To change custom line spacing in Word, you need to access the Line and Paragraph Spacing options for selected text.
Here's how you can adjust the spacing between lines and paragraphs:
Adjusting Line Spacing
You can set exact line spacing or use predefined options.
Steps to Change Line Spacing
Follow these steps to customize your line spacing:
- Select one or more paragraphs to update. You can select a single paragraph, multiple paragraphs, or the entire document (Ctrl+A).
- Go to the Home tab in the ribbon.
- In the Paragraph group, click the Line and Paragraph Spacing icon (it looks like several horizontal lines with up and down arrows).
- Select Line Spacing Options... from the dropdown menu. This opens the Paragraph dialog box.
- In the Paragraph dialog box, under the "Spacing" section, choose an option in the Line spacing box.
- Single: Fits the largest font in that line, plus a small amount of extra space.
- 1.5 Lines: One and one-half times single line spacing.
- Double: Two times single line spacing.
- At Least: Adjusts spacing to fit the largest font or graphic on the line.
- Exactly: Sets a fixed spacing measure in points (e.g., 12pt for 12-point text often requires 14pt or 15pt spacing).
- Multiple: Allows you to specify spacing in multiples (e.g., 1.15 for slightly more than single, 3 for triple spacing).
- If you chose 'At Least', 'Exactly', or 'Multiple', enter the desired value in the At box next to the dropdown.
- Select OK to apply the changes.
Understanding Line Spacing Options
Here's a quick overview of the common line spacing settings:
| Option | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Standard, compact spacing. | Formal documents, letters. |
| 1.5 Lines | Moderately increased spacing. | Easier readability than single. |
| Double | Widely spaced lines. | Drafts, academic papers requiring space for comments. |
| Exactly | Fixed point size spacing. | Precise layout control, forms. |
| Multiple | Spacing is a multiplier of single spacing. | Custom increments (e.g., 1.2, 2.5). |
Adjusting Spacing Between Paragraphs
You can also control the vertical space before or after each paragraph.
Steps to Change Paragraph Spacing
- Select one or more paragraphs.
- Go to the Home tab and click Line and Paragraph Spacing.
- Select Line Spacing Options... to open the Paragraph dialog box.
- In the Paragraph dialog box, under the "Spacing" section, adjust the values in the Before and After settings.
- Before: Adds space above the selected paragraph(s).
- After: Adds space below the selected paragraph(s).
- Values are typically measured in points (pt). Standard paragraph spacing is often 8pt or 10pt.
- Select OK to apply the changes.
Adjusting both line spacing within paragraphs and the spacing between paragraphs gives you complete control over your document's appearance and readability.
