To add a line break in WordPress, press the Shift key and the Enter (Return) key together. This creates a soft return, moving text to the next line without starting a new paragraph.
Understanding the difference between a line break and a new paragraph is crucial for formatting your content effectively in WordPress. While both create a visual break, they serve different purposes and are created using distinct keyboard shortcuts.
Adding a Line Break (Soft Return)
A line break, also known as a soft return, allows you to start a new line of text within the same paragraph or block. This is particularly useful for formatting addresses, poetry, short lists, or when you want text to appear on a new line without adding the extra vertical space that typically comes with a new paragraph.
Here's how to create a line break:
- Place your cursor precisely where you want the line to break in your WordPress editor.
- Hold down the Shift key.
- While holding
Shift, press the Enter (Return) key.
Your text will move to the next line, but it will still be considered part of the previous line's paragraph or block, maintaining tighter spacing.
Creating a New Paragraph
In contrast to a line break, pressing Enter by itself creates a completely new paragraph or block of text. This is the standard way to separate distinct ideas or introduce new sections of content, typically resulting in more vertical space between the blocks.
Here's how to create a new paragraph:
- Place your cursor at the end of the line where you want the current paragraph to end.
- Press the Enter (Return) key by itself.
A new paragraph block will be created, giving your content clear separation.
When to Use Each Type of Break
Choosing between a line break and a new paragraph depends on the structure and presentation you aim for:
| Break Type | Keyboard Shortcut | Purpose | Visual Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line Break | Shift + Enter |
For short lines, addresses, poetry, or to keep related text together. | New line within the same block/paragraph. |
| New Paragraph | Enter |
For distinct ideas, separate blocks of text, or improving readability. | New block/paragraph with more vertical spacing. |
Breaks in Different WordPress Editors
The Shift + Enter and Enter shortcuts work consistently across all visual WordPress editors, including the Gutenberg Block Editor and the Classic Editor.
- In the Block Editor (Gutenberg): A line break keeps content within the same paragraph block, while a new paragraph creates a new paragraph block.
- In the Classic Editor: The functionality is identical for visual editing.
- In the HTML Editor: A line break is represented by the
<br>tag, while a new paragraph is enclosed within<p>...</p>tags.
Understanding these simple shortcuts allows you to maintain clean, well-structured content on your WordPress site. For more detailed information on editing and formatting in WordPress, you can refer to the WordPress documentation on writing posts.
