I noticed that most people double space there lines when writing a story.I think this looks better,and is easier to read. Do you just double space with the return key or is there something you can click onto for double spacing.?

I hit the enter key twice. Im far too lazy to try anything flash.
Actually Im not sure if i do double space...

I hit the enter key twice. Im far too lazy to try anything flash.
Actually Im not sure if i do double space...
I think you do as my story looks more "squashed up" than yours.

Do you use Word, Pattricia? If so:

i) If it's a new document, go to the format menu, select 'paragraph' and from the 'Indents and Spacing' tab look at the 'line spacing' option. from the drop-down menu select 'double'.

ii) If you want to format text you've already written, do exactly the same as above, but make sure you select all the text you want to format first.

EDIT: You really shouldn't use the return key. The reason is that every time you hit the return key in Word (and I think in other software) it leaves an invisible 'tag'. Although you can't see it, Word recognises it and thinks it's a new paragraph, which can really screw up your document formatting.

If you write your piece in Word, then all you have to do to double space it is highlight the whole thing then hold the 'Ctrl' key and press '2'. Everything should now be double spaced. You could try 1.5 spacing as an alternative- that doesn't take up quite so much space but allows the eye to follow on the screen just as easily.

Do you use Word, Pattricia? If so:

i) If it's a new document, go to the format menu, select 'paragraph' and from the 'Indents and Spacing' tab look at the 'line spacing' option. from the drop-down menu select 'double'.

ii) If you want to format text you've already written, do exactly the same as above, but make sure you select all the text you want to format first.

EDIT: You really shouldn't use the return key. The reason is that every time you hit the return key in Word (and I think in other software) it leaves an invisible 'tag'. Although you can't see it, Word recognises it and thinks it's a new paragraph, which can really screw up your document formatting.
Thanks Hecate, will try this tommorrow.I practise word processing in the afternoons,to try to help myself with these tasks.

If you write your piece in Word, then all you have to do to double space it is highlight the whole thing then hold the 'Ctrl' key and press '2'. Everything should now be double spaced. You could try 1.5 spacing as an alternative- that doesn't take up quite so much space but allows the eye to follow on the screen just as easily.
Will try this way as well ,medusa. Thanks .When you say highlight the whole thing,do you mean the whole story or each sentence ? Also if you did 1.5 would you press Ctrl and 1.5 ? What does Ctrl mean ?

Pattricia,

If you see 'Ctrl' it means hold down one of the 'Ctrl' keys ('Control' keys) on your keyboard at the same time you're pressing the other key mentioned. So, Ctrl 2 would mean 'Press down the Ctrl key, press and release the 2 key, the release the Ctrl key. The Ctrl keys are under the Shift key on the left hand side of the keyboard and in a similar position on the right hand side.

I have a template set up for Short Stories in Word that I've set up with double spacing, page numbering, etc. to save me hassle. :)

Double spacing is crucial when it comes to publication, and also it's useful when you want to edit a printed copy. It gives you space above and below lines to write changes in, put notes, etc.

Will try this way as well ,medusa. Thanks .When you say highlight the whole thing,do you mean the whole story or each sentence ? Also if you did 1.5 would you press Ctrl and 1.5 ? What does Ctrl mean ?

If you do Ctrl+A then that will highlight the whole piece in one go (no need to use the mouse to highlight) then Ctrl+2 or Ctrl+1.5 for spacing. If you don't like it then you can just change it straight back using Ctrl+1 again.

The hints and tips on this Group Section are invaluable to me as well......I have had no formal computer training, except just the basics from my adult offspring.

I never knew all these shortcuts were available on the keyboard.

Thank you to all who are contributing to this information on relevent threads throughout the Group Section.

It will be of great use to me too. :)

If you do Ctrl+A then that will highlight the whole piece in one go (no need to use the mouse to highlight) then Ctrl+2 or Ctrl+1.5 for spacing. If you don't like it then you can just change it straight back using Ctrl+1 again.
Isnt technology wonderful.? Fancy being able to highlight the whole piece with Ctrl & A .I have to write down on paper everything you say,so I can practice it the next day. Now Joep told me that Ctrl mean control key, I understand it more.Knew I had one on my keypad, but didnt realise I had one on my right as well.You learn something new everyday dont you ?