Sep 23, 2021

I can't create new paragraphs by pressing [enter] anymore. How do I fix this?

When pressing Enter/Return, a new paragraph is usually created. When pressing Enter/Return and holding Shift, a new line is created. But for some reason I can no longer make new paragraphs, only new lines. I've tried using a different PC, I've tried opening a new document, and I've fiddled with the line and paragraph spacing settings. Nothing works. I just want to create a new paragraph, like normal, so I can write my next book! Instead, I have to press enter twice to create 2 new lines, which spaces the paragraphs too far unless I lower the font size. A solution, sure, but a poor one for an error that shouldn't be here!

It's also worth noting that pressing Enter/Return DOES create a new paragraph as normal on my old documents, but NOT on any new blank document I open. The error remains no matter what computer I use so it must be a setting on my google account or Docs. Can anyone please help me so I can get my manuscript done soon? Preferably without needing to lower the font size EVERY SINGLE LINE! Please help. Thanks.
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Recommended Answer
Thank you for the files. Seeing them confirmed what I suspected. In the older file you have selected to have space added after paragraphs. In the new file, you do not.  To add space after a paragraph, drag your cursor through a paragraph, go to the line & paragraph spacing tool in the action bar, and select "add space after paragraph."
 
To make this your default for new files going forward (this will not be retroactive), follow these steps:
 
How to Adjust Default Font or Line Spacing in Google Docs
1. Create a new document or go into a current document with the paragraph formatting you want.
2. Drag your cursor through a paragraph that is set up the way you want it, with the font and line spacing you prefer, including the added space after the paragraph.
3. Go to Format > Paragraph styles > Normal text.
4. Select "Update 'Normal text' to match."
5. Next, go to Format > Paragraph styles > Options.
6. Select "Save as my default styles."
 
Does that resolve it for you?
 
Jo
Docs Diamond PE volunteer
(not a Google employee)
Platinum Product Expert Gill S recommended this
Helpful?
All Replies (7)
Hi there,
 
Which browser (and browser version) are you using? 
 
If you are using Chrome, please try signing into your account using incognito mode. Does it work for you there?
 
Jo
Docs Diamond PE volunteer
(not a Google employee)
Sep 23, 2021
No. It does not help.

I am using Google Chrome. I don't know how to confirm what version but I update it often.

Incognito did not change the issue or any of its factors. New documents still don't allow paragraph creation but old ones do.
If you click on the link I provided in my last reply, it will tell you how to find the version number of the browser.
 
It would be difficult to say what is causing this without seeing an older document and a new document of yours directly. Would you be willing to share a copy of each of these files with editing permission so I could take a direct look at them and try to figure out what the problem might be? If so, please follow these steps:
  1. Open the documents (an older and a newer one).
  2. Choose File > Make a copy for each document.
  3. In the new copy of the document remove any sensitive information, or replace it with similar placeholder data.
  4. Choose File > Share
  5. Under Get link click the "Change" button and change the access to "Anyone with the link can edit.Make sure that edit access is enabled in the share!
  6. Copy the link in the Share box for each document.
  7. Click Done.
  8. Paste both links in a reply post in this thread.
 
NOTE: If you are sharing the files from your business account, I may not be able to open them. Therefore, please share them from a personal account instead.
 
Jo
Docs Diamond PE volunteer
(not a Google employee)
Sep 23, 2021
My OS is Version 93.0.4577.69. Thanks. Pardon the out of context paragraphs. All I have are manuscripts on here. I removed most of the completed published work. Hopefully you see something I don't. I've been having this issue for a couple days now.

New problematic file: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NbqddY7ONSEk2aNN0cyKjSwVZCpZf4pfVKgHYHyP9RI/edit?usp=sharing

Recommended Answer
Sep 23, 2021
Thank you for the files. Seeing them confirmed what I suspected. In the older file you have selected to have space added after paragraphs. In the new file, you do not.  To add space after a paragraph, drag your cursor through a paragraph, go to the line & paragraph spacing tool in the action bar, and select "add space after paragraph."
 
To make this your default for new files going forward (this will not be retroactive), follow these steps:
 
How to Adjust Default Font or Line Spacing in Google Docs
1. Create a new document or go into a current document with the paragraph formatting you want.
2. Drag your cursor through a paragraph that is set up the way you want it, with the font and line spacing you prefer, including the added space after the paragraph.
3. Go to Format > Paragraph styles > Normal text.
4. Select "Update 'Normal text' to match."
5. Next, go to Format > Paragraph styles > Options.
6. Select "Save as my default styles."
 
Does that resolve it for you?
 
Jo
Docs Diamond PE volunteer
(not a Google employee)
Platinum Product Expert Gill S recommended this
Sep 23, 2021
YES! This solves the problem! Thank you so much! I had tried this before, but it didn't work. I must had done it incorrectly somehow. Thank you so much! It looks so much better. I cannot thank you enough. This has been bothering me for some time. XD.
Awesome! You are very welcome. I'm so glad it's fixed for you now. If you have any further questions about this, please let me know. Have a great weekend!
 
Jo
Docs Diamond PE volunteer
(not a Google employee)
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