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Q. Last week you discussed how to adjust the line spacing in existing Word documents. I also want to change the default line spacing for all new documents. How do I do that?
A. That’s a good question, since the process is even more deeply buried than it is for existing documents.
To change the default line spacing (or other attributes) for all future new documents, you modify the Normal template. Here’s how:
1. Under File, go to Open > your HD > Users > username > Library > Application Support > Microsoft > Office > User Templates > Templates. Note that while the location of this file might vary from computer to computer, it usually follows this path.
2. Double-click on Normal.dotm document.
3. Either right-click or go to Format > Paragraph.
4. Select Indents and Spacing.
5. Under Spacing, go to Line spacing and select either At least or Exactly. Then use the up/down arrow or input your desired value. This field accepts percentages in the hundreds.
6. Click OK.
7. Restart Word for the change to take effect.
Changing the default line spacing in all new Word documents is a snap once you locate and open the Normal.dotm document.
You can also control line spacing in Paragraph Styles in a New Style, or by modifying an Existing Style.
For new styles:
1. Under Styles in the Formatting Palette, click on New Style, or go to Format > Style > New.
2. Under Properties > Style type, select Paragraph.
3. Go to Format on the lower left and select Paragraph.
4. Select Indents and Spacing.
5. Under Spacing, go to Line spacing and select either At least or Exactly. Then use the up/down arrow or input your desired value. This field accepts percentages in the hundreds.
6. Click OK.
7. Restart Word for the change to take effect.
To modify an existing style:
1. Under the Styles palette, hover over the paragraph symbol on the right of the style field, then click on the downward black triangle, then click on Modify Style, or go to Format > Style > select an existing paragraph style, the click on Modify.
2. Go to Format on the lower left and select Paragraph.
4. Select Indents and Spacing.
5. Under Spacing, go to Line spacing and select either At least or Exactly. Then use the up/down arrow or input your desired value. This field accepts percentages in the hundreds.
6. Click OK.
7. Restart Word for the change to take effect.
Love type? Want to know more? Ilene Strizver conducts her acclaimed Gourmet Typography workshops internationally. For more information on attending one or bringing it to your company, organization, or school, go to her site, call The Type Studio at 203-227-5929, or email Ilene at in**@***********io.com. Sign up for her e-newsletter at www.thetypestudio.com. You can also follow Ilene on Facebook and Twitter.
This article was last modified on August 18, 2021
This article was first published on August 7, 2009
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