Adjusting the Spacing Between Paragraphs

Paragraph spacing plays an important role in document design and layout. You can change the spacing before and after paragraphs.

The spacing between the paragraphs (left) was increased by adjusting the before and after paragraph spacing (right).

To adjust the spacing between paragraphs

  1. Using the Text tool , select the paragraphs you want.
  2. In the Text properties docker (Text > Text properties), click the Paragraph button to display the paragraph-related options.
  3. Type a value in one of the following boxes:
    • Before paragraph spacing — lets you specify the amount of space to insert above the paragraph text
    • After paragraph spacing — lets you specify the amount of space to insert below the paragraph text
Text Properties docker: (1) Before paragraph spacing list box; (2) After paragraph spacing list box; (3) Vertical spacing units list box

Tip: To change the unit of measurement, choose an option from the Vertical spacing units list box:

  • % of Char height — lets you use a percentage value that is relative to the character height
  • Points — lets you use points
  • % of Pt.size — lets you use a percentage value that is relative to the character point size

Note that if a paragraph is positioned at the top or bottom of a text frame, the spacing does not apply to the space between the paragraph text and the frame.

To learn more, watch the full tutorial on Formatting Paragraph Text.