How to Double Space in Google Docs
Double spacing is required for many academic papers, APA format documents, and professional manuscripts. This guide shows you four ways to double space in Google Docs, including keyboard shortcuts, toolbar options, and mobile instructions.
Quick Answer
To double space in Google Docs, select your text and press Ctrl + 2 on Windows, or Cmd + 2 on Mac. Alternatively, go to Format → Line & paragraph spacing → Double.
What is Double Spacing?
Double spacing creates a full blank line between each line of text. When you apply double spacing, Google Docs sets the line height to 2.0, meaning there is twice as much vertical space between lines compared to single spacing (1.0).
Google Docs uses 1.15 line spacing by default. Double spacing (2.0) nearly doubles this space, making text easier to read and providing room for handwritten notes or editor comments.
Double spacing is commonly required for:
- Academic papers following APA, MLA, or Chicago style
- Essays and dissertations submitted for grading
- Manuscripts sent to publishers or editors
- Legal documents that need space for annotations
- Draft documents that will be reviewed and marked up
Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest)
The fastest way to double space in Google Docs is using a keyboard shortcut. This method works instantly and is ideal when you need to format text quickly.
Windows / Chromebook
Mac
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Select the text you want to double space. Click and drag to highlight specific paragraphs, or press Ctrl + A (or Cmd + A on Mac) to select the entire document.
- Press the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+2 on Windows or Cmd+2 on Mac). The selected text immediately changes to double spacing.
Pro Tip: You can also use Ctrl+1 (Cmd+1 on Mac) for single spacing and Ctrl+5 (Cmd+5 on Mac) for 1.5 spacing. These shortcuts work on any selected text.
Method 2: Using the Toolbar
The toolbar provides quick access to line spacing options without navigating through menus. Look for the Line Spacing icon in the toolbar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Select the text you want to format (or press Ctrl+A to select all).
- Find the Line Spacing icon in the toolbar. It looks like an upward arrow with three horizontal lines next to it. (If you do not see it, your window may be too narrow. Try the Format menu method instead.)
- Click the icon to open the dropdown menu.
- Select "Double" from the options. The text updates immediately.
The toolbar dropdown also shows other spacing options like Single, 1.15, and 1.5. You can also access Custom spacing from this menu.
Method 4: Double Space on Mobile (Android and iOS)
You can double space in the Google Docs app on both Android and iPhone. The process is similar on both platforms.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open your document in the Google Docs app.
- Tap the pencil icon to enter editing mode (if not already editing).
- Select the text you want to format. Long-press to start selection, then drag the handles to select more text. To select all, tap "Select all" from the context menu.
- Tap the Format button (the "A" icon with horizontal lines at the top of the screen).
- Tap "Paragraph" in the formatting menu.
- Find "Line spacing" and tap the up arrow until it shows 2.0 (or 2). On iOS, you may see a slider or input field.
- Tap outside the menu or tap the checkmark to apply changes.
Note: On older versions of the mobile app, the line spacing control uses arrow buttons. Tap the right arrow three times to go from 1.0 (single) to 2.0 (double).
Custom Line Spacing
Google Docs lets you set any line spacing value, not just the presets. This is useful when you need specific spacing like 2.5 or 1.8.
How to Set Custom Spacing
- Select the text you want to format.
- Go to Format → Line & paragraph spacing → Custom spacing.
- In the dialog that appears, enter your desired value in the "Line spacing" field (for example, 2.0 for double, 1.5 for one-and-a-half, or any custom value).
- Click Apply to save the changes.
Common Line Spacing Values
| Value | Name | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Single | Business documents, compact text |
| 1.15 | Default | Google Docs default setting |
| 1.5 | One-and-a-half | Some academic requirements |
| 2.0 | Double | APA, MLA, academic papers |
Paragraph Spacing (Before and After)
Paragraph spacing is different from line spacing. Line spacing controls the space between lines within a paragraph. Paragraph spacing controls the space before or after entire paragraphs.
How to Adjust Paragraph Spacing
- Select the paragraph(s) you want to adjust.
- Go to Format → Line & paragraph spacing.
- Choose one of these options:
- Add space before paragraph - Adds space above the selected paragraphs
- Add space after paragraph - Adds space below the selected paragraphs
- Remove space before paragraph - Removes extra space above
- Remove space after paragraph - Removes extra space below
For precise control, use Custom spacing and enter specific values (in points) for "Before" and "After" paragraph spacing.
APA Tip: APA format typically requires double line spacing AND no extra space between paragraphs. Make sure to remove any space before/after paragraphs if following strict APA guidelines.
Set Double Spacing as Default
If you frequently need double spacing, you can make it the default for all new documents. Existing documents will not be affected.
How to Set Default Spacing
- Apply double spacing to some text in a document (using any method above).
- Select the double-spaced text.
- Go to Format → Paragraph styles → Normal text.
- Click "Update 'Normal text' to match".
- Go to Format → Paragraph styles → Options.
