What is soft return?

EnglishCreated with Sketch.
EnglishFrench
  • Join  Lenovo Pro Business Store

    Log In / Sign Up

    Learn More

  • Accessibility
  • Sales:

    Home:

    1-855-253-6686 Option #2

    Business:

    1-866-426-0911

    Chat Now >

    Visit Sales Support Page >


    Order Support:

    Order Lookup >

    Visit Order Support Page >

    Technical Support >

Lenovo
All
  • All
  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Workstations
  • Monitors
  • PC Accessories & Electronics
  • Tablets
  • Servers & Storage
  • Servers Accessories
  • Sign In / Create Account
    My Lenovo Account
    Keep track of your wishlist, orders, and rewards all in one place
    Sign In / Create Account
    Welcome Back!
    Access your order, subscriptions, saved carts, rewards balance, and profile
    View My Account
    Orders
    View & track your orders
    Rewards
    Earn & redeem Rewards
    Profile
    Edit name, password, and account settings
    Wishlist
    Manage a wishlist of your favorite products
    Products
    Manage your devices, accessories
    Product Registration
    Register your product and/or update your warranty dates
    Lenovo Family Hub
    Manage your family's orders all in one place
    Sign Out
  • My Lenovo Rewards
  • Cart
  • Products
  • Solutions
  • Services
  • Support
  • About Lenovo
  • Deals
  • Business
  • Student
  • Gaming
  • Laptops

  • Desktops

  • Workstations

  • Accessories
  • Software
  • Monitors
  • Tablets

  • Servers & Storage
  • AI
  • Deals
TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
DISCONTINUED
Temporary Unavailable
Cooming Soon!
. Additional units will be charged at the non-eCoupon price. Purchase additional now
We're sorry, the maximum quantity you are able to buy at this amazing eCoupon price is
Sign in or Create an Account to Save Your Cart!
Sign in or Create an Account to Join Rewards
View Cart
Remove
Your cart is empty! Don’t miss out on the latest products and savings — find your next favorite laptop, PC, or accessory today.
item(s) in cart
Some items in your cart are no longer available. Please visit cart for more details.
has been deleted
Please review your cart as items have changed.
of
Contains Add-ons
Subtotal
Proceed to Checkout
Yes
No
Popular Searches
What are you looking for today ?
Trending
Recent Searches
Items
All
Cancel
Top Suggestions
View All >
Starting at
  • Back to School! Gear up for the year ahead with these limited-time doorbusters. Shop Now >

  • My Lenovo Rewards! Enter for a chance to win a Legion 5 Gen 10, mouse, backpack & earbuds! One winner. Ends 8/24. Join for Free >

  • Business Financing Available. Split payments from 4 to 52 weeks, options as low as 0% interest. See Details >

  • Shopping for a business? New Lenovo Pro members get $100 off first order of $1,000+, exclusive savings & 1:1 tech support. Learn More >

Home > Glossary > What is soft return?
Glossary Hero    
Learn More    
StarStar

Annual Sale

Lenovo Laptop SaleLenovo Laptop Sale

Laptop Deals

Desktop DealsDesktop Deals

Desktop Deals

Workstation DealsWorkstation Deals

Workstation Deals

ControllerController

Gaming PC & Accessory Deals

MouseMouse

PC Accessories & Electronics Deals

MonitorMonitor

Monitor Deals

Tablet and phoneTablet and phone

Tablets Deals

ServerServer

Server & Storage Deals

Discount tagDiscount tag

Clearance Sale


What is soft return?

A soft return is a line break inserted within a paragraph or text block without starting a new paragraph. It allows you to break a line and continue typing on the next line without adding extra spacing between paragraphs.

How do I create a soft return in a word processor?

To create a soft return in most word processors, including Microsoft Word and Google Docs, you can press Shift + Enter on your keyboard. This will insert a soft return and allow you to continue typing on the next line without starting a new paragraph.

Can I use soft returns in hypertext markup language (HTML) coding?

No, you cannot use soft returns in HTML coding. HTML uses different tags and elements to structure content, such as ` for paragraphs and ` for line breaks. Soft returns are specific to word processors and are not recognized in HTML.

What are the advantages of using soft returns?

Soft returns can be beneficial in certain situations, such as when formatting text in a narrow column or creating poetry or song lyrics. They allow you to control the line breaks within a paragraph without disrupting the overall paragraph structure.

Does using soft returns affect the formatting of the document?

Using soft returns within a paragraph does not affect the overall formatting of the document. The text will wrap naturally within the defined margins. However, excessive use of soft returns can make the text harder to edit or reformat later.

Can I adjust the spacing after a soft return?

The spacing after a soft return is typically determined by the formatting settings of the word processor or text editor. You may be able to adjust the line spacing or paragraph spacing options to control the spacing after a soft return.

