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How to double-space in Google Docs

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.

Double-space in Google Docs on the web

Double-space in google docs in the mobile app.

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.

What You Need

Web browser

Google account

Google Docs mobile app (optional)

Quick answer: If you're 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".

Read on for a more visual guide and to learn more about the procedure.

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.

If you use the Google Docs mobile app on Android or iPhone, you can apply double-spacing to your document there as well. Open the app and follow these steps.

Step 1: Create a new document or open an existing one. Select the Edit button (pencil icon) on the bottom right to enter edit mode.

Step 2: If you have existing text that you want to double-space, select it. You can tap and hold a word on Android or double-tap one on iPhone and then drag the small blue circle through the text.

If this is a new document without text, move onto the next step.

Step 3: Tap the Format icon at the top, which is an uppercase A with four lines on Android and an uppercase underlined A on iPhone.

Step 4: In the formatting tools that appear at the bottom, select Paragraph .

Step 5: Next to Line spacing , tap the Arrow on the far right pointing up until you reach 2 or 2.00 .

You can then select a spot in your document or the Format button to close the tools at the bottom.

Follow the same process to choose a different line spacing option later if needed.

Now that you know how to double-space in Google Docs, find out how to apply strikethrough in Google Docs or how to select more than one portion of text .

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Sandy Writtenhouse

Double-spacing is a great way to organize your word processing, and an excellent optimization that is built into most word processing tools. And whenever we hear “word processing,” one of the first programs that comes to mind is Microsoft Word. This handy software has been around for a minute, and we’re going to teach you how to implement double spaces throughout your next Word doc.

The hanging indent is a classic staple of word processing software. One such platform is Google Docs, which is completely free to start using. Google Docs is packed with all kinds of features and settings, to the point where some of its more basic capabilities are overlooked. Sure, there are plenty of interface elements you may never use, but something as useful as the hanging indent option should receive some kind of limelight.

Google Chrome is a user-friendly web browser that is packed with useful features and intuitive controls. It’s also the default browser for pretty much any Chrome-branded product you purchase. Even if you prefer Safari or Firefox, we bet Chrome has one or two things you would dig. But what if you've added Google Chrome to your Windows or macOS machine, and you’ve decided you don’t like the dang thing?

How to double space in Google Docs on desktop or mobile, or add custom spacing

  • You can double space in Google Docs using the "Line spacing" menu.
  • The Line spacing menu lets you add double spacing, single spacing, and a variety of other styles.
  • The Google Docs mobile app lets you enable double spacing too, but in a more limited way.

Google Docs is one of the most popular word processors available today. This isn't hard to understand, considering that its tools and features are all pretty easy to use.

One of the most popular features in word processors is line spacing. And luckily, if you need to double space your Google Doc, you can do so in just a few clicks.

Google Docs offers a variety of spacing options. On both the website and mobile app, you can set your line spacing at 1.00, 1.15, 1.5, or 2.00 — a range from single spacing to double spacing. And on the website, you can even set a custom spacing style, or give extra spacing to specific paragraphs.

Here's how to do it using either the website or mobile app.

How to double space on the Google Docs website

As noted above, the Google Docs website gives you much more control over your line spacing. So if possible, this is the best way to edit your documents.

1. Open the Google Doc you want to edit, or create a new one.

2. In the toolbar near the top of the screen, click the icon that looks like a vertical arrowed line with three lines next to it. This is the Line spacing menu.

3. Select the spacing style that you want from the presets, or click Custom spacing . This lets you input your own spacing value, both between lines and paragraphs; click Apply when you're done here.

You can also use the Add space and Remove space options to set how much space you want between paragraphs. This lets you have different spacing styles for lines and paragraphs.

How to double space in the Google Docs app

1. In the Google Docs app, open or create the file you want to edit.

2. While in editing mode, tap the capital A icon at the top of the screen.

3. Tap the word "Paragraph" in the pop-up window.

4. To the right of the words "Line spacing," tap the up arrow until the number reads 2.00 to get double spacing. You're restricted to the preset values here — you can't set custom spacing.

double spaced essay docs

  • Main content
  • How to Double Space in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Double spacing in Google Docs is a feature that allows you to increase the space between lines of text, making your document easier to read and more visually appealing. It’s a simple process that can be completed in just a few clicks.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Double Space in Google Docs

Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand that double spacing will make your document look more professional and easier on the eyes, especially if it’s a lengthy piece of writing. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Open your Google Docs document

Open the document you want to double space.

Once you have your document open, you’ll be ready to adjust the spacing.

Step 2: Highlight the text you want to double space

Click and drag your cursor over the text you want to format.

If you want to double space the entire document, you can use the shortcut Ctrl+A or Cmd+A to select all the text.

Step 3: Click on the ‘Line spacing’ icon

Look for the ‘Line spacing’ icon in the toolbar and click on it.

The ‘Line spacing’ icon looks like an up and down arrow with lines that represent text spacing.

Step 4: Select ‘Double’ from the dropdown menu

In the dropdown menu that appears, click on ‘Double’.

Once you select ‘Double’, your highlighted text will instantly become double spaced.

After you’ve completed these steps, your selected text will be double spaced. This means there will be twice as much space between lines than there was before, which can make your document easier to read and edit.

Tips for Double Spacing in Google Docs

  • Remember that double spacing can make a document feel less cluttered.
  • Use double spacing for academic papers or any formal documents.
  • Double spacing can be applied to specific sections of your document, not just the entire text.
  • If you’re collaborating on a document, double spacing can make it easier for others to add comments and edits.
  • Double spacing is often a requirement for manuscripts submission, so it’s a good practice to learn.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i revert back to single spacing.

Just follow the same steps and instead of selecting ‘Double’, choose ‘Single’ from the menu.

If you accidentally double space the wrong section, it’s easy to revert back to single spacing.

Can I customize the amount of spacing between lines?

Yes, you can choose ‘Custom spacing’ from the ‘Line spacing’ dropdown menu and enter your desired spacing.

Custom spacing gives you more control over the appearance of your document.

Does double spacing affect the number of pages in my document?

Yes, double spacing will increase the number of pages since it expands the space between lines.

Keep page count in mind if you have a page limit for your document.

Can I double space a document on Google Docs mobile app?

Yes, similar steps apply to the mobile app, though the interface may slightly differ.

Double spacing on mobile is just as easy as on desktop.

Will double spacing change the formatting of my text?

No, double spacing only changes the space between lines, not the text itself.

Your font style, size, and other formatting will remain unaffected.

  • Open your Google Docs document.
  • Highlight the text you want to double space.
  • Click on the ‘Line spacing’ icon.
  • Select ‘Double’ from the dropdown menu.

Double spacing in Google Docs is a handy tool for anyone looking to create a document that is easy on the eyes and professional. Whether you’re drafting an essay, writing a report, or preparing a manuscript, mastering this simple formatting technique can make all the difference. With the steps provided, you now have the know-how to adjust the spacing of your document with ease. Remember to use these steps to ensure your next document stands out in terms of clarity and readability. If you follow our guidance, you’ll soon be double spacing like a pro! And if you ever find yourself stuck, just come back to this article for a quick refresher. Happy writing, and may your Google Docs always be perfectly spaced!

Matthew Burleigh Solve Your Tech

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 on Google Docs

Look under Format to get started or just use the Line Spacing icon on the toolbar

double spaced essay docs

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In This Article

Jump to a Section

  • Use the Format Menu
  • Double Space From the Toolbar
  • Change Line Spacing on Mobile
  • Extra: Use Other Spacing
  • Reasons to Double Space

What to Know

  • In a browser: Go to Format -> Line & Paragraph Spacing -> Double.
  • From the toolbar: Highlight the text, then click the Line Spacing icon and click Double.

