Need to format your document for readability or academic standards? Here’s exactly how to double space in Google Docs 📄 using the toolbar options, keyboard shortcuts, and quick formatting tools on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu. Whether you’re writing a school essay, research paper, or manuscript, double spacing improves clarity and often complies with institutional guidelines like APA or MLA.
Let’s walk through the step-by-step process to apply double spacing to your entire document—or just selected text—in seconds! ✅✍️
✍️ What Is Double Spacing?
Double spacing means adding extra space between each line of text, giving your content room to breathe. It’s especially common in:
- Academic writing (MLA, APA, Chicago)
- Manuscripts or publishing
- Legal or formal documentation
It helps improve readability, editing visibility, and makes printing cleaner.
📥 How to Apply Double Spacing in Google Docs (All Platforms)
Here’s the most universal method:
- Select the text you want to double space (or press
Ctrl + A/Cmd + Ato select all). - Go to the menu bar and click Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Double.
✅ Your document will now be formatted with 2.0 line spacing.
⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts for Double Spacing
While there is no direct keyboard shortcut for double spacing in Google Docs, you can access it quickly with these steps:
| Action | Windows/Linux (Ubuntu) | macOS |
|---|---|---|
| Select all text | Ctrl + A | Cmd + A |
| Open line spacing menu | Use mouse (Alt + O > L) | Use mouse (Cmd + Option + O > L) |
| Apply double spacing | Alt + O → L → 2 | Use Format menu |
📌 Use the Alt navigation method to walk through menus quickly if you’re avoiding mouse clicks.
🧠 How to Set Double Spacing as Default
Tired of repeating the process every time? Make double spacing your default:
- Go to Format > Paragraph styles > Normal Text > Update ‘Normal text’ to match.
- Then, go to Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Save as my default styles.
✨ From now on, every new document will open with double spacing applied automatically!
🧾 How to Double Space Only Part of a Document
To apply double spacing to a specific section:
- Highlight the desired paragraph(s).
- Go to Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Double.
- Leave the rest of the document unchanged.
✅ Ideal for mixing single- and double-spaced sections, such as block quotes or bibliographies.
📱 How to Double Space in Google Docs Mobile App
On Android or iOS:
- Open the document in the Google Docs app.
- Select the text you want to format.
- Tap the “A” icon in the toolbar at the top.
- Go to Paragraph > Line spacing.
- Choose 2.0.
📲 This lets you apply double spacing on the go!
🧩 Additional Spacing Options You Should Know
In the same Line & paragraph spacing menu, you can:
- Add or remove space before/after paragraphs
- Switch between single, 1.15, 1.5, or double spacing
Great for customizing the layout for print or digital publishing needs!
💬 FAQs About How to Double Space in Google Docs
How do I double space in Google Docs quickly?
Select your text, then go to Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Double.
Is there a shortcut key for double spacing?
Not a single key, but you can use Alt + O → L → 2 to navigate menus on Windows/Linux.
How do I double space the entire document?
Press Ctrl + A or Cmd + A to select all, then apply double spacing.
Can I set double spacing as the default?
Yes. Update “Normal text” with double spacing and save it as your default style.
Does the mobile app support double spacing?
Yes! Use the “A” menu and go to Paragraph > Line spacing > 2.0.
Can I mix spacing types in one document?
Absolutely. Just select the paragraph you want and apply a different spacing style.
🟢 Final Thoughts: How to Double Space in Google Docs
Whether you’re formatting for readability or following specific guidelines, knowing how to double space in Google Docs 📄 is a crucial skill. From essays to professional reports, double spacing makes your document cleaner, easier to read, and more presentable.
So go ahead — space it out, breathe easy, and submit that perfectly formatted doc!
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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