What is a hard return?

A hard return, also known as a paragraph break or a carriage return, is a formatting feature used in word processing and text editing programs to create a new line or start a new paragraph. It is usually inserted by pressing the "Enter" key on a keyboard.

Hard returns are used to separate blocks of text, organize content into paragraphs, and improve readability. They are commonly used in documents such as essays, reports, and emails to distinguish between different thoughts or sections of information.

In contrast to a soft return, which is created by word wrapping and automatically adjusting text to fit within the margins of a document, a hard return forces the text to start on a new line regardless of the available space. This can be useful for creating lists, poetry, or any other formatting that requires specific line breaks.

Hard returns can affect the layout and appearance of a document, so it is important to use them judiciously to ensure a clean and professional presentation. They are a fundamental tool for formatting text in word processing software and are essential for creating well-structured and organized documents.