocks of the essays. So, make them count.

Finally, your paragraphs need to be balanced in terms of number of words. Remember, by default the body paragraphs comprise 80% of the entire word count. This means that if you are writing a five-paragraph essay, the three body paragraphs should be spread to cover for the same.

9. Edit and format correctly

The writing process is no doubt the hardest part. Since it comes with researching, reading, and critical thinking, by the time you are done chances are that you are exhausted and probably fatigued. If you make the mistake of rushing directly to edit and format the paper, you'll probably make mistakes. It is the sole reason why it is good to plan an essay � allocate some good time for editing and polishing the essay or any assignment for that matter.

Now, when you're done with writing, take some much-deserved break. You can go for a walk, have a nap, watch your favorite show, activate your social media and plug back, or visit a friend, whatever will ease your mind.

After the rest, spend some quality time objectively reading, editing, and formatting your essay. focus on spelling, grammar, stylistic, and organization mistakes. You should also check the right Spacing, fonts, and font type. If you find the process consuming and tiresome, you can use our essay editing service. We have keen editors who can always help.

After everything is okay, check your paper for plagiarism, and submit it before the deadline.

Parting Shot!

To this end, you now understand what a double-spaced essay is, how to set double Spacing on your Computer, and how to make a double-spacing interesting enough to earn you a better grade.

Whether you are writing in MLA, Harvard, APA , or Chicago, the process remains the same. If you need tips on how to make an essay longer , check out our guide on the same. We also have various guides that can help you become a better essay writer.

Related: How to indent in an essay or paper.

Otherwise, if all you need is someone who can assist you with writing a well-researched, refined, and polished school essay, we have excellent and talented writers on the wait. Place an order through the form on our homepage and experience a perfect essay help you have never seen before.

Gradecrest is a professional writing service that provides original model papers. We offer personalized services along with research materials for assistance purposes only. All the materials from our website should be used with proper references. See our Terms of Use Page for proper details.

Microsoft Word Double Space Option: A Step-by-Step Guide

Double spacing your document in Microsoft Word is a breeze! Simply select the text you want to double space, go to the ‘Home’ tab, click on ‘Line and Paragraph Spacing’, and choose ‘2.0’. Voilà! Your text is now double-spaced, which not only makes it easier to read but also gives you room for editing or making notes.

After double spacing your text, the lines of text will be further apart, creating a clearer and more visually appealing document. Whether you’re writing an essay, report, or letter, double spacing can improve readability and give your document a professional look.

Introduction

Double spacing in Microsoft Word is one of those simple yet powerful tools that can make a world of difference in your documents. But why is it so important, and who should care? Well, let’s start with students and educators. When you’re writing an essay or a research paper, double spacing is often a requirement. It makes it easier for teachers to read and grade your work and leaves room for comments and corrections.

But it’s not just for the academic world. Professionals, writers, and basically anyone creating a document can benefit from double spacing. It makes your work look cleaner and more organized, which is always a plus in any setting. Plus, it can be a lifesaver for those with visual impairments, as it improves readability significantly.

You might be thinking, “Isn’t this just for long texts?” Not at all! Even short documents can benefit from some breathing room between lines. It’s all about making your text inviting and easy to navigate for the reader. And let’s be real, in our fast-paced world, anything that makes reading easier is a win. So, whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who likes their documents looking sharp, mastering the art of double spacing in Microsoft Word is a skill worth having.

Related: How to Single Space in Word for Office 365

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Use the Microsoft Word Double Space Option

Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re trying to achieve. Double spacing will increase the space between the lines of your text, making it clearer and more readable. Now, let’s get to it!

Step 1: Select the text you want to double space

Click and drag your cursor over the text that you want to double space.

Selecting the text is crucial because it tells Word exactly which part of your document you want to apply the double spacing to. If you want to double space the entire document, simply press Ctrl+A (Cmd+A on Mac) to select all the text.

Step 2: Go to the ‘Home’ tab

Click on the ‘Home’ tab located at the top of your Word document.

The ‘Home’ tab is where all the basic formatting options are located. It’s your go-to for making any text changes, including double spacing.

Step 3: Click on ‘Line and Paragraph Spacing’

Within the ‘Home’ tab, find and click on the ‘Line and Paragraph Spacing’ icon.

This icon might look different depending on your version of Word, but it’s generally represented by a few lines with arrows pointing up and down. It’s your gateway to adjusting the space between your lines of text.

Step 4: Choose ‘2.0’

From the dropdown menu that appears, select ‘2.0’ to apply double spacing to your selected text.

The number ‘2.0’ corresponds to double spacing because it doubles the space between lines compared to single spacing. And just like that, your text is more reader-friendly!

