However, when we hit Shift + Enter, the tag is inserted, which means proceeding to the next line. The result is the same, the word processor behaves as if proceeding to the next line, whereas when we hit Enter the marker is being inserted, which means the actual beginning of a new paragraph. Unfortunately, Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013 as well as 2016 violate this rule and, from the perspective of a user writing a new message, there is no difference if they hit Enter, or Shift + Enter. In HTML tag is used to start a new paragraph, whereas tag to move one line down. The spacing between paragraphs is usually bigger than the spacing between regular text lines. The difference between starting a new paragraph and proceeding to the next line may seem subtle, still, it is important and known for a long time.

It is generally accepted in word processors that the Enter key starts a new paragraph while hitting Shift + Enter starts a new line of the text. The reason is the way the new Outlook handles new line tags in HTML messages. This situation may happen in HTML formatted e-mails making the message look unclear and scruffy. Users of Microsoft Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013 or 2016 often complain that the recipients of their emails say they contain double spaces between lines.

: This article was updated on April 14, 2017.

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