To change line spacing in Word for part of a document, select the paragraph or paragraphs first, then choose a spacing option. The selection determines what changes: select only the passage you want to format, or select all text to change the whole document.
Change line spacing in Word on Windows
- Select the paragraph or paragraphs you want to change.
- Go to Home > Line and Paragraph Spacing > Line Spacing Options.
- Choose a value from the Line spacing box.
- Optionally set Before or After under spacing if you also want to change the space around paragraphs.
- Select OK, then check the selected passage and nearby paragraphs.
Microsoft’s instructions specify selecting one or more paragraphs to update. Avoid using a document-wide spacing preset when you only want to alter a passage. Microsoft’s selected-portion instructions describe this workflow.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Change line spacing on Mac
- Select the paragraphs you want to format.
- Open Home > Line and Paragraph Spacing.
- Choose a preset, or select Line Spacing Options to open spacing settings.
- Set line spacing and, if needed, paragraph Before or After spacing, then select OK.
Microsoft’s guidance covers Microsoft 365 and several perpetual releases, including Word 2024, 2021, 2019, and 2016 for Mac; menu arrangement can vary by release. See Microsoft’s Word spacing instructions.
Change spacing in Word for the web
If Word is in Viewing view, switch to Editing view. Select the paragraphs, then use the paragraph controls on Layout for paragraph indentation and Before/After spacing. For line spacing, use Home > Line Spacing and choose a preset or Line Spacing Options. Microsoft’s web and spacing guidance documents these controls.
#1 Best Overall
Change spacing in Word on a phone or tablet
Select the text, then open the line-spacing control from the Home or paragraph-formatting menu; the exact path depends on the device. Microsoft lists mobile line-spacing choices from 1.0 to 3.0. Its mobile guidance says iPhone and iPad do not have separate controls for paragraph Before/After spacing beyond line-spacing changes, while Android includes paragraph-spacing choices. Check Microsoft’s mobile instructions for the relevant platform.
Choose the right kind of spacing
Line spacing controls the vertical distance between lines within a paragraph. Before and After control space around the paragraph. If the gap appears between two separate paragraphs rather than between lines in one paragraph, check Before/After first. Microsoft explains the spacing controls and options; its guidance on removing double line spacing also distinguishes paragraph gaps.
Rank #2
- Compact design saves desktop space and allows for close, comfortable mouse position.
- Optimized key spacing and key travel for fast, fluid typing.
- Sleek, low-profile design complements any workspace.
- Expressive input key[2] for quick access to emojis, symbols, and more.
- Connect up to 3 devices and switch seamlessly between them[1].
Line-spacing options
- Single, 1.5 lines, or Double: use a preset when you want a familiar proportional spacing choice.
- Exactly: enter a fixed spacing in points. Microsoft’s example sets 12 points for 10-point text; it is an illustration, not a recommended value for every document.
- At least: set a minimum that can expand to fit larger content on a line.
- Multiple: enter a numeric multiplier for line spacing.
Use Exactly when a fixed point distance is intentional, At least when the spacing must be allowed to grow, and Multiple when you need a multiplier rather than a preset.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If the change affects more text than intended
- Undo the change, select only the intended paragraphs, and apply the setting again.
- Confirm that the selection did not include the entire document; selecting all text applies the change throughout.
- After applying it, inspect both the selected passage and adjacent paragraphs.
- Do not use the Design tab’s document-wide Paragraph Spacing preset for a local formatting change.
Microsoft describes 1.15 lines with 10 points after each paragraph as a default in its double-spacing guidance, but existing files and installations can differ. Treat those values as Microsoft’s documented default for the described configurations, not a guarantee about every document. Microsoft’s default-spacing guidance.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Instant Copilot. Unlock new possibilities with the dedicated Copilot key, which gives you instant access to experiences that can enhance your productivity¹.
- Enhance your experience With the new microphone mute key and snipping key
- Full keyboard experience. Features a full mechanical keyset, backlit keys, and a large trackpad for precise navigation and control. Optimal key spacing allows fast, fluid typing.
- Slim and compact Performs like a traditional, full-size keyboard.
- Clicks in place instantly Use in combination with the Surface Pro (11th Edition), Pro 9 and Pro 8* kickstand for a perfect laptop experience anywhere.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