- Click "Save as my default styles".
All new Google Docs you create will now use double spacing by default. To reset to Google's default settings, go to Format → Paragraph styles → Options → Reset styles.
How to Remove Double Spacing
Removing double spacing works the same way as applying it. You select the text and choose a different spacing option.
Quick Methods
- Keyboard shortcut: Select text and press Ctrl + 1 (or Cmd + 1 on Mac) for single spacing.
- Toolbar: Click the Line Spacing icon and select "Single" or "1.15".
- Format menu: Go to Format → Line & paragraph spacing → Single.
If you want spacing between single and double, use Ctrl + 5 (or Cmd + 5) for 1.5 spacing, or choose a custom value.
When to Use Double Spacing
Double spacing is not just a stylistic choice. Many institutions and style guides require it for specific reasons.
Academic Writing
Most academic style guides require double spacing:
- APA Style: Double space everything, including the title page, abstract, body, and references.
- MLA Style: Double space throughout the entire paper.
- Chicago Style: Double space the body text (block quotes and footnotes may differ).
Manuscript Submission
Publishers and literary agents often require double spacing because it:
- Makes text easier to read during review
- Provides space for handwritten editing marks
- Gives a standardized page count estimate
Legal and Business Documents
Some legal documents require double spacing to allow room for annotations. Business drafts may use double spacing during the review phase before final formatting.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Double Spacing Not Applying?
- Check your selection: Make sure text is actually selected before applying formatting.
- Try the Format menu: If shortcuts do not work, use Format → Line & paragraph spacing → Double.
- Check for conflicting styles: Some document templates have styles that override manual formatting. Try clearing formatting first (Format → Clear formatting) then reapplying.
Spacing Looks Uneven?
- Check paragraph spacing: Extra space before or after paragraphs can make spacing look inconsistent. Go to Format → Line & paragraph spacing and remove extra paragraph spacing.
- Check for manual line breaks: Pressing Shift+Enter creates a line break without a new paragraph, which can affect spacing appearance.
Keyboard Shortcut Not Working?
- Browser extensions: Some extensions may capture keyboard shortcuts. Try disabling extensions temporarily.
- Keyboard language: Different keyboard layouts may affect shortcut behavior. Check your system keyboard settings.
- Use the menu: If shortcuts fail, the Format menu method always works.
Cannot Find Line Spacing Icon?
If your browser window is narrow, Google Docs may hide some toolbar icons. Try widening your window, or use the Format menu instead. The icon looks like an upward arrow with three horizontal lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the keyboard shortcut for double spacing in Google Docs?
The keyboard shortcut for double spacing in Google Docs is Ctrl+2 on Windows and Chromebook, or Cmd+2 (Command+2) on Mac. Select your text first, then press the shortcut to apply double spacing instantly.
How do I double space the entire document in Google Docs?
To double space an entire document, press Ctrl+A (Cmd+A on Mac) to select all text, then either press Ctrl+2 (Cmd+2 on Mac) or go to Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Double. This applies double spacing to all text in the document.
Can I double space in Google Docs on my phone?
Yes, you can double space in the Google Docs mobile app. Select your text, tap the Format button (A icon), choose Paragraph, then set the line spacing to 2.0 using the adjustment controls.
How do I set double spacing as the default in Google Docs?
To set double spacing as default, first apply double spacing to some text. Then go to Format > Paragraph styles > Normal text > Update "Normal text" to match. Finally, go to Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Save as my default styles. All new documents will now use double spacing.
What is the difference between line spacing and paragraph spacing?
Line spacing controls the space between lines within a paragraph (like single, 1.5, or double). Paragraph spacing controls the space before or after entire paragraphs. Both can be adjusted in Google Docs through Format > Line & paragraph spacing.
Does APA require double spacing?
Yes, APA style requires double spacing throughout the entire document, including the title page, abstract, body text, and references. Use 2.0 line spacing and typically remove extra space before and after paragraphs.
How do I remove double spacing in Google Docs?
To remove double spacing, select the text and press Ctrl+1 (Cmd+1 on Mac) for single spacing. You can also go to Format > Line & paragraph spacing and choose Single, 1.15, or 1.5 as preferred.
Why does my double-spaced document look different from someone else's?
Different fonts have different natural heights and spacing. The same 2.0 line spacing may look different in Arial versus Times New Roman. Paragraph spacing settings (space before/after paragraphs) also affect the overall appearance.
Summary
Double spacing in Google Docs is straightforward once you know the methods:
- Keyboard shortcut: Select text, then press Ctrl+2 (Windows) or Cmd+2 (Mac).
- Toolbar: Click the Line Spacing icon and select "Double".
- Format menu: Go to Format → Line & paragraph spacing → Double.
- Mobile: Tap Format (A icon) → Paragraph → Set line spacing to 2.0.
The keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+2 or Cmd+2) is the fastest method for frequent use. If you always need double spacing, set it as your default style so all new documents start with double spacing automatically.
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