Double spacing might seem like a small formatting choice, but it can make a huge difference in readability, professionalism, and even your grade on an assignment. Whether you’re using a Google Doc on your desktop, mobile, or tablet, knowing how to double space in Google Docs for your paragraphs properly is key. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process on any device—no fluff, just quick and easy instructions that work.
Article outline
- What is double spacing in Google Docs and why use it?
- How to double space in Google Docs on desktop
- How to double space on Google Docs using the mobile app
- Can you double space the entire document at once?
- How to adjust paragraph spacing using the format menu
- How to make double spacing the default for new documents
- Where to find the double space option in the format toolbar
- How to change spacing for selected paragraphs only
- Double space on Google Docs: Android vs iOS
- Common issues when double-spacing and how to fix them
What is double spacing in Google Docs and why use it?
Double spacing means adding a full blank line space between lines of text in a paragraph. It’s often used in academic writing, official documentation, and publishing drafts to make the text you want easier to read, comment on, or edit.
In Google Docs, double-spacing doesn’t just make your text breathe—it can also help meet specific formatting guidelines (like MLA or APA style). It’s supported on all platforms through the Google Docs editors, which makes adjusting line spacing in a document simple on both desktop and mobile device.
How to double-space in Google Docs on desktop
To apply double space in Google Docs from a desktop or laptop, follow this step-by-step guide:
- Open the Google Doc you want to edit.
- Highlight the paragraph or entire section you want to format.
- In the top menu, click on Format.
- From the drop-down menu, choose Line & Paragraph spacing.
- Select Double (or type 2.00) to apply the spacing.
You’ll notice the text will shift with a full space between each line. You can also access these settings through the toolbar by clicking the icon that shows horizontal lines and arrows (next to the alignment icon).
How to double space on Google Docs using the mobile app
Formatting on the go? You can double space on Google Docs from your mobile device using the Google Docs app on Android or iOS.
- Open the docs app and tap to open a document.
- Select the text you want to format or tap the pencil icon to start editing.
- Tap the A icon in the top toolbar, then switch to the Paragraph tab.
- Scroll to find Line spacing and use the arrows or number field to set it to 2.00.
This interface gives you several options, but spacing is usually under the paragraph spacing settings. Whether you’re on android or ios, the method is mostly the same thanks to Google’s consistent UI.
Can you double space the entire document at once?
Yes, and it’s a quick and easy process:
- On desktop, click and drag your cursor to highlight the entire document, then follow the same steps in the format menu to select double spacing.
- On mobile, use select all, then adjust the line spacing to 2.00.
For students, writers, or editors who frequently work with double-spaced formats, this helps save time and prevents inconsistencies in your document’s spacing.
How to adjust paragraph spacing using the format menu
Aside from line spacing, Google Docs allows you to adjust paragraph spacing to control the spacing before or after a paragraph:
- Open your document and highlight the paragraph you want to edit.
- Click Format > Line & paragraph spacing.
- Choose Add space after paragraph or Custom spacing.
Using custom spacing, you can tweak both line and paragraph spacing to fine-tune your layout. It’s a great way to visually separate sections without using headers or breaks.
How to make double spacing the default for new documents
Want to stop repeating these steps every time?
- Format your current document with double space, preferred font, and paragraph styles.
- Open the Format menu > Paragraph styles > Normal text > Update ‘Normal text’ to match.
- Then click Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Save as my default styles.
Your next new document will follow these default settings, making your workflow smoother—especially useful for academic or business users.
Where to find the double space option in the format toolbar
Some users prefer visual icons over menus. You’ll find a handy line spacing icon on the toolbar, near alignment and indent options.
- Click the icon with horizontal lines and an arrow.
- A drop-down menu will appear with several options, including single line, 1.15, 1.5, and 2.00.
- Choose 2.00 to apply double-spacing instantly.
Using the toolbar is faster than navigating menus and works well for quick formatting adjustments.
How to change spacing for selected paragraphs only
Don’t want to change the entire document? No problem.
- Highlight the specific paragraphs where you want to adjust the spacing.
- Open the Format > Line & paragraph spacing menu.
- Select your desired spacing—like double space for just one section.
This flexibility makes it easy to structure reports, essays, or notes where some content requires more breathing room than others.
Double space on Google Docs: Android vs iOS
While the docs app looks almost identical across platforms, there are subtle differences in spacing tools between android and ios.
- On Android, the pencil icon is your gateway to editing. Once tapped, use the toolbar to navigate to spacing.
- On iOS, you may need to scroll more in the paragraph section to find line spacing settings.
Regardless of platform, both versions offer the same double-spacing function through the Google Docs mobile interface. It’s part of Google’s effort to unify the experience across the google workspace ecosystem.
Common issues when double-spacing and how to fix them
If double-spacing doesn’t apply as expected, check the following:
- Paragraph styles might override your changes. Reset them by updating the normal text style.
- Formatting issues from pasted content can be fixed using Clear formatting from the Format menu.
- If you can’t find spacing settings on mobile, make sure you’ve tapped the pencil icon and selected the correct tab.
Another tip: always verify if your cursor is in the correct document area, especially when applying spacing to specific parts. The interface may not show visible changes if the wrong element is selected.
Myth busting: clearing up common spacing misunderstandings
Even though Google Docs makes formatting straightforward, several myths still circulate about double-spacing, line spacing, and document styling. Let’s break down the most common ones with real facts—because knowing the truth can actually make it easier to get things done right the first time.
🧱 Myth #1: You can only double-space text using the toolbar
Wrong. While the top bar offers quick access to formatting, it’s not the only place to set your double-space preference. In fact, using the Format > Line & paragraph spacing dropdown gives you even more control. Just click double from the menu, and you’ll apply double-spaced text instantly—no extra clicks required.
Bonus tip: The dropdown menu also includes options like single space, 1.15, or even custom values if you’re aiming for something in between.
💡 Myth #2: Spacing features don’t work the same way in a web browser
Some users think formatting in a web browser is inconsistent with the desktop app experience. Not true. Whether you’re using Google Docs in Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, the ribbon layout and tools are nearly identical. You’ll still find formatting controls in the top bar, and features like keep lines together or click the up arrow to increase spacing are exactly where they should be—usually on the right side of the formatting dropdown.
🔍 Myth #3: You need third-party or unofficial tools to format spacing properly
This is completely false. You don’t need an unofficial add-on or extension to double-space your document. Everything you need is already built into the standard Google Docs interface. Whether you’re starting a new file, editing a shared doc, or formatting a sub section, the built-in settings are more than enough. Just follow a clear tutorial and use the built-in keyboard shortcuts or menu options, instead of relying on vague search results or random blogs claiming otherwise.
Pro tip: Tools like Google Docs already come packed with powerful formatting options—it’s just a matter of learning where to find them.
These myths often lead to confusion, wasted time, or unnecessary workarounds. Now that you know the truth, you can format smarter—not harder.
Key things to remember about double spacing in Google Docs
- ✅ Double space in Google Docs helps improve readability and meet formatting standards.
- ✅ You can double space using the Format > Line & paragraph spacing menu.
- ✅ The process is similar on desktop, android, and ios devices.
- ✅ Use the toolbar for fast access to line spacing.
- ✅ You can set double space as your default style for all future documents.
- ✅ The docs app supports spacing adjustments on any mobile device.
- ✅ Customize paragraph spacing using add space after paragraph or custom spacing options.
- ✅ Fix issues with clear formatting and check where your cursor is placed.
Want to make it even easier next time? Bookmark this guide or save it to your top posts folder for future reference.