Additional Information

Double spacing in Microsoft Word is a feature that can really elevate the professionalism and readability of your document. But there are a few additional tips to keep in mind. For instance, don’t forget to double-space your headers, footers, and references if they’re a part of your document. Consistency is key!

What if you’re working with a document that has different spacing needs throughout? No worries! You can select specific sections and apply double spacing only where needed. And hey, if you decide double spacing isn’t for you, it’s just as easy to revert back to single spacing or choose another spacing option that suits your needs better.

Remember, the double space option in Microsoft Word isn’t just about following guidelines or making your text look pretty. It’s about creating a document that’s easy on the eyes and a pleasure to read. So next time you’re working on a document, give double spacing a try and see the difference it makes!

• Select the text you want to double space.
• Click on the ‘Home’ tab.
• Click on ‘Line and Paragraph Spacing’.
• Choose ‘2.0’.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does double spacing apply to the entire document or just selected text.

Double spacing can be applied to the entire document or just specific parts of it, depending on what you select before following the steps.

Can I use a keyboard shortcut to double space my text?

While there’s no direct keyboard shortcut for double spacing, you can use Ctrl+2 (Cmd+2 on Mac) after selecting your text and opening the ‘Line and Paragraph Spacing’ dropdown with your mouse.

How do I know if I’ve properly double-spaced my document?

After applying double spacing, you should see a noticeable increase in the space between lines. You can also use the ‘Show/Hide ¶’ button to see the spacing marks.

Can double spacing be used in combination with other formatting options?

Absolutely! Double spacing can be used along with other text formatting options like font size, style, and color.

Is double spacing a requirement for APA or MLA format?

Yes, double spacing is typically required for documents that follow APA or MLA format guidelines.

Double spacing in Microsoft Word is a skill that can make your documents stand out in the best way possible. It’s not just about meeting academic or professional standards; it’s about presenting your ideas in a clear and accessible format.

Whether you’re a student, an educator, or a professional, taking the time to master the double space option can significantly enhance the quality of your work. So next time you fire up Microsoft Word, remember the power of double spacing and use it to your advantage!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

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How to Double Space in Microsoft Word

Certain academic and professional writing requires it

Crafting the ideal document is essential, whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone looking to organize your thoughts. Microsoft Word offers numerous formatting options to ensure your content looks clean and polished. One such option is double-spacing, which can make your text easier to read.

Microsoft Word makes adjusting line spacing simple and provides several ways to get the job done. Even better, you can set double-spacing as the default format for all future documents.

Which Writing Styles Require Double-Spaced Text?

Double-spacing is often required in various academic and professional writing styles to enhance readability and facilitate editing or annotating. Here are some of the more prominent writing styles that typically require double spacing.

• American Psychological Association (APA) Style: Commonly used for writing research papers and essays in the social sciences, education, and psychology.
• Modern Language Association (MLA) Style : Widely used for writing papers and citing sources within the liberal arts and humanities.
• Chicago Manual of Style (CMS): Used in various disciplines, including history, literature, and the arts, and often used in book publishing and manuscript preparation.

Regardless, you still need to ask about the specific guidelines for the writing style you are using. Individual institutions, professors, or editors might have their own preferences or requirements regarding line spacing.

Double-Space the Entire Document

You can adjust a setting that double-spaces the entire document, including future edits. Here’s how.

• Open the Word document you want to set to double space, then click the Design tab.
• Click Paragraph Spacing .
• Select Double from the bottom of the drop-down menu.

The document is now set to double space.

Double Space Part of a Document

Sometimes you may only need to double-space part of a document. For example, CMS uses double-spacing for the main text, but footnotes and endnotes are generally single-spaced. In this case, you’ll only want to double-space the body of the document.

• Open the document and select the text you want to double-space by clicking and dragging your cursor over it.
• Click the Paragraph Settings icon in the Paragraph group of the Home tab. This is the icon in the bottom-right corner of the group.

• The Paragraph window will appear. Click the down arrow under the Line Spacing option in the Spacing group. Select Double from the drop-down menu, and then click OK .

The selected text is now set to double space.

Double Space All or Part of a Document With a Keyboard Shortcut

There’s also a keyboard shortcut that lets you set the spacing to double. First, select the text you want to double space. Then, you can select part of the document by clicking and dragging your mouse over the text, or you can select all the text in the document by pressing Ctrl + A .

Once the text is selected, all you have to do is press Ctrl + 2 . The text is now set to double space.

Set Double Space as the Default Line Spacing

If most of the documents you create in Word are going to be set to double space, then you can set double space as the default line spacing instead of setting it with each document individually.

• Open Word and click the Design tab.
• Select Paragraph Spacing > Custom Paragraph Spacing .