In Google Docs, the default is 1.15 spaces between lines. If you need additional space, this article explains how to double space instead.

How to Double Space on Google Docs Using the Format Menu

Most people using a word processing application like Google Docs will head straight for the format menu when they want to change something about the format of the document. You can use this menu to change the line spacing of your document, or to create new default formatting , too.

Open an existing document or create a new document in Google Docs and place your cursor where you want the double-spacing to begin.

If you already have text in your document that you would like to reformat to have double spacing, highlight all the text you want to change.

Then select the Format menu.

In the Format menu hover your cursor over Line & Paragraph Spacing and then choose Double.

How to Double Space In Google Docs From the Toolbar

Although using the Format menu to double-space documents in Google Docs is easier, there's an even easier way. It involves using the Formatting toolbar at the top of the page.

Open an existing document or create a new document in Google Docs and place your cursor where you want the double-spacing to begin. You can also highlight existing text to change it to double spaced format if you like.

Click the Line Spacing icon in the formatting toolbar.

Choose Double from the spacing menu that appears.

Changing Line Spacing in Google Docs on Mobile Devices

Google Docs on mobile devices like Android or iOS works a little differently than it does when you're using it in a web browser. Line spacing also behaves differently, but it's still not difficult to change.

You only have four options for line spacing when working with documents on a mobile device. They are 1 , 1.15 , 1.5 , and 2 . You cannot apply custom formatting using a mobile device.

Open your document in Google Docs on your mobile device and tap the Edit (pencil) icon in the lower right corner.

Select the Format icon at the top of the next page.

Then tap Paragraph in the Format menu that appears and use the up and down arrows next to the Line spacing number to adjust your line spacing for the document. This will change the line spacing for the paragraph where your cursor is. To change another paragraph, you'll need to repeat the process.

When Other Types of Spacing Are Needed

Single and double spacing aren't the only options you have in Google Docs. Whether you're working with the Line spacing option in the Format menu or on the toolbar, you have some other options too.

You're first met with quick line spacing options for Single , 1.15 , 1.5 , and Double . These quick selections are the most commonly used line spacing options, but you can choose Custom Spacing to create a line spacing that's unique to your needs to fit the document that you're creating.

Custom Spacing opens a Custom spacing dialog box that lets you set the line spacing as well as the spacing before and after a paragraph. This will be applied to the highlighted text or to any text after you've made changes until you change these options again.

Additionally, in both menus you have the option to Add a space before a paragraph or Add a space after a paragraph . This automatically adds space at the beginning or end (or both) of paragraphs on a hard return.

You can also choose how line spacing affects the flow of your document by choosing how each line will behave when you create a new page. You can choose to Keep with next , Keep lines together , or Prevent single lines .

All of these options will affect how paragraphs are broken up when you reach the end of a page and begin a new one.

Why Use Double Space on Google Docs

While the standard formatting in Google Docs is often good enough for most purposes, there may be other reasons to make the spaces between lines larger. Probably the greatest of those reasons is to have extra space for editing.

In most cases, double spacing is standard during the drafting phase of a document, especially large documents like lengthy papers or even book manuscripts. It's time like this, when you need extra space, that it's good to know all the ways you can double space on Google Docs.

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How to Double Space on Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Doubling the space on Google Docs is a quick and easy process. In less than a minute, you can change the entire look and feel of your document. By following a few simple steps, you can set your document to have double spacing, making it easier to read and edit.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Double Space on Google Docs

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to know that double spacing increases the space between lines of text. This can be useful for editing, adding comments, and making your document look more professional.

Step 1: Open your Google Docs document.

Open the document you want to double space. Make sure it’s the correct one before proceeding to the next step.

Once you’ve opened the document, you’re ready to begin the process of double spacing your text. It doesn’t matter how much text you have; these steps will apply to the entire document.

Step 2: Highlight the text you want to double space.

Click and drag your cursor over the text you want to double space, or use Ctrl + A to select all the text if you want to double space the entire document.

Highlighting the text is important because it tells Google Docs exactly which parts of the document you want to apply the double spacing to.

Step 3: Click on the ‘Format’ tab.

Look at the top of the page and click on the ‘Format’ tab, which is between the ‘Insert’ and ‘Tools’ tabs.

The ‘Format’ tab is where you’ll find all the options for changing the way your text looks, including line spacing.

Step 4: Select ‘Line spacing’ from the dropdown menu.

In the ‘Format’ tab dropdown menu, click on ‘Line spacing.’ This will open up another menu with different spacing options.

The ‘Line spacing’ menu is where you’ll make the change to double spacing. You’ll notice that there are several options, but for now, we’re focused on double spacing.

Step 5: Choose ‘Double’ from the line spacing options.

In the ‘Line spacing’ menu, click on ‘Double.’ This will apply double spacing to the text you previously highlighted.

After clicking ‘Double,’ you’ll immediately see the change in your document. The text will spread out, and there will be more space between each line.

After completing these steps, your document will have double spacing applied to it. This will make it easier to read and more visually appealing, especially if you’re writing an essay, report, or any other document that requires a clean, professional look.

Tips for Double Spacing on Google Docs

  • If you only want to double space a specific section of your document, highlight that section before changing the line spacing.
  • To save time, you can set double spacing as the default for all new documents by adjusting the settings in the ‘Normal text’ style.
  • Keep in mind that double spacing will increase the number of pages in your document, so plan accordingly if you have page limits.
  • Use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + 2 (on Windows) or Command + 2 (on Mac) to quickly apply double spacing without going through the menu.
  • If you’re collaborating on a document, double spacing can make it easier for others to add comments and suggestions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i apply double spacing to only part of my document.

Yes, you can double space only certain parts of your document by highlighting the text you want to change before following the steps.

Will double spacing affect the formatting of my document?

Double spacing will increase the space between lines but won’t affect other formatting like font size or margins.

Can I change back to single spacing after applying double spacing?

Absolutely! Just follow the same steps and select ‘Single’ from the line spacing options to revert to single spacing.

Can I set double spacing as the default for all my Google Docs?

Yes, you can set double spacing as the default by adjusting the settings in the ‘Normal text’ style under the ‘Format’ tab.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for double spacing in Google Docs?

Yes, you can use Ctrl + 2 (on Windows) or Command + 2 (on Mac) as a shortcut to apply double spacing.

  • Open your Google Docs document.
  • Highlight the text you want to double space.
  • Click on the ‘Format’ tab.
  • Select ‘Line spacing’ from the dropdown menu.
  • Choose ‘Double’ from the line spacing options.

Doubling the space on Google Docs is a fundamental skill that can significantly enhance the readability and professionalism of your documents. Whether you’re a student, a writer, or a business professional, mastering this simple task can make a world of difference in how your work is perceived. The process is straightforward and quick, and with the additional tips provided, you can tailor it to your specific needs. Moreover, becoming familiar with keyboard shortcuts and setting defaults can streamline your workflow, saving you time and effort. Remember, the presentation of your content is just as important as the content itself, so take the time to ensure your documents are formatted to perfection. Happy double spacing!

Kermit Matthews Live2Tech

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.

He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.

Read his full bio here .

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How to double space in Google Docs

Need to double space? Easy — here's how in Google Docs

How to double space in Google Docs

Whether you're a student banging out an essay or an author needing to crack down on your book, double spacing is crucial to catching your simplest mistakes. Learning how to double space in Google Docs is quite easy.

