Microtypography

Double Spaces

A double space is a run of two or more ordinary word spaces where contemporary typeset prose expects one.

Reviewed 2026-08-20Strong prose conventionStrong default rule
CategoryMicrotypography
Rule strengthStrong prose convention
Locale applicabilityall
Avellio detectionSupported
Issue identifiersDOUBLE_SPACE
Correction authorityClear normal-space runs can enter the six-action Safe Clean batch; code-like or aligned structures remain guarded.

Definition

Modern typesetting normally uses one word space between words and after sentence punctuation. Repeated normal spaces introduce irregular gaps and can disturb justification.

BAD vs GOOD

BAD
Two spaces

The annual report is ready.

GOOD
One space

The annual report is ready.

Why it matters

The error is visually distracting, affects line composition, and often enters documents through typing or pasted text.

Rule strength

Strong prose convention. Treat this as a strong default in ordinary typeset prose, while preserving the documented exceptions below.

Exceptions and editorial considerations

  • Source code, fixed-format text, forms, plain-text alignment, and deliberately preserved archival transcription can require repeated spaces.

How to fix it manually

  1. Use GREP or Find/Change to locate runs of ordinary spaces.
  2. Exclude non-breaking and special spaces unless the project explicitly intends to normalize them.
  3. Recompose and proof the affected story.

Adobe InDesign guidance

A GREP search such as two-or-more ordinary spaces can be deterministic, but scope and protected content still matter.

How Avellio detects it

Avellio emits DOUBLE_SPACE for repeated normal spaces in guarded prose contexts.

Action safety

Clear normal-space runs can enter the six-action Safe Clean batch; code-like or aligned structures remain guarded.

Check this automatically in Adobe InDesign

Language and locale differences

This principle has no separate Avellio locale override in the current registry; composition and house style can still affect judgment.

Compare all published language and locale guides.

Authoritative references

  1. Avellio User Manual — Complete issue identifier referenceAvellio product source
  2. Avellio User Manual — The Action LayerAvellio product source
  3. GOV.UK content and publishing guidance — A to Z style guideEditorial style guide

Avellio references document product behavior. External standards and authorities support the general or locale-specific typographic guidance. Where traditions disagree, this page states the disagreement instead of manufacturing one universal rule.