• The Manage Style window will appear. Choose Double under Line Spacing .
• Select the bubble next to New documents based on this template , and then select OK .

All future documents will be set to double space.

Marshall is a technical writer based in Tokyo, Japan. His bylines are found on VGKAMI, How-To Geek, PCWorld, Zapier, and many other online magazines. Read Marshall's Full Bio

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How to Double Space in Word (4 Ways)

Double Space Lines in Microsoft Word Documents

by Avantix Learning Team | Updated January 11, 2023

Applies to: Microsoft ® Word ® 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 and 365 (Windows)

You can double space in Word using the Ribbon, the Paragraph dialog box, a keyboard shortcut or by modifying a style. If you double space a paragraph, you are setting the line spacing of the paragraph to 2.0. Since double spacing is a paragraph format, it's important to understand that a paragraph in Word is anything with a hard return after it (you pressed Enter or Return).

A paragraph can include text or an inline picture or shape. Line spacing is applied within a paragraph which is different from space above and below a paragraph. To see where paragraphs have been created in a Word document, it's helpful to turn on Show/Hide ¶ on the Home tab in the Ribbon.

Note that double space or 2.0 spacing is calculated by Word based on the font size of the selected text.

In this article, we'll review 4 ways to double space in Word:

• Use commands in the Ribbon
• Use the Paragraph dialog box
• Use a keyboard shortcut
• Modify the Normal style (or another style)

Recommended article: How to Add or Remove Page Breaks in Microsoft Word

You should follow best practices in your Microsoft Word documents if you want to avoid issues with line spacing:

• Use wordwrapping when entering text (don't press Enter until you reach the end of a paragraph).
• Delete blank paragraphs (often created when users press Enter twice after paragraphs).

Double space using the Ribbon

You can double space using two different tabs in the Ribbon – the Home tab or the Design tab.

To double space a Word document using the Design tab in the Ribbon:

• Click in the Word document.
• Click the Design tab in the Ribbon.
• Click Paragraph Spacing in the Document Formatting group. A drop-down menu appears.
• Select Double. This will change the entire document to double spacing.

The Paragraph Spacing command appears in the Design tab in the Ribbon as follows:

To double space specific paragraphs using the Home tab in the Ribbon in Word 2016 and later versions:

• Select the paragraph(s) that you want to double space. If you want to select all paragraphs, press Ctrl + A.
• Click the Home tab in the Ribbon and then click Line and Paragraph Spacing in the Paragraph group. A drop-down menu appears.
• Click 2.0 to double space.

The Line and Paragraph Spacing button appears as follows in newer versions of Word (2016 and later):

The Line and Paragraph Spacing drop-down menu offers the following options:

To double space specific paragraphs using the Home tab in the Ribbon in Word 2013:

• Select the paragraph(s) you want to double space. If you want to select all paragraphs, press Ctrl + A.
• Click the Home tab in the Ribbon and then click Double in the Paragraph group.

Line spacing buttons appear as follows in Word 2010 or 2013:

Double space using the Paragraph dialog box

To double space one or more paragraphs using the Paragraph dialog box:

• Right-click and select Paragraph from the drop-down menu. The Paragraph dialog box appears.
• Click the Indents and Spacing tab if necessary.
• From the Line spacing drop-down menu, select Double.

Below is the Paragraph dialog box:

Double space using a keyboard shortcut

To use a keyboard shortcut to double space one or more paragraphs in a Word document:

• Press Ctrl + 2 to double space.

If you want to change a paragraph back to single spacing, press Ctrl + 1 to single space.

Double space by modifying the Normal style

When you create a new blank document, it starts out using the Normal style which contains default paragraph and character formatting. You can modify line spacing in the Normal style (as long as another style has not been used for standard paragraphs) and change your entire document. If manual line spacing has been applied to one or more paragraph(s), this overrides the Normal style.

To double space a Word document by modifying the Normal style:

• Click in a paragraph using the Normal style.
• Click the Home tab in the Ribbon.
• In the Styles group, right-click Normal and select Modify from the drop-down menu. A dialog box appears.
• Click Format at the bottom left of the dialog box. A drop-down menu appears.
• Click Paragraph. The Paragraph dialog box appears.
• Ensure that Only in this document is selected.

Below is the Modify Style dialog box:

You may encounter issues if you modify spacing in the Normal style since other styles are based on this style by default. Cells in tables would likely be affected and so would other styles that are based on the Normal style (such as Header, Footer and Heading styles). Paragraphs using these styles would then also be double spaced (unless spacing has been specifically modified in these styles). If you are comfortable using styles, you could create your own style for double spaced paragraphs or use and modify a different Word style to avoid this issue.

You can right-click other styles and modify the spacing in the same way.

