Adjusting Spacing Between Paragraphs
In Microsoft Word, you have the option to adjust the spacing between paragraphs. APA formatting requires papers to be doubled-spaced, which can be done through Line Spacing.
*Note, the default paragraph spacing in MS Word 2016 is "Open" or with a space after each paragraph. This should be removed to comply with APA 7 standards.
Remove the Default Space Between Paragraphs:
Set your cursor to the location of the paragraph spacing. Click on the Line and Paragraph Spacing icon in the Home Ribbon. Select "Remove Extra Space" to remove the extra space. This has to be done in each document unless you adjust your default settings.
Tip: If you don't see the option you need, move your cursor to a new location in your document OR highlight the space between paragraphs.
Download these instructions as a PDF:
MS Word: Adjusting Spacing Between Paragraphs
For more help with document formatting, view the Academic Skills Center MS Word Formatting: Adjusting Default Line and Paragraph Settings for APA 7 resource.
Microsoft Support Resources:
Change Spacing Between Paragraphs
Office 365/MS Word 2016
Walden students have access to both Office 365 and the desktop version, MS Word 2016. Office 365 does not offer the full functionality of MS Word so we recommend students use the desktop version of MS Word (Word 2016). The Customer Care Team offers Technology Support for Office 365 and instructions for downloading Office 2016 to your computer.
For more help:
- In addition, the Writing Center provides Walden Templates that are pre-formatted for you.
- If you are having issues formatting the coursework template, or for any other MS Word questions, Ask OASIS.
- If you are having issues formatting the doctoral capstone template, email [email protected]