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In the WordPress block editor, line spacing is labeled Line height. Select a Paragraph block, open the Settings sidebar, reveal Typography options if necessary, and choose Line height. Use block spacing, margins, or padding—not line height—when you need more space between separate paragraphs. For a single, local line break without starting a new paragraph, press Shift+Enter.
Line spacing and paragraph spacing are different
Line height controls the distance between lines inside one paragraph or text block. WordPress documentation describes it as the spacing above and below each line of text. The documentation also says 1.5 is the default line height for most themes, but that is a general guideline, not an enforced value on every site.
Space between separate paragraphs is controlled independently through block spacing, margins, or padding. Changing line height will not reliably create or remove the gap between two Paragraph blocks.
| What you want to change | Use this setting or method |
|---|---|
| Distance between lines in one paragraph | Paragraph block → Typography → Line height |
| Gap between separate paragraphs or blocks | Block spacing, margin, or padding |
| One local break without a new paragraph | Shift+Enter |
| Site-wide or theme-level typography | theme.json styles or theme-specific CSS |
Change line spacing in the block editor
- Select the text. Click the Paragraph block whose line spacing you want to change. The setting applies to that block rather than automatically changing every paragraph on the site.
- Open block settings. Click the Settings icon to open the right-hand sidebar, then locate the Typography section.
- Reveal hidden typography controls. If Line height is not visible, open the Typography options menu and enable the control. WordPress can hide individual typography settings until you turn them on.
- Choose Line height. Select Line height and enter or choose the value offered by your editor. A value around 1 is commonly described as single spacing and 2 as double spacing, but the available input and the rendered result depend on the active theme.
- Check the published view. Preview or view the page on the front end. The theme’s styles can affect how the editor value is rendered, so judge the final spacing there as well as in the editor.
How to create a single line break without paragraph spacing
Place the cursor where the break should occur and press Shift+Enter. In the workflow described by WPBeginner, this inserts a line break within the same paragraph instead of creating a new paragraph with its own block gap.
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Use this for a local break—such as a postal address, poem, or short list of lines. It is not a site-wide line-spacing setting, and it does not replace paragraph typography when many blocks need consistent spacing.
Change the gap between paragraphs
If the problem is excess or insufficient blank space between Paragraph blocks, leave Line height unchanged and inspect the block’s spacing controls. Depending on the block and theme, you may find block gap, margin, or padding settings in the block settings sidebar.
- Reduce block spacing, margin, or padding when paragraphs look too far apart.
- Increase those values when separate paragraphs run together.
- Keep line height for the vertical rhythm of lines inside each paragraph.
The exact controls vary by block and theme. Preview the front end after changing them because theme styles can influence the final result.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do when Line height is missing
The typography option is hidden
Open the Typography options menu in the block settings and enable Line height. WordPress exposes some controls only after they are selected from that menu.
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Some themes do not expose a line-height control for the Paragraph block. In that case, the absence of the setting is a theme or editor-support limitation rather than an indication that your paragraph is locked to one universal WordPress value.
You need a consistent site-wide rule
Block themes can define paragraph typography, including line height, in theme.json. Theme authors can also opt in to editor controls there. If you manage the theme, use its documented typography settings for a repeatable site-wide style.
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You must use custom CSS
Custom CSS can set line height when the editor control is unavailable, but the correct selector and implementation depend on the site’s theme and markup. Test the result on the front end and at different screen sizes rather than applying a selector copied from an unrelated theme.
Quick Recap
Choosing the right method
- One paragraph needs wider or tighter lines: use that block’s Typography → Line height control.
- All paragraphs need a consistent treatment: use theme typography, such as the theme’s
theme.jsonstyles, when available. - Two blocks need more or less separation: adjust block spacing, margin, or padding.
- Only one visual line break is needed: use Shift+Enter.
- No control appears: check the Typography options menu, then the active theme’s support and styles.
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