Before we jump in, we also have guides for how to strikethrough on Google Docs and how to rotate text in Google Docs . However, if you're a creative, keep in mind that Google Doc AI may not be safe.

But if you're still writing with Google, here's how to double space in Google Docs.

Step 1. When in Google Docs, select the lines you want to change, or select all by pressing Ctrl + A on Windows or Command + A on Mac.

How to double space in Google Docs

Step 2. When your text is selected, click Format > Line & paragraph spacing .

Step 3. Now you'll be able to see quite a few options, namely Double spacing. Click that and you're all set. You can also adjust it to Single, 1.15, 1.5, or Custom Spacing , if you need more or less room.

It's as simple as that. You don't need to tear your hair out to get your text double spaced, and you definitely don't have to do it manually. If you need any more help with Google Docs , check out our numerous guides.

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Happy spacing!

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Rami Tabari is an Editor for Laptop Mag. He reviews every shape and form of a laptop as well as all sorts of cool tech. You can find him sitting at his desk surrounded by a hoarder's dream of laptops, and when he navigates his way out to civilization, you can catch him watching really bad anime or playing some kind of painfully difficult game. He’s the best at every game and he just doesn’t lose. That’s why you’ll occasionally catch his byline attached to the latest Souls-like challenge.

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How To Double Space In Google Docs Or Microsoft Word

student on Microsoft Word

Ah, the double space, the classic savior of lazy essay writers. For those born after the '90s, you may not believe this, but there was a time when double-spacing school papers wasn't the norm. Sometimes you'd even get in trouble, depending on your teachers and school policy. Thankfully, we don't live in those dark ages anymore. Double-spacing makes papers easier to write for students (suddenly, one page of text becomes two pages) and easier to read for teachers. It's a win-win.

Since double-spacing has become the standard for most computer-made papers, essays, and whatever else, it goes without saying that the most prominent word processor apps like Google Docs and Microsoft Word possess the functionality in an easily-accessible format. All you need to do is make a few quick tweaks to your document's paragraph settings, and you can give your text lines the extra spacing they need to look neat and professional, not to mention take up more of the page.

How to double space in Microsoft Word

Before the age of cloud-based word processors and storage, Microsoft Word was the word processor of choice for all PC users. In that bygone age, you didn't need a subscription to use Office. From then until now, the double-spacing process has remained essentially the same.

Open a Word document in Microsoft Word for desktop or the web.

Switch to the Design menu.

Click the Paragraph Spacing button in the toolbar.

In the Built-in section, click Double.

If you're using an older version of Word, you may not have a Design menu. In this case, click the Paragraph button on the Home tab toolbar (up and down arrows next to three horizontal lines) and click 2.0.

Quick side note, if you set the spacing when you first create a document, it will remain on that setting for as long as you're editing. If you want to change the spacing midway through your work, you'll need to highlight all of your written text, then change the spacing for it to take effect. You can also change the spacing in parts of the document by only highlighting part of the text.

How to double space in Google Docs

When Google Docs came out in 2006, you'd better believe it was popular, providing more or less the same features as Word in a free online package. It's still one of the top contending word processors, and it can double space with the best of 'em.

Open a document in the Google Docs web or desktop app.

Highlight all of the text lines you want to change the spacing on.

Click the Format button in the top taskbar.

Select Line & paragraph spacing.

Click Double.

Besides single, 1.15, 1.5, and double spacing, Google Docs also lets you set custom parameters for your line spacing using the Custom spacing button. You can use this for stylistic purposes if you like. Fair warning, though, don't try to futz with the spacing to make your page count longer. Teachers can still sniff out that old trick no matter how many years go by.

How to Double Space Your Text on Google Docs

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Line spacing is the amount of vertical space between two lines of text. When someone asks you to "Double space in Google Docs", you don't have to get baffled. Line spacing is a vital part of designing your document for legibility and it just takes a couple of taps or clicks.

Let's see how to add the right amount of space between the lines in Google Docs on the desktop and the mobile app.

How to Double Space on Google Docs Desktop

By default, Google Doc uses a line spacing of 1.15 on all new documents. You can change this to double space (or any other measure) in two ways:

  • From the toolbar.
  • From the option in the menu bar.

Double Space Your Text With The Toolbar

  • Drag your cursor and highlight the lines that you want to double space. You can select the entire document or any part of the document. Use Ctrl + A (Windows) or Command + A (macOS) to select the entire document.
  • Select the icon for line spacing in the toolbar. Choose the Double Space option in the dropdown.

Choosing the double line spacing option from the toolbar in Google Docs

If it's a new document, you simply need to choose the double spaced option before you begin writing.

Double Space Your Text With The Menu Bar

You can use the same workflow with the Format option in the menu bar.

  • Select the text you want to double space as before.
  • Go to Format > Line Spacing > Double .

Choosing the double line spacing option from the menubar in Google Docs

When you are done, just check the document again to see if every line has been double spaced neatly. Often, selection mistakes lead to orphaned lines that stay single-spaced.

How to Double Space on Google Docs Mobile App

Adding double space in any document you open with the Google Docs mobile apps takes a few more taps. Let's see how the process works in the iOS app for Google Docs. The steps in Android are similar.

Choose Format in Google Docs iOS app

  • Open a document in the Google Docs app.
  • Double-tap on the document to enter the Edit mode or select the pencil icon.
  • Double-tap the spot in your document where you want to edit the sentences. Adjust the blue markers to select the text you want.
  • Tap on the Format icon on top and then choose Paragraph in the Format dialog that appears.
  • Next to Line spacing use the arrows to choose "2" for double-spacing the lines in the paragraph. Tap the blue check on top to apply the changes.

Format Your Document for Readability

This is one of those Google tips that takes seconds but has an effect on the entire document. The right line spacing is not only important for readability, but it can also be a style requirement. For instance, the APA and MLA style guides insist on the double spaced text. Also, adjust the line spacing first if you need to fit a document into a fixed number of pages.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Double Spacing in Google Docs

double spaced essay docs

Double-line spacing is often used in academic documents to make it easier to read and comment on. Use double spaces in Google Docs with this guide.

Proper formatting is an important aspect to consider when you’re creating any document. Sometimes, you might need to consider adjusting the spacing between lines to make your document easier to read or to meet specific formatting requirements.

Thankfully, Google Docs makes it easy to adjust the line spacing in your document. One option is to double space, which inserts an extra line between each line of text you insert.

If you want to know how to double space in Google Docs, follow the steps below.

Using Formatting Options

Double spacing refers to inserting an extra line break between each line of text in a document. This can make the text easier to read and help ensure that the document meets certain formatting guidelines.

In Google Docs, you can use the Formatting Options menu to double-space your text.

To double-space your text in Google Docs:

  • Open your Google Docs document .
  • Select any existing text manually using your mouse.
  • If you want to apply the changes to your entire document, press Ctrl + A .
  • In the top menu, click Format and select Line & Paragraph Spacing from the drop-down menu.

Set double line spacing in Google Docs

  • If you want to customize the spacing further, select Custom Spacing instead and adjust the line spacing to your desired measurement.

Once you’ve applied the change, your text will update to use double spacing. Repeat these steps if you want to reverse the change and choose Single spacing instead.

How to Set Double Spaces as the Default in Google Docs

Want to use double line spacing as the default choice for the text you write in all Google Docs documents? You can update the default Google Docs formatting to always use double spaces in your documents.

This won’t apply to any documents you’ve already created, however. If you want to update those, you’ll need to follow the above steps.

