Hard Line Break (Return) vs. Soft Line Break (Shift+Enter)

Issue/Objective

To understand the difference between hard line breaks and soft line breaks.

Environment

PolicyStat Editor

Procedure/Resolution

A common keyboard shortcut that many users are surprised to learn about is the soft return.

When composing content in the PolicyStat Editor pressing Enter on your keyboard creates what is known as a hard break or hard return. This means that the previous paragraph box has been ended, and a new paragraph box will be created. See an example below.

However, in some instances, the content may need just a new line may be needed instead of a full new paragraph. To create a new line without a new paragraph, complete a soft break or soft return on your keyboard by pressing the Shift then Enter keys together.

A soft break creates a new line without breaking the paragraph or the list preceding it.

Much as we'd like to take credit, this same keyboard trick is not exclusive to PolicyStat. It is available on Microsoft Word, other word processors, and most other web-based editors (like PolicyStat).

How can I add a note within a list?

Use a Soft Line Break (Shift+Enter) to create a line of space in the list where the note can be added.

How can I insert an image within a list?

Use a Soft Line Break (Shift+Enter) to create a line of space in the list where the image can be inserted.