Word Line Spacing Shortcut (Ctrl+1 / Ctrl+2 / Ctrl+5)
In Microsoft Word, select your text and press Ctrl+1 for single spacing, Ctrl+5 for 1.5 lines, or Ctrl+2 for double spacing on Windows — use ⌘1, ⌘5, ⌘2 on the Mac. The change applies to every paragraph you have selected (or the one your cursor is in).
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single line spacing | ⌘1 | Ctrl+1 | |
| 1.5 line spacing | ⌘5 | Ctrl+5 | |
| Double line spacing | ⌘2 | Ctrl+2 | |
| Add/remove space before paragraph | ⌘0 | Ctrl+0 |
Set spacing in one keystroke
Highlight the paragraphs you want to change (or just click inside one) and press Ctrl+1 for single, Ctrl+5 for 1.5, or Ctrl+2 for double spacing. On the Mac the same commands are ⌘1, ⌘5, ⌘2. Note Ctrl+5 means 1.5 lines, not five — the 5 is a mnemonic for the half-step. Ctrl+0 (⌘0) toggles 12pt of space before the current paragraph.
Windows vs Mac
The digit keys are identical across platforms; only the modifier changes — Ctrl on Windows, ⌘ (Command) on the Mac. These shortcuts work in Microsoft Word; Google Docs uses the Format → Line & paragraph spacing menu instead of a key combo.
FAQ
What is the line spacing shortcut in Word?
Press Ctrl+1 for single, Ctrl+5 for 1.5, and Ctrl+2 for double spacing on Windows, or ⌘1, ⌘5, ⌘2 on the Mac.
Does Ctrl+5 mean five lines of spacing?
No. Ctrl+5 sets 1.5-line spacing — the 5 is a mnemonic for the .5 half-step, not five lines.
Is there a line spacing shortcut in Google Docs?
Google Docs has no default key combo. Use Format > Line & paragraph spacing to pick single, 1.5, or double.