To set double spaces as the default in Google Docs:

  • Manually select a portion of text that has  Normal text  formatting applied. This is the standard text you’d write in your document in paragraphs, but it must exclude any headings.
  • Click Format from the top menu and select Line & Paragraph Spacing from the drop-down menu.
  • With double line spacing applied, click the Styles menu on the toolbar.

Update default line spacing in Google Docs

Creating Better Google Docs Documents

You should now be able to use double spaces in your Google Docs document, thanks to the steps we’ve outlined above.

Looking for other methods to help you create your document? For example, you could display the word count while you’re typing in Google Docs to help you keep track of your progress. This can be especially helpful for longer documents.

You could also transfer the ownership of a document in Google Docs when you’re finished working on it. If you want to hide your previous edits, you can easily delete the version history in Google Docs .

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MS Word Tips: How to Use Double Spacing

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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June 15, 2024

How to do MLA format in Google Docs

Need to create a document using MLA format? We’ll explain this format’s specifications and how to create your paper using MLA in Google Docs.

double spaced essay docs

Are you required to compose your school essay or assignment using MLA format? We’ll explain the requirements for this format, show how to use a built-in template, and walk through formatting the document yourself using an example.

We’ll also explain how to use Plus AI in Google Docs to make adjustments to your content when you’re struggling with it.

Requirements for the MLA format

MLA format has certain requirements including page setup, font style and size, and paragraph spacing. It’s important to follow these when writing an essay or paper using MLA format.

  • Use 8.5 by 11 inches paper size.
  • Set one-inch margins on all sides.
  • Use a 12-point font.
  • Choose a standard, legible font style such as Times New Roman.
  • Double-space the document.
  • Enter only one space after a period.
  • Indent the first line of each paragraph one half-inch (using the Tab key.)
  • Use quotation marks or italics for titles such as books and movies.
  • Insert a header placing the page numbers in the top right-hand corner aligned to the right margin.

First-page formatting

You should also format the first page of the document a particular way.

  • Do not include a title page unless requested.
  • Include your name, instructor’s name, course, and date on the upper left side of the page.
  • Double-space and center the title beneath.
  • Double-space and enter the first paragraph below the title.

For additional MLA format instructions such as citations, lists, abbreviations, or tables, check out Purdue Online Writing Lab on the web page for assistance.

Method 1: Use an AI tool

To save time creating content for an MLA format page, you can use Plus AI for Google Docs . For example, you can instruct Plus AI to add a page with a list of your references.

  • With your Google Doc open, select Extensions > Plus AI > Write with Plus AI .
  • Go to the Generate tab in the sidebar and enter your instructions in the What do you want to write? box. 

As an example, we instruct Plus AI to create an MLA works cited page with our list of book titles.

double spaced essay docs

  • Click Generate and you’ll see your Works Cited page in MLA format with all of the necessary book details including author, year, and publisher.

double spaced essay docs

Not only does Plus AI provide you with a reference page, but it can also help do the research for you!

Method 2: Use the Google Docs MLA template

If you need additional formatting for your document, the simplest way to create a document using MLA format is to take advantage of the Google Docs MLA template. You can obtain the template for free directly in the Google Docs Template Gallery.

  • Visit Google Docs , sign in, and open the Template Gallery at the top.

double spaced essay docs

  • Move down to the Education section and select the MLA Report template.

double spaced essay docs

  • When the template opens, change the document name per your preference and then use the placeholders to insert your own details and content.

double spaced essay docs

Method 3: Create a Google Doc in MLA format

If you don’t want to use the Google Docs template or already have a document with content that just needs formatting, you can do so easily. Let’s walk through how to format each of the MLA requirements above for the document you see below.

double spaced essay docs

Set up the document

Selecting the page size and adjusting the margins is the best place to begin. When you access these settings, you may already have these options selected, so simply confirm.

  • Go to File > Page setup in the menu.
  • In the Apply to drop-down menu, choose Whole document .
  • Below Orientation , mark Portrait .
  • For Paper size , pick Letter (8.5” x 11”) .
  • Keep white as the page color unless specified otherwise.
  • In the four margin locations on the right, enter the number 1 for each.
  • Your settings should match the screenshot below. Select OK when you finish.

double spaced essay docs

Adjust the font and spacing

Next, you can set the font style and size as well as double-space the document. If you already have text in your document, be sure to select it so that the changes apply to the existing content.

  • Select the Font drop-down menu in the top toolbar and choose Times New Roman .

double spaced essay docs

  • In the Font size box to the right, enter or choose 12 .

double spaced essay docs

  • Use the Line & paragraph spacing drop-down menu in the toolbar or Format > Line & paragraph spacing in the menu to choose Double .

double spaced essay docs

Insert the document header and page numbers

Finally, insert a header and add the page numbers. If requested by your instructor, you can include your last name in front of the page number as explained below.

  • Go to Insert > Headers & Footers in the menu and pick Header .

double spaced essay docs

  • When the header appears, open the Align drop-down menu in the top toolbar and pick Right align . This moves your cursor to the right margin where you’ll insert the page number.

double spaced essay docs

  • Select Options and choose Page numbers .

double spaced essay docs

  • In the Page Numbers pop-up window, choose Header for the Position, check the box for Show on first page , and confirm that Start At is set to 1 .

double spaced essay docs

  • Click Apply and you’ll see your page numbers in the header of each page.

double spaced essay docs

If you need to add your last name to the header, place your cursor in front of (to the left) of the page number and type your name with a space after. Your last name then appears in the header along with the page numbers in the entire document.

double spaced essay docs

Note that if the font style isn’t set to Times New Roman in the header, simply select the text and use the Font drop-down menu in the top toolbar to change it.

double spaced essay docs

Once you have your document set to the above MLA format , you’re ready to go. But be sure to keep the other requirements in mind as you create your content including indenting paragraphs, using quotes or italics for titles, and inserting only one space after each period.

double spaced essay docs

Get help with changes using Plus AI

While there are arguments on both sides for whether or not students should be allowed to use AI in school, you may be in a situation where your instructor encourages it in some circumstances.

With Plus AI, you can get the help you need. You can take your existing content and use artificial intelligence to assist with the changes you want to make. For example, you might need to adjust the tone for a different audience or translate the text you’ve written.

Using Plus AI with Google Docs, you simply select your current content and choose a preset and/or provide instructions on how to change the text.

double spaced essay docs

Along with assistance in Docs, you can use Plus AI for help with Google Slides presentations and Microsoft PowerPoint slideshows . By selecting an attractive template and entering a prompt, you can instruct Plus AI to build engaging and appealing presentations .

If you’re required to create an essay or other academic paper using MLA format, it’s easy to do in Google Docs. With the list of requirements, template, and example provided, you should be well on your way to a perfectly structured MLA formatted document.

For future projects, especially slideshows, remember that Plus AI can assist not only with content but presentation appearance as well!

How do I indent the MLA format in Google Docs?

With the MLA format, you should indent the first line of each paragraph one half-inch. Normally, you can simply press your Tab key which provides the correct space for the indent.

Alternatively, place your cursor at the start of the line and move the First Line Indent indicator (blue line) in the Google Docs Ruler to 0.5 inches .

How do I do a reference page in MLA?

In Google Docs, you can use the Citations feature to create a bibliography or works cited page. Go to Tools > Citations . In the sidebar that appears, select MLA for the format, add your citations, and click Insert Works Cited when you finish.

Do I skip a line between paragraphs in MLA?

The short answer is “no.” The entire document should be double-spaced including the spacing between paragraphs. Press Enter or Return only once to begin a new paragraph.

