How to Double Space in Google Docs
Short Answer
How do you double space text in Google Docs?
Select the text, click Format › Line & paragraph spacing, and choose Double. The same list has Single, 1.15, 1.5 and Custom spacing; the Line & paragraph spacing button in the toolbar opens it too. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then H K D.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Home › Double. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Using the Menus
- Select the paragraphs you want to change.
- Click Format › Line & paragraph spacing, or the Line & paragraph spacing button in the toolbar.
- Click Single, 1.15, 1.5 or Double. For an exact size, click Custom spacing.
The same menu adds or removes space before and after paragraphs.
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Docs has no shortcut for this.
The Word-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Docs document.
- Select the paragraphs you want to change.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Word-style key-tips appear.
- Press H, K, then D. ShortieCuts runs “Double”.
| Keys | Also in ShortieCuts |
|---|---|
| Alt HKS | SingleHome key-tips |
| Alt HK1 | 1.15Home key-tips |
| Alt HK5 | 1.5Home key-tips |
| Alt HKC | Custom SpacingHome key-tips |
| Alt HKB | Space Before ParagraphHome key-tips |
| Alt HKA | Space After ParagraphHome key-tips |
When the ALT route helps: Alt, H, K is Word's Line and Paragraph Spacing key-tip. Google's shortcut list has nothing for spacing, so ShortieCuts adds one letter per option: D for double, S for single, 1 for 1.15 and 5 for 1.5.
More Google Docs How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt HE | Clear FormattingBuilt-in: Ctrl + \ or Ctrl + Space |
| Alt PBN | Section Break |
| Alt RW | Word CountBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + C |
| Alt HFP | Paint FormatBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + C |
| Alt PM | Margins |
| Alt RG | Suggesting ModeBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + X |
FAQ
Is there a keyboard shortcut to double space text in Google Docs?
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Docs doesn't include one. Select the text, click Format › Line & paragraph spacing, and choose Double. The same list has Single, 1.15, 1.5 and Custom spacing; the Line & paragraph spacing button in the toolbar opens it too. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then H, then K, then D.
Does Alt + H + K + D work in Google Docs?
Not on its own. Google Docs has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + H + K + D there won't double space text. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then H, then K, then D, and ShortieCuts runs its "Double" command.
How do I double space text in Google Docs on a Mac?
The steps above work the same way on a Mac. With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then H, then K, then D.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.