LaTeX forum ⇒ TeXworks ⇒ Inquire about \vspace

[yaozhao]

If you want to add blank space into your document use the \vspace{...}
command. This will add blank vertical space of a height specified in typographical
points (pt). For example, \vspace{12pt} will add space equivalent
to the height of a 12pt font.

1. I can understand this command makes some space in the document, like empty lines. But what's the exact meaning of "space equivalent to the height of a 12pt font"? I can only understand the space equivalent to one line, two lines, or three lines...

2. When do you use this command in your work? Can you give me an example?

Many thanks in advance!

[Stefan Kottwitz]

It justs adds empty vertical space. \vspace{2cm} adds 2 cm, \vspace{2in} would add 2 inch, \vspace{12pt} would add space equal to 12 pt (points). I guess they referred to the font (size of 12pt) so you may see how big pt (point) means.

One rarely needs to use this command ever in a document. The only reason I know is in a title page, for space between heading, author, an image, and the like. Other than that, I would use it only in macros when needed for design reasons. There's rarely a point to add empty space in a document except when one wants to do quick and dirty fine-tuning at the very end.

Stefan