How to Double Space a Google Doc: The Ultimate Guide

Learn how to double space a Google Doc with this step-by-step guide. Perfect for students, writers, and anyone needing clear formatting tips.

Man, I had no idea formatting could be so stressful. I thought writing the essay was the hard part, but then I couldn’t figure out how to double-space it. 

I’ll never forget the chaos of trying to format my first term paper in double-spacing. I had just spent the entire night writing what I thought was a brilliant essay on postmodern literature. But then, minutes before the deadline, I realized I had no clue how to double space in Google Docs. I panicked, clicking everywhere in desperation, thinking, ‘Is this really how my grade is going to tank, because of formatting?’ 

Does that sound like something you’ve been through? 

If you’re a student, a writer, or even someone working from home who wants clean and professional-looking documents, you’re in the right place. This isn’t a boring how-to guide, it’s a complete breakdown of double-spacing in Google Docs, customized to your needs, devices, and preferences. We’ll cover not just how to do it, but when and why it’s useful, so you can get the most out of Google Docs. 

Let’s dive in.

Why Double Spacing Matters More Than You Think

Before diving into Google Docs, let’s talk about why double spacing matters.

1. It’s More Than Just Looks

Sure, double spacing makes your document look clean, but there’s more to it:

• Students often need it for MLA or APA formats, it gives teachers space to add comments.
• Writers and editors love it because it makes revisions easier.
• Readers appreciate it because it’s just easier to read, especially for long pieces.

Think of it like the margins in a book, it’s not just empty space, it’s space that serves a purpose.

2. It’s About Following the Rules

If you’re submitting to a publisher, university, or even a government agency, formatting can make or break your submission. Double spacing might be the difference between approval and hearing, “Please fix this and resubmit.”

The Basics: How to Double Space in Google Docs (Desktop)

Let’s start with the simplest methods. If you’re on a desktop or laptop, you’ve got a few paths to the same destination. Here’s how.

Method 1: Using the Toolbar

This is the fastest way if you’re already familiar with Google Docs.

1. Open your document.
2. Highlight the text you want to adjust.
3. Click the Line Spacing icon in the toolbar. It looks like an up-down arrow with lines next to it.
4. Select Double.

That’s it. You’re done in under five seconds.

Pro Tip: If you want to double-space your entire document, press Ctrl + A (Windows) or Command + A (Mac) to select all, then apply the spacing.

Method 2: Using the Format Menu

This one’s for the menu lovers, the folks who like to know exactly where things are.

1. Highlight your text.
2. Click on Format in the top menu.
3. Hover over Line & Paragraph Spacing.
4. Click Double.

The benefit of this method? It gives you access to more granular options, like adding space before or after paragraphs.

Method 3: Keyboard Shortcuts

If you’re a shortcut junkie like me, this one’s going to be your favorite.

• Windows: Highlight the text and press Ctrl + 2.
• Mac: Highlight the text and press Command (⌘) + 2.

It’s like hitting turbo for your formatting. Simple, fast, and efficient.

Going Deeper: Setting Double Spacing as the Default

Let me tell you a little secret: I got tired of setting spacing every single time I opened a new doc. So I figured out how to set double spacing as the default.

Here’s how you can save yourself tons of time:

1. Open a new Google Doc.
2. Go to Format > Line & Paragraph Spacing > Double.
3. Then go to File > Page setup.
4. Click Set as default.

Now, every time you start a doc, it’ll be double-spaced by default. You’re not just saving time, you’re future-proofing your workflow.

Mobile Users, I See You: How to Double Space on Google Docs Mobile App

Let’s be honest, Google Docs on mobile isn’t always the most intuitive. But it is possible to double space on the go.

Here’s how to do it on iOS and Android:

1. Open your document in the Google Docs app.
2. Tap the Edit icon (pencil) in the bottom-right corner.
3. Tap the Format icon (capital “A” with horizontal lines) at the top.
4. Tap Paragraph.
5. Under Line spacing, select 2.0.

That’s your mobile-friendly version of double spacing. It’s quick once you know where everything lives, but until then, it’s like trying to find a light switch in the dark.

Niche Scenarios That Deserve Their Own Spotlight

Now, here’s where this guide goes from “helpful” to “I’m bookmarking this forever.” Let’s talk about specific use cases that most tutorials ignore.