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How to Double Space Your Paper

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Double spacing refers to the amount of space that shows between the individual lines of your paper. When a paper is single-spaced, there is very little white space between the typed lines, which means there is no room for marks or comments. This is precisely why teachers ask you to double space. The white space between the lines leaves room for  editing marks  and comments.

Double spacing is the norm for essay assignments, so if you are in doubt about expectations, you should format your paper with double spacing. Only use a single space if the teacher asks explicitly for it. 

Don't worry if you've already typed your paper and you now realize that your spacing is wrong. You can change spacing and other types of formatting easily and at any time in the writing process. But the way to go about these changes will differ, depending on the word processing program you're using.

Microsoft Word

If you are working in Microsoft Word 2010, you should follow these steps to set up double-spacing.

  • Select (highlight) text if you have already typed some lines. If not, go to the next step.
  • Click on the Page Layout tab.
  • Go to the Paragraph section. You will see a small arrow in the bottom left corner.
  • Click on the arrow to bring up a new window.
  • Select the Indents and Spacing tab (it is probably already open).
  • Find the Line spacing menu and select double from the list. Then select OK .

Other versions of Microsoft Word will use a similar process and the same wording.

Pages (Mac)

 If you're using the Pages word processor on a mac, you can double-space your paper following these instructions: 

  • First highlight text, if you have already typed some lines
  • Click on  Inspector , which is a blue button on the top right of your window
  • When a new window opens, select the  Text  tab which is a large "T"
  • Find the section labeled  Spacing  and type  2  into the box to the right of the slide bar
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7 signs an online seller is running a scam, 4 free android keyboards that respect your privacy, quick links, 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.

Type "=lorem ()" into a blank Word document to generate random text

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.

Navigate to the "Design" tab located in the ribbon

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

In the "Design" tab, navigate over to the "Paragraph Spacing" option.

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

Within the drop down menu, select the "Double" option

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

Your document is now double spaced. Enjoy!

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.

Select the text you want to double-space with the cursor or select the entire document using "Ctrl + A"

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 Write a Double-Spaced Essay: Full Guide with Examples

Double spacing

MS word double spacing

Double spacing is an editing method that refers to the space between the lines of your essay. The tutor will ask the student to double-space to add the comments and editing marks. 

Double spacing happens to be the norm in essay writing. The student can change the spacing depending on the word processing programs. They could be Microsoft Word or Mac’s Pages word-processing programs. 

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What is a double spaced essay.

A double-spaced essay is an essay where the author formatted the space between the lines and the paragraphs using double spacing selection. Ideally, a double-spaced essay contains between 275 and 300 words per page depending on the font. The format is common to students and tutors as they use the space to make corrections. 

double spaced essay docs

A double-spaced essay can carry 275 words per page.

It all depends on the page margins where you are placing your text.

Suppose your page is of standard size, then the words will increase naturally.

When you are using an A4-sized page, the same essay may contain fewer words. 

Notably, the author can write as many words as he or she desires. The only limit could be your ability. The shortest essay could range between 500 and 1000 words. However, any essayist could write thousands of words to expound on the provided topic. 

The standard font for a double-spaced essay should be 12. Such empowers the writer to create at least 200 words for each page. When you are writing using this 12-point font, it makes the paragraphs to be understandable. 

The college can penalize the student if he fails to stick to the instructions. As such, it is vital to work with 12 points when you are writing an essay.

When you are writing the essay, you can use any font type unless indicated in the instructions. If unsure, then you can select the Home tab as you click on the correct font icon. 

Why Double Space? 

We do double spacing to meet the requirements of the checker. Again double spacing is necessary to allow the teacher to comment on the feedback while evaluating the essay.

The essay should meet the desires of the reader and not the writer. You can read more about writing good essays in the guide about the contents and the structure.

Difference between Single and Double Spaced Essays

The double-spaced document involves creating additional space between the paragraphs. Such a format will feature two spaces where the writer will have to press the Enter button twice. The added space allows the teacher to make changes and other remarks. 

A single-spaced paper is where there is little white space between the paragraphs. For this case, the tutor can also give instructions to students to use that format when writing a particular essay. The author only presses the Enter button once. 

How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay

Whether writing a narrative report or an essay for your school, you should select a line for spacing your work. The double spacing design becomes great as it makes it easier for the author to get the flow of the text. 

One can double-space the work by making the correct parameters for the selected text or the entire document. Several word processing documents exist to help you double-space your work, as indicated in the following examples. 

Double-Spacing in MS Word 

Begin by opening the document that you are working with. It could be either a blank document or some needs text in it. 

MS Word Double spacing

  • You can now create a default document to enable the whole document to stay double-spaced by following the simple procedure as
  • Locate the toolbar and select the styles. 
  • Right-click on the Normal on the Home tab
  • Click on modify on the pop-up menu.
  • Select the Formatting prompt and choose the Double-spaced button. 
  • Choose OK to activate the Double spacing design. 
  • Create a space within your document where you desire to double space.
  • Highlight the text you desire to double-space. 
  • Click on Paragraph spacing and Line.
  • Choose option 2.0 to double-space the highlighted space. 

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How to Spice up Double-Spacing your essay

One can make the essay remain engaging and interesting by double spacing it. Some of the things that could make it appealing are as follows:

a) Using Short Sentences

The purpose of essay writing is to impress the reader. As the research study indicates, you should use short sentences to make your essay more readable. The reason behind short sentences is that they are easy to understand. 

It could be tempting if you settled on using a large and complex vocabulary in your essay construction. In practice, complex sentences make it hard for the reader to enjoy the flow.

The secret is writing short and meaningful sentences and coming up with some charming lines. This is one of the recommended ways to become a better essay writer because you present your points in precise sentences.

b) Use Ordinary Words 

The reader’s nature is that they appreciate small and ordinary words. Another thing is that the readers do not like to be exposed as having a vocabulary problem. You can make it more appealing by using simple common words. 

The reader will be interested in the article if it carries common words that they understand without any struggle. Such an engaging document will bring desirable outcomes. 

c) Structure Your Essay Properly

A well-structured essay should arouse the interest of the reader. Precisely, a well-structured essay is ever reader-friendly. The author should make the content to be in the right structure. Follow simple steps to ensure that your essay remains in the proper structure. 

Essay structure

For example, you should begin with the introduction but other content in the body and make your conclusion.

Such carries a standard format of organizing your work in an engaging manner. 

Suppose your essay is talking about what history is all about, then you should write what comes up first.

End with what came last to ensure you are achieving proper structure. 

d) Be Factual When Substantiating Your Claims 

The most common mistake the essayists make is writing what they only believe. The correct format is to substantiate those arguments with facts.

Never leave out empirical evidence because you do not believe in it. Such could make it easy to be undesirable. Also, avoid saturating the points with facts that appear too odd.

The writer should also be keen never to jump to conclusions.  Let the author present the point backed by utmost research and weight.

The essay should address what the reader should find interesting. For that matter, make strong arguments for increasing your authority as a writer. 

e) Keep Your Essay Relevant 

Suppose your essay lacks relevancy, then it may fail to score better marks. An irrelevant essay means that it lacks sense in the common application. You can increase its relevancy by writing hot topics. 

When you complete your essay, ensure you proofread it to fine-tune it for any deviations and errors. Become your first judge. Such tactics make you improve your writing as you move on.

You can retain your authority over the topic by sticking with the right facts. At that point, you will make any reader get glued to your piece. 

f) Choose Hot Topics

The purpose of writing an essay is to engage the reader. The essay could fail to be interesting if you are writing on a boring old topic. The challenge lies in selecting the hot topic.

