How to Double Space in Google Docs
Google Docs is a widely-used cloud-based word processing application for creating and editing documents. It offers a range of features, is very simple and easy to use, and is completely free.
Its standout features like real-time editing and collaboration between multiple users, universal accessibility, and cloud storage make it ideal for both casual and professional users.
While Google Docs is very simple to use, if you master a few advanced features like variable line spacing and formatting, you can create eye-catching documents that stand out.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What is line spacing in Google Docs?
- Why do we need to double space in Google Docs?
- How to double space in Google Docs
- How to double space in Google Docs mobile version
- FAQs: How to double space in Google Docs
What is line spacing in Google Docs?
Remember that even if the quality of content in your Google Docs document is top-notch, readers will only want to read it if it is pleasing to the eye.
There are many ways to make your Google Docs document look more aesthetically pleasing or professional. One way is to include more white space around and in between text, albeit in a structured fashion. To do this, you can either change the margin sizes (top, bottom, or sides) in your document, or you could even adjust the line spacing and paragraph spacing.
Line spacing is nothing but the vertical space present between two lines of text. There are various standard line spacings prevalent for different types of documents, like “double-spacing”, “half-spacing”, etc.
Line spacing is essential to the design of your document, as well as its legibility - i.e., how easy it is to read.
Why do we need to double space in Google Docs?
The default line spacing in Google Docs is set at 1.15. While this is suitable for readability in most cases, sometimes, to make a document more readable, double-spacing the text might help.
Double-spaced text essentially has a full, single blank line between each line of text. Double spacing is most commonly used in documents that need to be submitted in a professional or academic setting, for instance, in assignments or reports. Double-spaced text allows the reviewer to easily make handwritten edits, like making comments and suggestions.
Further, in certain paper format styles like APA, it is mandatory to use double spacing.
How to double space in Google Docs
We’ve created a simple step-by-step walkthrough to help you learn how to double space in Google Docs, in both web (desktop) and mobile Google Docs apps. Note that you can set double spacing via methods - the following two are for the Google Docs web version, and the third is for mobile.
Method #1: Using the toolbar
Step 1. Open the required Google Docs document.
Step 2. Select the text that you want to double-space.
Step 3. In the toolbar, click on the Line spacing icon, as shown below. (It has a vertical double-sided arrow next to three horizontal bars).
Step 4. Select ‘Double’.
That’s it, your text should now be double spaced.
Note:
- If you want to double space the entire text in your document, select all the text by tapping Ctrl+A, and then follow steps 3 and 4.
- For creating a new document with double-spacing formatting right from the start, just open a new Google Docs document, make sure your cursor is in the viewport and then follow steps 3 and 4.
- If you don’t want double spacing, you can also choose the other given options such as single, the default 1.15, or 1.5 line spacing.
Method #2: Using the menu bar
If you’re not familiar with the toolbar, you might want to learn how to double space in Google Docs via the menu bar.
Step 1. Select the text that you want to double-space.
Step 2. In the menu bar, click on ‘Format’ > ‘Line space’ > ‘Double’.
That’s it, the text you had selected should now be double spaced.
How to double space in Google Docs mobile version
To learn how to double space in Google Docs mobile versions - iOS and Android, follow these steps:
Step 1. Open the required document in your Google Docs mobile app.
Step 2. Select the text that you want to double space.
If you want the entire document to be double spaced, select the entire contents of the text by pressing on the blinking cursor and dragging it across.
Step 3. Tap on the text formatting icon (capital A) at the top of your screen.
Step 4. Tap on ‘Paragraph’.
Step 5. Select the desired line spacing by tapping on the up and down arrows as shown. For double spacing, set the value to 2.00.
That’s it, your document should now be double spaced.
FAQs: How to double space in Google Docs
How to set paragraph spacing in Google Docs
Click on the Line spacing icon, and select ‘Custom spacing’.
This will open up a new dialog box, where you can also adjust the Paragraph spacing in addition to the Line spacing.
How to make double space as default in Google Docs
If you are a power user of Google Docs, and often use it to create documents that are formatted in double space, it makes sense to set double spacing as a default formatting option. This will save you the time and energy in repeatedly having to change the line spacing from 1.15 to double. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1. Open a Google Docs document.
Step 2. Select text that is double-spaced, or change it to double space by following the above steps.
Step 3. Click on ‘Normal text’ in the toolbar.
Step 4. Hover over ‘Normal text’ > click on ‘Update ‘Normal text’ to match’
That’s it, Google Docs will save double-spacing as the default formatting style for all future documents.