This article was first published on October 24, 2019 and has been updated for clarity and content.

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How to Do Double Spacing in Word: A Step-by-Step Guide

Double spacing in Word is a breeze once you know where to look. With just a few clicks, you can transform your document from a single-spaced wall of text to a more readable, double-spaced masterpiece. Whether you’re writing an essay, preparing a report, or drafting a letter, double spacing can give your document a polished, professional look. Ready to learn how? Let’s dive in!

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Do Double Spacing in Word

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand what we’re aiming for. By following these steps, you’ll be able to double space your entire Word document or just selected portions, depending on your needs.

Step 1: Select the text you want to double space

If you want to double space your entire document, click anywhere on the text. If you only want to double space a specific section, highlight the text you want to format.

Remember, you can select the entire document by pressing "Ctrl+A" (or "Command+A" on a Mac). This step defines what part of your document will have the double spacing applied, so make sure you’ve got the right text selected!

Step 2: Click on the ‘Home’ tab

Look for the ‘Home’ tab at the top of your Word document. It’s the one with all the basic formatting options like font size, bold, italics, and so on.

The ‘Home’ tab is your gateway to all the fundamental formatting tools in Word. It’s also where you’ll find paragraph settings, which is where the magic happens for double spacing.

Step 3: Find the ‘Paragraph’ group

Within the ‘Home’ tab, there is a section called ‘Paragraph.’ In this group, you’ll see a bunch of buttons and drop-down menus for adjusting alignment, line spacing, and more.

The ‘Paragraph’ group is like the control center for how your text behaves and appears in terms of structure. It’s where you can tweak things like indents, spacing, and bullets.

Step 4: Click on the line spacing button

The line spacing button looks like a few lines with up and down arrows next to it. Clicking on it will reveal a drop-down menu with different spacing options.

This little button is the key to transforming your document’s feel. With a simple click, you can go from compact to spacious in your text layout.

Step 5: Choose ‘2.0’ from the menu

From the drop-down menu that appears, select ‘2.0’ to apply double spacing to your selected text.

Selecting ‘2.0’ tells Word to make the space between lines twice as much as the default setting. It’s a standard setting for many academic papers and formal documents, making your text easier to read and mark up.

After completing these steps, your selected text should now be double spaced. The changes will take effect immediately, and you’ll see more space between each line of text. This can make your document look cleaner and more organized, and it’s often a requirement for academic papers and professional reports.

Tips: Making the Most of Double Spacing in Word

• If you’re working with a document that has both double-spaced and single-spaced sections, you can apply double spacing to specific paragraphs by simply highlighting them and following the steps above.
• Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up the process. After selecting the text, press "Ctrl+2" (or "Command+2" on a Mac) to apply double spacing without going through the menus.
• If you want to adjust the spacing even further, choose "Line Spacing Options" from the line spacing drop-down menu to fine-tune the spacing.
• Keep in mind that double spacing may increase the page count of your document, so plan accordingly if you have page limits.
• Remember to adjust your spacing before adding footnotes or endnotes, as these may also be affected by changes in line spacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i double space just one paragraph in word.

To double space a single paragraph, simply click within that paragraph (no need to select the text) and follow the same steps outlined above. This will apply double spacing to the current paragraph only.

Can I apply double spacing to a document I’ve already written?

Absolutely! You can apply double spacing to a document at any stage of the writing process. Just select the text you want to format and follow the steps.

Will double spacing affect my document’s formatting?

Double spacing will increase the space between lines, which may affect the overall look of your document. However, other formatting elements like font size, margins, and paragraph alignment will remain unchanged.

Can I use a shortcut to double space my text?

Yes, the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl+2" (or "Command+2" on a Mac) will apply double spacing to your selected text without going through the menus.

Is double spacing a standard requirement for documents?

In many academic and professional settings, double spacing is often a formatting requirement for easier reading and annotation. Always check the guidelines for your specific document.

• Select the text you want to double space.
• Click on the ‘Home’ tab.
• Find the ‘Paragraph’ group.
• Click on the line spacing button.
• Choose ‘2.0’ from the menu.

Double spacing in Word is a simple yet effective way to improve the readability of your documents. Whether you’re crafting an essay, drafting a business proposal, or preparing a report, understanding how to do double spacing is crucial. With the step-by-step tutorial and additional tips provided, you’re now equipped to tackle this task with ease. And if you ever find yourself stuck, the frequently asked questions section is there to guide you through any common hurdles.

But why stop at double spacing? Word offers a multitude of formatting options to enhance your documents further. Dive deeper into its features, experiment with different styles, and discover how you can make your documents stand out. Remember, the key to mastering Word is practice, so don’t hesitate to apply what you’ve learned today in your next writing project. Happy spacing!

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.

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