Need double spacing in Google Docs but can't find the setting? On a computer, choose Double; in the mobile app, set Line spacing to 2.0. Here's where to find each control, whether you're formatting existing text or starting fresh.
Double space text on your computer
Select the paragraphs you want to change. For all the text instead, first click inside the document text, then press Ctrl+A on Windows or ChromeOS, or Command+A on Mac.
Choose Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Double. Check that your selection covered everything you intended to change, especially in documents with multiple tabs or separate text regions.
The same desktop command works in pages and pageless documents. You can use it with a personal Google account or a Google Workspace account. Tip: For toolbar access, click Line & paragraph spacing, then choose Double.
Double spacing changes the spacing between lines. Extra space before or after a paragraph uses separate controls, and inserting blank paragraphs is a different action.
Start typing with double spacing already set
Starting fresh? Place the insertion point where you want to begin writing in a blank document or new paragraph. Leave existing text unselected, then choose Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Double to set the spacing at that position.
Begin typing. Your new text uses double spacing from the start.
On Android, set line spacing to 2.0
Open your document in the Google Docs app. These steps apply to Android phones and tablets. The appearance of the numeric spacing controls can vary across app builds.
Tap Edit, then double-tap the text. Extend the selection to cover the paragraphs you want to change, then tap Format.
Beside Line spacing, use the − or + control to reach 2.0. That's the double-spacing multiplier. If you can't apply the setting in the app, open the document on a computer, select the text, and choose Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Double.
Adjust spacing on an iPhone or iPad
Using the Google Docs app on an iPhone or iPad? The spacing control sits under Paragraph. Open the document in Google Docs.
Tap Edit, then double-tap the text. Move the blue selection markers to include the paragraphs you want to change, then tap Format.
Choose Paragraph. Use the arrows beside Line spacing to reach 2.0.
Find the desktop command with search
For direct access on a computer, use Tool finder to search for the command. Select the paragraphs you want to format, then click Search in the toolbar, or press Alt+/ on Windows or ChromeOS, or Option+/ on Mac.
You can also open Tool finder from Help > Search the menus. This provides another way to reach the command search. Type “double” into the search field, then activate the Double spacing command to apply it to your selection.
Reuse a document with double spacing
If you already have a prepared document with double spacing, you can use a copy as your starting document. Copying must be permitted for that document.
Open the prepared document on your computer, then choose File > Make a copy. Enter a name and destination for the copy, then click Ok.
The copy reuses the document's existing formatting. Making a copy does not change single-spaced text into double-spaced text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is double spacing the same as adding space after a paragraph?
No. Double spacing changes line spacing. Space before or after paragraphs is a separate setting, and inserting blank paragraphs is a different action.
Can I double space in Google Docs using only the keyboard?
Yes. Select the text, then open Format. On Windows or ChromeOS, press Alt+Shift+O, or Alt+O in Chrome. If one combination doesn't open the menu, try the other. On Mac, press Control+Option+O. Navigate to Line & paragraph spacing, then Double, and press Enter. Shortcut behavior depends on your keyboard layout and language.
Does double spacing work in pageless documents?
Yes. The desktop Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Double command works in both pages and pageless documents, with personal Google accounts and Google Workspace accounts.
Why do older instructions say to choose Line spacing?
Older tutorials use the menu wording Line spacing. The current desktop label is Line & paragraph spacing, and Double remains the command to choose.