The writer should be careful in selecting the right topic. It calls for doing enough research to come up with the right topic of study. When unsure, then you can seek guidance from your faculty to know the correct topic to research and craft the essay about. 

Benefits of Double-Spacing in Academic Writing

1. easy to read.

First, leaving extra space between lines improves readability and makes the content easier to absorb and follow. Additionally, double spacing allows for comments and suggestions from professors or fellow students within the text.

Additionally, it enhances the essay’s general appearance, making it more polished and pleasing. Also, double spacing makes it easier to insert adjustments or amendments, facilitating effective editing and proofreading procedures.

2. It Makes an Essay Longer

Double spacing might sometimes give the impression that an essay is longer. The content is dispersed and gets more words by widening the line space. When an assignment has definite duration requirements, this may be useful.

It is vital to remember that lengthening an essay unnecessarily without adding relevant material could hurt the writer’s overall quality and consistency.

3. One can read while underlining

Another advantage of double spacing in essays is that it makes it simple for readers to underline or highlight key passages.

Since there is more area between lines, readers can mark or comment on particular portions, making it simpler to interact with the text and grasp its main ideas.

Also, because the underlined passages act as visual indicators for essential content, this can be very helpful for studying, revisiting, or referring to the essay in the future.

4. Offers space for personal notes

The wider line spacing allows students to make notes or add additional thoughts to their essays in the margins or between the lines.

This provides a handy way to write notes, draw connections, or provide additional context for specific textual passages.

These private notes can improve the overall learning and engagement with the essay by acting as helpful references for discussions, edits, or subsequent study sessions.

5. Easy to Spot mistakes

The increased spacing between lines allows for clearer visibility of individual words, sentences, and punctuation marks. This enhanced readability helps identify typos, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies.

With white space, the eyes can navigate the text more comfortably, enabling a more careful and thorough review.

As a result, double spacing facilitates the proofreading and editing process, leading to a higher chance of catching and correcting mistakes before the final submission.

6. The paper looks professional

In essays, double spacing gives them a more polished appearance. The wider line spacing makes the document’s layout neater and more streamlined.

Also, this formatting decision complies with accepted academic standards and improves the essay’s overall presentation, giving it a polished and expert appearance.

7. Conforms with most referencing styles

Many style guides, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago, recommend double spacing as a standard requirement.

When you adhere to this spacing format, your essay aligns with the guidelines and expectations of these referencing styles, ensuring consistency and conformity in your writing.

8. Promotes clarity of text

In essays, double spacing encourages text clarity. The legibility is improved, and word crowding is prevented by leaving more space between lines.

The reader’s capacity to discern between individual words and sentences is improved by the greater spacing, which lowers the possibility of misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

Effective communication relies heavily on clarity, and double spacing makes the substance of the essay easier to understand.

Watch this video to learn more about this.

YouTube video

Josh Jasen or JJ as we fondly call him, is a senior academic editor at Grade Bees in charge of the writing department. When not managing complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In his spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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

Double Spacing essay guide

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.

Double-spaced essay example

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

Single-spaced essay example

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.

275

1 page

0.5 pages

550

2 pages

1 page

825

3 pages

1.5 pages

1100

4 pages

2 pages

1650

6 pages

3 pages

2200

8 pages

4 pages

2750

10 pages

5 pages

3300

12 pages

6 pages

5500

20 pages

10 pages

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.

Small Arrow

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

Paragraph editing section

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 ."

Setting double-spacing in MS Word

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.

Setting spacing for paragraph in a word document

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.

double spaced essay docs

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.

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

Published by Boni on November 11, 2022 November 11, 2022

How to Write a Double Spaced Essay

What Does Double-Spaced Mean

In writing, formatting is essential to improving readability and successfully communicating ideas. Double spacing is a frequent formatting strategy. Whether you are a student, a professional writer, or someone who interacts with written materials frequently, it is essential to comprehend double spacing. You should also assess how it might affect the display and readability of your work.

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Double spacing is simply adding an extra line of space between each line of text. This gives the page a more open appearance and simplifies reading and editing. You can modify the line spacing in word processing systems through settings. For instance, the “Line Spacing” option in a Word document allows users to choose between single, 1.5, and double line spacing. In the majority of word processing programs, double-spacing is usually the default setting.

There are several reasons why writers utilize double spacing. Long passages of text may become easier to read, and it aids in maintaining the reader’s attention on the key ideas. Double spacing can also be used to divide lengthy passages into smaller, easier-to-read portions. Most essays, reports, articles, letters, and more, use this formatting style.

What is a Double-Spaced Essay?

A double-spaced essay is an essay where you separate the lines by one inch around the article with no extra space between the paragraphs. A double-spaced essay should be on a standard-sized (8.5”x 11”) paper with an inch margin around the document.

A double-spaced paper has 275 or 300 words per page, depending on the typeface. Here is a 2 paragraph double spaced essay example .

Double-Spaced Essay Format

It is essential to know how to format your document after writing. No matter the size of the paper, it is always possible to double space, but you should know how the program you have written your documents works. The most common programs students use are Word (Mac version) and Microsoft word.

For the Microsoft word

  • You need to highlight the text.
  • Open the page layout function at the top.
  • In the paragraph section, find a small black arrow on the lower left side
  • Click on the arrow to open a new window
  • Then open the “intervals and indents” function; if not opened.
  • Select the “line spacing,” which is on the double list section
  • Click “Ok” to effect and save the changes

For Word (Mac Version), the instructions are as follows:

  • Highlight all text or selected lines
  • Click the inspector on the upper right corner (blue button)
  • A new window will open
  • Find a section called “Text” (labeled with a big “T”)
  • Click on the interval section
  • Enter 2 for double spacing on the right side of the selection bar
  • Click “Ok” to save the changes

How to Set Double-Spacing on Your Computer

You can double-space all or part of a word document. Alternatively, some prefer to edit the document to spacing and format after writing, while others prefer keeping everything organized from the beginning, which means you write with double spacing from the start.

The following are double spacing steps on Word (Mac version) or MS Word Processor.

Documents on Mac Version

Use the following steps to double-space your document if you use the word mac version to process your pages.

  • To double-space a specific text, highlight the text.
  • Then click a blue button (inspector) on the right of your window.
  • Select the “T” or Text tab in the new window that pops up
  • Go to the section named spacing and write 2 into the box of the slide bar to the right.

On MS Word Processor

Follow the following space to double-space if you use a word document to write your essay.

1. Highlight the text you want to double space

2. Go to the paragraph section under the home tab, and on the bottom left corner, click the small arrow.

Step Two

3. There will pop up a new window with different settings, including; spacing, identification, and general .

Step Three

4. Click on the drop-down arrow on the line spacing

5. From the list, choose “double.”

6. Click on the box “ Don’t add space between paragraphs of the same style .”

Step Six

7. Press OK to save and effect the changes.

All Microsoft word processing versions use more or less the same steps when double spacing.

If you want to use the double spacing from the beginning when writing, you can adjust the line spacing on your Microsoft word processor toolbar.

  • Go to the paragraph section on the home tab and find the line and paragraph spacing button.
  • Click on the button to find more options

Double spacing from the beginning

  • Select 2.0 for double spacing
  • Click OK to save the changes and double-space your document.

How to Write a Double-spaced Essay

You do not have to struggle when writing a double-spaced essay. The trick is to curate an interesting essay, just like you would for any other essay. Then, follow the right formatting style. By following the instructions below, you can ensure that your essay complies with the double-spacing standard and presents your thoughts concisely, readably, and expertly.

