Paragraph Splitting

[WilliamJefferson]

I’ve read all of the instructions I can find on paragraph splitting, so unless I don’t know what it’s supposed to look like… it seems to me the problem is still persisting. I’m using Text Body style and I’ve confirmed the Do Not Split Paragraph box is unchecked and (of course) Orphan and Widow boxes are set (and forced) to “2”. Despite that, I’m still seeing paragraphs jumping if they come within a couple lines of the end of the page, which can leave large spaces behind.

Is this extra space normal? It seems like it should not be. What am I doing wrong?

[EarnestAl]

With those settings, a four line paragraph will go to the next page if there is less room than four lines plus the below paragraph spacing of the previous paragraph.

[ajlittoz]

Is the Keep with next paragraph box also checked on the “jumping” paragraphs?

[WilliamJefferson]

That box is also unchecked. Both boxes are unchecked as per the instructions from LibreOffice.

To clarify, I am trying to force the paragraphs to split, and reach the bottom of the page. It’s a waste of space and it looks unprofessional as it is. I ensured those boxes are unchecked, and the paragraph spacing is set to “0”. What am I missing?

[EarnestAl]

As a reader I prefer orphans (single line before page break) to widows (single line from previous paragraph on new page). Orphans lead you into the next page, widows can make you turn back to the previous page.

Other possibilities are to use columns, alter margins, or increase font size to reduce line length.

[keme]

To clarify, I am trying to force the paragraphs to split, and reach the bottom of the page.

In that case you should allow widows and orphans (i.e. disable widow/orphan control). This utilizes the text area to the fullest, but may leave a single line of a paragraph at the top or bottom of a page.

[WilliamJefferson]

Thanks so much! That actually did it. I was following the instructions for paragraph splitting in a video posted about the topic, but it said to enable those options. I’m not sure what the rules on manuscript formatting say in regard to orphan/widow, but for now this is exactly what I needed.

[LeroyG]

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