Doubling the space in Word 2013 is quite simple. Here’s a quick rundown: Go to the ‘Design’ tab, click on ‘Paragraph Spacing’, and choose ‘Double’. This will instantly double the space between lines in your document.
After completing this action, the text in your Word document will have increased space between lines, making it easier to read and edit. It’s particularly useful for drafting essays or reports where readability and marking comments are important.
Introduction
When it comes to word processing, Microsoft Word is a powerhouse that’s packed with features to make document creation easier and more efficient. One such feature is the ability to adjust the spacing between lines, also known as ‘line spacing’. For a variety of reasons, you might need to double space your document. Maybe you’re a student who needs to format an essay according to your professor’s specifications, or perhaps you’re drafting a report that requires a clean, professional look. Whatever the reason, knowing how to double space in Word 2013 is a handy skill.
The importance of double spacing cannot be overstated. It enhances document readability, provides room for editing marks, and is often a requirement for academic and professional documents. It’s a simple yet crucial aspect of document formatting that can make a significant difference in the presentation of your work. Let’s dive into the specifics of how to achieve this in Word 2013.
The step by step tutorial: How to Double Space in Word 2013
This step-by-step guide will show you how to quickly and easily double space your document in Word 2013.
Step 1: Open the Design tab
Click on the ‘Design’ tab at the top of your Word document.
The ‘Design’ tab is where you’ll find a variety of options to format your document’s appearance, including themes, colors, and paragraph spacing.
Step 2: Click on Paragraph Spacing
Once you’re in the ‘Design’ tab, locate and click on the ‘Paragraph Spacing’ button.
The ‘Paragraph Spacing’ button is a quick way to adjust the spacing between lines and paragraphs. It gives you several preset options to choose from.
Step 3: Select Double
From the drop-down menu, choose the ‘Double’ option to set the spacing between lines to double.
When you select ‘Double’, Word 2013 automatically adjusts the line spacing throughout your entire document, saving you from having to manually change it for each paragraph.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Readability | Double spacing makes text less cramped and easier to read. |
| Easier Editing | With more space between lines, it’s easier to add comments and make corrections. |
| Professional Appearance | Documents that are double spaced often look more formal and polished. |
Double spacing can transform the look and feel of your document, giving it a more professional appearance. It draws attention to your content and can help convey your message more effectively.
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Increased Page Count | Double spacing can cause a document to use more pages. |
| Less Content Per Page | With double spacing, each page holds less text, which might not be ideal for all types of documents. |
| Not Always Necessary | In less formal documents, double spacing might not be required and can seem excessive. |
While double spacing has its benefits, it’s not always the right choice. Depending on the context of your document, it can sometimes be more beneficial to use single or 1.5 line spacing instead.
Additional Information
When using Word 2013, you might come across situations where you need to customize the spacing even further. For instance, you might want only certain sections of your document double spaced or you may need to adjust the spacing before and after paragraphs. To do this, you can use the ‘Paragraph’ dialog box by right-clicking in your document and selecting ‘Paragraph’. Here, you’ll find more detailed spacing options, including the ability to set the exact space you want for your lines and paragraphs.
Remember, consistency is key when formatting your document. If you choose to double space, make sure to apply it throughout the entire document unless specific sections require different spacing. This will maintain a cohesive look and feel, reflecting well on your attention to detail.
Summary
- Open the ‘Design’ tab
- Click on ‘Paragraph Spacing’
- Select ‘Double’
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I double space only a part of my document?
Yes, you can select the text you want to double space, right-click, and choose ‘Paragraph’. Then, under ‘Line spacing’, select ‘Double’ and click ‘OK’.
Will double spacing affect my header and footer?
No, double spacing applies only to the main content of your document, not the header and footer.
Can I undo double spacing?
Absolutely, just follow the same steps and choose ‘Single’ from the ‘Paragraph Spacing’ options to revert to single spacing.
Is double spacing the same as pressing ‘Enter’ twice after each line?
No, double spacing is a formatting feature that uniformly spaces lines, while pressing ‘Enter’ creates a new paragraph.
Does double spacing apply to bullet points and numbered lists?
Yes, double spacing will also apply to bullet points and numbered lists in your document.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of double spacing in Word 2013 can significantly impact the readability and professional appearance of your documents. Whether you’re a student adhering to essay guidelines or a professional preparing a report, knowing how to double space is an essential skill.
Remember to consider the context of your document before deciding on the appropriate spacing, and don’t be afraid to use the various customization options available in Word 2013 to fine-tune your document’s presentation. Happy formatting!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.