  • Read the essay prompt

When asked to write a double-spaced essay, you must always start by carefully reading the assignment prompt. It enables you to analyze the question, generate ideas for a healthy subject, and select the top subject for your essay. Furthermore, you learn your article’s spacing, font type, size, and word count. It is a crucial phase of essay writing.

  • Choose an essay topic

You must read the guidelines, then paraphrase the query in your own terms, do some research, assess the potential essay ideas, and select a good topic. Choose a good and narrow topic based on your field of study. Choose a subject where you can easily get resources and genuinely want to write a paper. Select a topic that is relevant to the study area if you are free to choose your own topic.

  • Use appropriate materials

In an essay, you must cite all of your sources. First, forgetting to cite evidences in an essay can be viewed as plagiarism, which is prohibited in learning institutions and employment. To achieve scholarly rigor, you must keep track of your reference list and in-citations. Facts from sources that have been rephrased, cited, or summarized make essay paragraphs stronger. It improves the paper’s logic, flow, and thesis statement support.

  • Present your facts well

You should have considered the scaffolding of your article when creating or composing an outline or framework. An essay scaffold arranges readings, arguments, and ideas. Put your essay in order. Writers should back up their claims.

Instead of putting up a theory you do not agree with, support your claim with empirical data. Only make snap judgments or conclusions with sufficient evidence. If so, provide proof to back up your claim. Focus on what fascinates them because your article must speak to the reader. Engage readers from the title through the bibliography.

  • Have a good essay outline and structure

In addition to choosing the sequence of your arguments, ensure your essay is appropriately organized. A thorough article with a clear framework captures the interest of the reader. The writing process is also made simpler because everything is properly located.

An essay that is well structured will allow you to focus more intently than one that is hastily written. Such an essay (with poor planning) will likely overlook a few things. However, your chances of captivating your audience enhance when you have an essay framework. Thus, a well-structured essay is easy to read.

Why not begin with the body sections instead of the introductory like everyone else does? Your body paragraphs can be produced without the introduction because you have a working thesis. The writing process can be finished by developing the initial thesis into a final thesis depending on the justifications in the body sections, and then writing a captivating introduction. Once you have written your introduction, you may finish your essay by constructing a compelling conclusion that will leave your audience wanting to read more about it.

  • Use simple vocabulary

Examining vocabulary is different from the purpose of essays. It is an opportunity to present evidence that backs up your viewpoints. To win your teacher over, use straightforward language. Simplicity is necessary for writing essays. Write clearly.

Make your instructor’s job easier by using clear language. They have no time to use a dictionary; and once they use one, you would annoy them and reduce their grades. Use simple language to communicate. The best writing is written in simple terms. Simple papers will do well when the proofs are given, organized, and flow smoothly.

  • Use short and long sentences

Your audience should be impressed by every assignment you write. An essay is more readable when it combines both short and large sentences. Simple, understandable, and concise sentences make it simpler to navigate.

Although it can be tempting to utilize complex sentences occasionally, they are run-on or unclear sentences and should be avoided. You should not be concerned about this when writing. However, cut long sentences with sparse yet intricate vocabulary when editing the document. Once more, it becomes straightforward.

Understanding how to employ short sentences effectively is the key to brevity, coherence, accuracy, composition, and clarity. So, practice frequently and employ this strategy to succeed in your essays. With such skill, you may persuade even the most difficult professor to give you the finest grades.

  • Balance your paragraphs

A perfect paragraph in an essay is equivalent to receiving an A+. Although majority of individuals struggle with it, it is not difficult.

Verify the coherence and cohesiveness of your topic sentences. When something is coherent, it has a good flow and a sense of unity. The transitions between your paragraphs should be smooth. A single order-related idea should be discussed in every paragraph.

Finally, the word count in each paragraph needs to be balanced. Remember that 80% of the word count comprises body paragraphs. Accordingly, the three body paragraphs should be spaced out to cover the same material if you are writing an essay of six paragraphs.

  • Edit and format your essay correctly.

It is challenging to write. You could feel worn out once you are done because it demands reading, research, and critical thinking. If you format and revise the paper quickly, you will make mistakes. Planning an essay is crucial to allow time for editing and polishing.

Take a break, and then spend some time reading, editing, and formatting your essay objectively. Concentrate on punctuation, grammatical, stylistic, and organizational errors. Ensure that the fonts and font type are appropriate, as well as the spacing. Our essay editing service is available if you find the process time-consuming and exhausting. Once everything is in order, ensure your paper is original, and submit it before the due date.

Double spacing vs. Other Types of Spacing for Essays

You can space your school assignment using three types of spacing: single, 1.5, and double spacing. You should know the spacing type required when writing your school dissertation, research paper, annotated bibliography, report, or essay.

  • Double Spaced Document or Paper

It is the most common type of spacing which involves selecting 2.0 spaces between paragraph lines without any other spaces between paragraphs. Most college assignments, theses, and dissertations are double-spaced.

  • 1.5 Spaced Document or Essay

A 1.5-spaced paper has sentences or lines in a paragraph spaced from each other using 1.5 mm space and has no spaces between paragraphs.

  • Single Spaced Document

Single spacing is typing that does not leave lines blank. A single-spaced document has a space of 1.0 between the lines in a paragraph, which creates little room for feedback, remarks, and comments. You should use single spacing only when the requirement says so.

However, whether your essay is on Mac or a word document, you can change the spacing of your paper to different spacing styles any time you need.

Pages vs. Spacing Chart

Below is a table that compares the number of pages and words to different spacing styles.

Pages vs. Spacing Chart

500 Word Example of a Double-Spaced Essay

There are many samples of double-spaced essays on the internet that will enable you to understand these essay types. Most of these samples have picture evidence, a format that helps your understanding. The double-spacing form is used mainly by book authors when sending a text to the publisher to allow enough spacing for error correction by the editors. The extra space allows the editor to make comments or remarks.

Also, students can use double spacing when writing their draft essays as it gives spaces for supervisors or teachers to comment and make remarks before a student can draft the final copy. For example, a student can use a double-spacing format for scientific text, which gives extra space to highlight any grammatical errors or minor flaws that need to be corrected.

Get a quality plagiarism free 500 words essay by using our AI powered essay generator .

Benefits of Double Spacing in Essays

The following are the advantages of using double spaces in your thesis.

  • Creates space for crucial notes

Sometimes you may want to include important notes when taking an exam or writing an essay, but the notes cannot fit in your document body without making it look unprofessional. But with a double-spaced essay, there is enough space at the end of each paragraph where you can write end notes or footnotes without disturbing the flow of the reading.

  • It makes your essay easy to read

A double-spaced essay means there are few words in a line. This makes it easy to read since you will not have to often move your eyes from one end of the page to the other. There are no line breaks in double-spaced lines to distract you from the flow of ideas, and it is easy to skim through the sentences.

  • Help emphasize important points

It may be challenging to notice when you have repeated a phrase or word using single spacing, making the content look repetitive. However, double spacing creates more spaces between repeated texts and phrases such that they stand out more prominently.

  • Reduces typos

Double-spaced punction marks such as commas and full stops are more visible than when single-spaced. It lets the reader know where a sentence starts or ends without rereading previous phrases or sentences. It is more crucial, especially if the reader is learning English, as they will see where there are commas and where sentences end, and also easy for proofreaders.

