Adding two spaces after a period in a Word document is a simple task that can be done in just a few clicks. This formatting style is often used in legal documents and by those who learned to type on a typewriter. Let’s dive into the steps to achieve this classic look in your Word documents.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Add Two Spaces After Period in Word
Before we start, let’s understand why you might want to add two spaces after a period. This practice, known as double spacing, can make your text easier to read and give it a more formal appearance. Now let’s get to the steps.
Step 1: Open the Find and Replace tool.
Open the Find and Replace tool by pressing Ctrl + H on your keyboard or by going to the Home tab, clicking on the Replace button in the Editing group.
Step 2: Enter a period in the ‘Find what’ box.
In the ‘Find what’ box, type a period (.) followed by a single space. This tells Word what you’re looking for: periods that are followed by just one space.
Step 3: Enter a period with two spaces in the ‘Replace with’ box.
In the ‘Replace with’ box, type a period (.) followed by two spaces. This is the formatting you want to apply throughout your document.
Step 4: Click ‘Replace All.’
Click the ‘Replace All’ button to apply the change to the entire document. Word will find all instances of a period followed by a single space and replace them with a period followed by two spaces.
After completing these steps, all periods in your document will be followed by two spaces, giving your text the desired look.
Tips on How to Add Two Spaces After Period in Word
- Before making changes, save a copy of your document in case you want to revert back to the original formatting.
- If you’re working on a shared document, make sure to inform others about this formatting change to maintain consistency.
- Use the ‘Show/Hide ¶’ button on the Home tab to see where spaces are in your document; this can be helpful for visual confirmation.
- Remember that this formatting may not be preferred in all writing styles, so check the guidelines if you’re writing for a specific publication or institution.
- Double spacing after periods can make proofreading easier by visually breaking up sentences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I want to add two spaces after a period?
Some people prefer the look of two spaces after a period, as it can make the text easier to read. It’s also a holdover from the typewriter era when monospaced fonts were used, and the extra space helped to visually separate sentences.
Will adding two spaces affect how my document looks when printed?
Adding two spaces after periods should not significantly affect the overall look of your document when printed, but it can make the text feel less cramped.
Can I use this method to add two spaces after question marks or exclamation points?
Yes, you can follow the same steps but replace the period in the ‘Find what’ and ‘Replace with’ boxes with a question mark or exclamation point.
What if I only want to add two spaces after periods in certain parts of my document?
You can select the specific text where you want to apply the change before opening the Find and Replace tool, and it will only affect the selected text.
How do I remove double spaces after periods if I change my mind?
You can use the Find and Replace tool to search for two spaces after a period and replace them with a single space.
Summary
- Open the Find and Replace tool.
- Enter a period in the ‘Find what’ box.
- Enter a period with two spaces in the ‘Replace with’ box.
- Click ‘Replace All.’
Conclusion
Now you know how to add two spaces after a period in Word, you can give your documents a classic, formal look with ease. Remember, this formatting style isn’t for everyone or every situation, but it’s a nice trick to have up your sleeve when the need arises. Whether you’re drafting legal documents, following specific academic guidelines, or simply prefer the aesthetic, double spacing after periods can be achieved in just a few steps. Keep in mind that trends and standards in writing evolve, so always check the most recent guidelines for the type of document you’re creating. Happy typing, and may your sentences always be perfectly spaced!