ICT 0417 - Topic 14 Styles

Objective: Applying Spacing (Paragraph and Line)

This section details how to use spacing in text documents to improve readability and visual organization. We will cover paragraph spacing (before and after) and line spacing.

Paragraph Spacing

Paragraph spacing refers to the amount of space inserted before or after a paragraph. This helps to visually separate paragraphs and make the text easier to read. It's a crucial element of document formatting.

Before Paragraph Spacing

Before paragraph spacing adds vertical space *before* a paragraph begins. This can be useful to visually signal a new idea or to create a more distinct separation between paragraphs. It is often used to improve the visual flow of a document.

How to apply before paragraph spacing:

1. Select the paragraph you want to modify.
2. In most word processing programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs), locate the "Paragraph" settings. This is often found in the "Format" or "Home" tab.
3. Look for the "Spacing" or "Before" field.
4. Enter a value (e.g., 6pt, 12pt) in the field to specify the amount of space. A positive value adds space.

After Paragraph Spacing

After paragraph spacing adds vertical space *after* a paragraph ends. This is also used to visually separate paragraphs and improve readability. It's particularly helpful when a paragraph contains a lot of text.

How to apply after paragraph spacing:

1. Select the paragraph you want to modify.
2. In the "Paragraph" settings, locate the "Spacing" or "After" field.
3. Enter a value (e.g., 6pt, 12pt) in the field to specify the amount of space. A positive value adds space.

Line Spacing

Line spacing refers to the vertical distance between lines of text within a paragraph. It significantly impacts readability. Different line spacing options are available to suit different document types.

Single Line Spacing

Single line spacing is the default setting, where lines of text are separated by a single line of space.

1.5 Line Spacing

1.5 line spacing adds 1.5 times the normal line spacing. This is a common choice for documents where readability is important, such as reports or essays. It provides more space between lines than single spacing, making the text easier to follow.

Double Line Spacing

Double line spacing adds 2 times the normal line spacing. This is often used for manuscripts or documents where a lot of space is needed to improve readability. It's also commonly used for drafts.

How to apply line spacing:

1. Select the paragraph(s) you want to modify.
2. In the "Paragraph" settings, locate the "Line spacing" option.
3. Choose the desired line spacing from the available options (e.g., Single, 1.5, Double).

Example Table

The following table illustrates the application of paragraph and line spacing.

Spacing Type	Description	Example Value
Before Paragraph	Space added before a paragraph.	6pt
After Paragraph	Space added after a paragraph.	12pt
Single Line	Standard line spacing.	-
1.5 Line	1.5 times the standard line spacing.	1.5
Double Line	2 times the standard line spacing.	2

By understanding and applying these spacing options, you can significantly improve the readability and visual appeal of your documents.