1. Academic Formatting (MLA, APA, Chicago)

If you’re writing a research paper or thesis, double spacing is just the start. You also need to:

• Set 1-inch margins on all sides
• Use a standard font like Times New Roman, size 12
• Include headers, footnotes, or citations that follow strict rules

Google Docs lets you do all of this, but you have to know where to look. For MLA and APA formatting, consider using a template or add-on like EasyBib to help manage citations.

Personal Tip: I once lost points on a final paper because my name wasn’t double-spaced from the title. The devil’s in the details.

2. Double Spacing on Specific Sections Only

Let’s say you’re writing a report that includes both single-spaced bullet points and double-spaced narrative sections. Can you mix and match?

Absolutely.

Just highlight the section you want, then apply your spacing. Google Docs is smart enough to apply formatting only to selected text, leaving the rest untouched.

3. Troubleshooting: When Double Spacing Doesn’t Work

Ever hit “double” and… nothing happens?

Here are some possible culprits:

• Pre-applied styles: If your text was copied from another source (like a website or PDF), it might carry over hidden formatting. Try Format > Clear formatting first.
• Table cells: Double spacing in tables doesn’t behave the same way. You might need to manually adjust spacing within cells.
• Line breaks vs. paragraph breaks: If you’re using Shift + Enter instead of just Enter, Google Docs might not recognize the start of a new paragraph.

4. Setting Double Spacing in a Template

If you’re constantly creating the same types of documents (e.g., lesson plans, reports, manuscripts), consider creating a custom template with double spacing already built in.

Save yourself the hassle. Templates are your best friend.

Advanced Tips for Power Users

If you’re someone who lives in Google Docs, these advanced tricks will take your spacing game to the next level.

Use Google Docs Styles

Instead of manually formatting every section, modify the “Normal Text” style to be double-spaced. Here’s how:

1. Highlight a double-spaced paragraph.
2. Click Styles drop-down (top-left).
3. Hover over Normal Text > Update ‘Normal Text’ to match.

Boom. Every chunk of body text you add now inherits that spacing.

Add Custom Line Spacing

Want something between 1.5 and 2.0? Google Docs lets you enter custom spacing values.

Go to Format > Line & Paragraph Spacing > Custom spacing, and enter your preferred line height. This is great for writing that needs to be readable but not too spread out, ideal for resumes, cover letters, or online content.

Who Needs Double Spacing and Why?

Let’s wrap this up with a look at who benefits the most from mastering this skill, and how it can impact your work.

Students

From essays to dissertations, formatting is non-negotiable. Knowing how to double space saves you from last-minute panic and helps you make a professional impression.

Writers

Whether you’re submitting to agents or self-publishing, your manuscript needs to be readable. Double spacing helps with editing, reviewing, and even printing.

Professionals

Reports, proposals, documentation, clear formatting reflects clear thinking. Double spacing can enhance readability and convey attention to detail.

Educators

If you’re grading dozens of papers, you want that space between lines. It gives room for feedback and reduces eye strain. Encouraging your students to double space can improve your workflow, too.

Key Takeaways

• Content is important, but formatting is just as critical, think of formatting as the throne content sits on. 
• Double spacing isn’t just a style guide rule; it’s a powerful tool to make your work more readable and professional. 
• Proper formatting ensures your content looks great across devices, whether on a laptop, phone, or tablet. 
• Mastering double spacing in Google Docs turns you into a power user who can teach others. 
• If this guide helped you, share it, good formatting knowledge is always worth passing along.

Save this page if you need help setting up double-spacing for things like essays, novels, or proposals. Clean formatting is the first step to creating a great document.

Additional Resources

1. Tips to format & customize documents: A comprehensive guide from Google Support on formatting and customizing documents in Google Docs, Sheets, and more.
2. Document Formatting Guide: Google Docs: A helpful resource from SFCC Library on converting and formatting documents in Google Docs.
3. 12 Google Docs formatting tricks to make your files pretty: Zapier’s blog shares 12 practical tips to enhance the appearance of your Google Docs.
4. Formatting Your Book in Google Docs: A Comprehensive Guide: A detailed guide on formatting manuscripts for publishing using Google Docs.

This guide comes from someone who’s spent countless hours working in Google Docs, writing, editing, formatting, and sometimes battling the blinking cursor. After years of helping students, marketers, and writers streamline their workflow, I’ve tackled thousands of documents and beaten many formatting headaches to bring you this guide.