How to Add Two Spaces After a Period in Word: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Insert Two Spaces After a Period in Microsoft Word

Turns out, adding two spaces after a period in Word isn’t as tricky as it sounds. This old-school double spacing is actually a carryover from the typewriter days, where it helped visually separate sentences in monospaced fonts. Even now, some people prefer that classic typewriter look — especially in legal documents. Here’s a simple guide to doing it without any fuss.

Making Double Spaces Work in Word

Why bother with two spaces? Mainly for improved readability and a more formal appearance. While most modern style guides now recommend just a single space, there are situations — like legal or official documents — where double spaces can still come in handy. Here’s how to set it up easily.

First Step: Find and Replace

Start by opening the Find and Replace window. On Windows, just press Ctrl + H. On Mac, hit Command + Option + H. Alternatively, you can go to the Home tab on the ribbon and click Replace. It’s straightforward — you might just overlook it if you’re in a rush.

Next: What to Search For

In the Find what box, type a period followed by a single space. This tells Word to look for sentences ending with one space after the period. Easy enough, but it can get tedious when there are lots of those to find.

Then: Set the Replacement

In the Replace with box, enter a period and two spaces. Basically, you’re instructing Word to swap one space for two. To avoid mistakes, you can copy and paste this: . directly into the box.

Finally: Replace All

Click on Replace All and let Word do its thing. It will find every instance of a period followed by a single space and change it to one with two spaces. Voila! Your document will instantly look more polished. Sometimes, the process might pause initially — a quick restart of Word often sorts it out.

Once done, your document should appear cleaner and more professional — especially important for adhering to specific formatting standards.

Extra Tips for Double Spacing

Before getting started, make sure you save a copy of your document — better safe than sorry. On Windows, just go to File > Save As. Always keep backups, just in case.

If you’re sharing the document, let colleagues know about the double spaces so everyone stays on the same page. Also, enabling the Show/Hide ¶ button can help reveal hidden formatting marks, making it easier to see if everything’s set correctly. It’s a handy tool for checking your work.

Be aware that double spacing isn’t always in line with the latest style guides. If you’re working with publishers or editors, double-check their requirements. It also makes proofreading easier, as it clearly separates sentences.

FAQs About Double Spacing

Why choose two spaces after a period?

Primarily, it improves readability and adds a touch of classic professionalism. It’s rooted in typewriter conventions; while less common now, some fields — like law or academia — still prefer it for clarity.

Will it affect print quality?

Not really. It shouldn’t impact how your document looks when printed, and some argue it even makes a neater, more professional look. Just be cautious — too much space can feel odd.

Can I do this after question marks or exclamation points?

Absolutely! Just swap the period in your search and replace for a question mark or exclamation point. For example, search for ? and replace with ? . Very flexible!

What if I only want this in certain parts?

If it’s only for specific sections, highlight those sections first. Then, open Find and Replace (Ctrl + H) — it’ll only modify what’s highlighted, leaving the rest alone.

How do I revert to single spacing?

It’s easy. Search for a period with two spaces (. ) and replace it with just one space (. ). You can do this in a batch to quickly fix it back if needed.

In Summary

Adding double spaces in Word can lend a more refined appearance to your documents with minimal effort. While not everyone sticks to it these days, it still has its uses — especially for formal reports. Just remember to check your style guide, as standards tend to evolve. Mastering this little trick makes formatting tasks much more straightforward down the line.