  • It makes your writing look professional

Most readers want a document that is convenient and easy to read within a short period. Your writing skills should look professional and impress the reader at first glance. You can achieve this by double spacing, as it makes the document easy to read and creates an impression of professionalism.

Explore an example of a double spaced essay about how to tame a Wild Tongue – summary and response.

Need Help with Double-Spaced Essay Writing?

Students often face time constraints in balancing academic and life activities. If you are in this category, you can seek assistance from Gudwriter, and you will have your double-spaced essay written within the shortest time possible. We have a team of seasoned writers experienced in different subjects to craft your essay.

Your work quality is our top priority, and that’s why we have professionals with the necessary education to handle our client’s questions. Whether it is an admission essay term papers, scientific projects, or any double-sapced essay, we will craft your essay from the beginning to the end. Simply reach out to our admission essay service and submit your essay requirements and expect a quality paper.

Our expert writer will handle your projects as you focus on other vital things. We customize your essay and make any edits required until you are satisfied. Our prices are reasonable, and we never compromise on the quality and deadlines of your work.

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IMAGES

  1. How To Make An Essay Double Spaced

    double spaced essay docs

  2. SOLUTION: Four Page Double Spaced Essay

    double spaced essay docs

  3. Double Spaced Essay: Guide, Examples, Steps, Tips, and Tricks

    double spaced essay docs

  4. How To Double Space Google Docs

    double spaced essay docs

  5. How to double space your essay in Google Docs

    double spaced essay docs

  6. How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay: Full Guide with Examples

    double spaced essay docs

VIDEO

  1. How many pages is 500 words double spaced handwritten?

  2. Lit Analysis Essay From Scratch: Pope's "An Essay on Criticism" #06

  3. Lit Analysis Essay From Scratch: Pope's "An Essay on Criticism" #19

  4. Lit Analysis Essay From Scratch: Pope's "An Essay on Criticism" #13

  5. Instructions Select a research article related to nursing and write a 1 2 double spaced

  6. Lit Analysis Essay From Scratch: Pope's "An Essay on Criticism" #11

COMMENTS

  1. How to Double-Space on Google Docs

    To apply double-spacing to the text in your current Google Docs document, first, select the text. You can do this by clicking and dragging your cursor over the text. To quickly select all text, use the "Ctrl+A" ("Command+A" on Mac) keyboard shortcut. The text is highlighted blue when selected. Next, click the "Line Spacing" icon (an arrow and ...

  2. How to double-space in Google Docs

    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. Image used with permission by copyright holder. Step 2: Go to ...

  3. How to Double Space in Google Docs

    3. Tap the word "Paragraph" in the pop-up window. 4. To the right of the words "Line spacing," tap the up arrow until the number reads 2.00 to get double spacing. You're restricted to the preset ...

  4. How to Double Space in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Step 4: Choose Double. From the Line spacing options, select Double. Double spacing will immediately apply to your entire document unless you have specific text highlighted, in which case, it will only apply to that selection. After completing these steps, your Google Doc will have double the space between each line of text.

  5. How to Double Space in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Double spacing in Google Docs is a handy tool for anyone looking to create a document that is easy on the eyes and professional. Whether you're drafting an essay, writing a report, or preparing a manuscript, mastering this simple formatting technique can make all the difference. With the steps provided, you now have the know-how to adjust the ...

  6. How to Double Space on Google Docs

    What to Know. In a browser: Go to Format -> Line & Paragraph Spacing -> Double. From the toolbar: Highlight the text, then click the Line Spacing icon and click Double. In Google Docs, the default is 1.15 spaces between lines. If you need additional space, this article explains how to double space instead.

  7. How to Double Space on Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Step 4: Select 'Line spacing' from the dropdown menu. In the 'Format' tab dropdown menu, click on 'Line spacing.'. This will open up another menu with different spacing options. The 'Line spacing' menu is where you'll make the change to double spacing. You'll notice that there are several options, but for now, we're ...

  8. How to double space in Google Docs

    When in Google Docs, select the lines you want to change, or select all by pressing Ctrl + A on Windows or Command + A on Mac. Step 2. When your text is selected, click Format > Line & paragraph ...

  9. How to Double Space in Google Docs

    Learn how to double space in Google Docs for essays and papers. Discover the easiest ways to customize line spacing in Google Docs for any situation.📋 Tabl...

  10. How To Double-Space an Essay in Google Docs

    This video demonstrates how to apply double-spacing to your essay or other writing in a Google doc.

  11. How To Double Space In Google Docs Or Microsoft Word

    Highlight all of the text lines you want to change the spacing on. Click the Format button in the top taskbar. Select Line & paragraph spacing. Click Double. Besides single, 1.15, 1.5, and double ...

  12. How To Double Space in Google Docs (With Three Strategies)

    Here is how to achieve double-spacing on Google doc's website: 1. Open a Google Doc. After opening Google Docs on a web browser, open the document you plan to double-space. To find the file, scroll down to the section of the page with the label "Recent documents." Then, click on it twice to open up the editing window.

  13. How to Double Space Your Text on Google Docs

    Drag your cursor and highlight the lines that you want to double space. You can select the entire document or any part of the document. Use Ctrl + A (Windows) or Command + A (macOS) to select the entire document. Select the icon for line spacing in the toolbar. Choose the Double Space option in the dropdown.

  14. How to Double Space in Google Docs

    To double-space your text in Google Docs: Open your Google Docs document. Select any existing text manually using your mouse. If you want to apply the changes to your entire document, press Ctrl + A.

  15. MS Word Tips: How to Use Double Spacing

    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 ...

  16. How to do MLA format in Google Docs

    It's important to follow these when writing an essay or paper using MLA format. Use 8.5 by 11 inches paper size. Set one-inch margins on all sides. Use a 12-point font. Choose a standard, legible font style such as Times New Roman. Double-space the document. Enter only one space after a period.

  17. 18 Double Spaced Essay: How to Write It and Achieve a Top Grade

    Double-spacing is a typical requirement for college assignments, including dissertations and theses. A 1.5-spaced essay indicates that the sentences in a paragraph are separated by a distance of 1.5 mm, with no gaps between paragraphs. Finally, a single-spaced document contains small gaps between the lines, with a spacing of 1.0.

  18. How to Double Space Your Paper

    Click on Inspector, which is a blue button on the top right of your window. When a new window opens, select the Text tab which is a large "T". Find the section labeled Spacing and type 2 into the box to the right of the slide bar. Cite this Article. Double spacing refers to the amount of space that shows between the individual lines of your paper.

  19. How to Double Space In Microsoft Word

    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 ...

  20. How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay: Full Guide with Examples

    As a result, double spacing facilitates the proofreading and editing process, leading to a higher chance of catching and correcting mistakes before the final submission. 6. The paper looks professional. In essays, double spacing gives them a more polished appearance. The wider line spacing makes the document's layout neater and more streamlined.

  21. Double Spaced Essay: Guide, Examples, Steps, Tips, and Tricks

    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 ...

  22. How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay: Full Guide with Examples

    1. Choose an essay topic. After reading the instructions, restate the question in your own words, undertake research, and evaluate the possible topics. Choose a topic that's neither too restricted nor too wide for your field. Choose an easy-to-research topic you're interested in writing about.

  23. Double Spaced Essay: Guide, Steps, Tips, and Tricks

    A double-spaced essay should be on a standard-sized (8.5"x 11") paper with an inch margin around the document. A double-spaced paper has 275 or 300 words per page, depending on the typeface. Here is a 2 paragraph double spaced essay example. Double-Spaced Essay Format. It is essential to know how to format your document after writing.