How does a soft return differ from a hard return?

A soft return is a line break within a paragraph, while a hard return starts a new paragraph. A soft return allows you to continue typing on the next line without creating a new paragraph, while a hard return creates a distinct separation between paragraphs.

What happens if I copy and paste text with soft returns into another document?

When you copy and paste text with soft returns into another document, the soft returns are usually preserved. However, the formatting may be affected by the styles and settings of the destination document. It is recommended to check the formatting after pasting to ensure consistency.

Can I remove a soft return from a paragraph?

Yes, you can remove a soft return from a paragraph by deleting the line break. Place your cursor at the end of the line above the soft return and press the Delete key on your keyboard. This will eliminate the line break and merge the two lines into a single paragraph.

Are soft returns widely used in professional documents?

Soft returns are not commonly used in professional documents that adhere to standard formatting guidelines. It is recommended to use proper paragraph breaks and spacing to maintain readability and consistency in professional writing.

When should I consider using soft returns?

You might consider using soft returns when formatting text in specific situations, such as creating poetry, song lyrics, or maintaining a specific line length in narrow columns. However, it's important to use them sparingly and only when necessary to avoid potential formatting issues.

Can I use soft returns in programming languages?

No, soft returns do not have any significance in programming languages. Programming languages follow their own syntax rules, and line breaks are typically dictated by specific conventions or structures within the code. Soft returns are more applicable to word processing and text editing software.

What other alternatives exist for controlling line breaks in word processors?

In addition to using soft returns, you can control line breaks in word processors by adjusting the margins, modifying paragraph spacing, or using manual line breaks (Shift + Enter). You can also adjust the page layout settings to control how paragraphs and line breaks are handled.

How can I ensure consistent line breaks in my document?

To ensure consistent line breaks in your document, it is recommended to use standard paragraph formatting and avoid excessive use of soft returns. Set appropriate paragraph spacing and margins, and use manual line breaks sparingly, considering the overall readability and formatting of the document.

Can soft returns be used in text messages or chat applications?

No, soft returns cannot be used in text messages or chat applications. These platforms typically have their own formatting rules and line break handling. When typing a message, pressing the Enter key will automatically start a new line, creating a line break.

Is there a difference between soft returns and word wraps?

Yes, there is a difference between soft returns and word wraps. A soft return is a deliberate line break inserted by the user within a paragraph, while word wrap is an automatic feature that wraps text to the next line based on the width of the document or text box. Soft returns offer more control over line breaks compared to word wraps.

Can soft returns be used in email compositions?

Yes, soft returns can be used in email compositions. Most email clients recognize soft returns when composing messages. By pressing Shift + Enter, you can create a line break within a paragraph without starting a new paragraph. However, keep in mind that the appearance of the email may vary across different email clients and devices.

How can I spot soft returns in a document?

To spot soft returns in a document, you can enable the "Show/Hide" or "Formatting Marks" option in your word processor. This feature displays hidden characters such as line breaks, spaces, and tabs. Soft returns are typically represented by a special symbol, such as an arrow or bent line, indicating where they have been inserted.

Are soft returns necessary in modern word processing?

Soft returns are not necessary in modern word processing for most standard documents. The use of proper paragraph breaks, indentation, and overall formatting guidelines is sufficient to create well-structured content. Soft returns are more commonly used in specific creative or artistic contexts where precise line breaks are desired.

Can I use soft returns when writing code comments?

In programming, soft returns are generally not used when writing code comments. Code comments typically follow specific syntax rules defined by the programming language. Line breaks within comments are dictated by the programming conventions and guidelines and do not rely on soft returns.

Do soft returns have any effect on the word count of a document?

Soft returns do not affect the word count of a document. Word count is determined by the actual words in the content and does not include soft returns or line breaks.

Looking for a Great Deal?
Shop Lenovo.com for great deals on A+ Education PCs, Accessories, Bundles and more.
Shop Deals Now

  • ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition (15ʺ Intel) Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,720.40
    Learn More
  • Yoga Book 9i (13” Intel)
    Starting at
    $2,769.99
    Learn More
  • Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (14″ Intel) Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,736.99
    Learn More
  • IdeaPad Pro 5 (16” AMD) Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,099.99
    Learn More
  • ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 (16″ Intel) Mobile Workstation
    Starting at
    $3,459.00
    Learn More
  • Shop
    • Student Deals
    • K-12 Student Laptops
    • Student Accessories
    • Laptops by Major
    Education resource
    Explore
    • What is STEM?
    • Best Laptops for College
    • Student & Teacher Discounts
    • Lenovo Sustainability Programs
    Education carry case

    Stem Articles
    See All STEM Articles
    • Online STEM Education

    • STEM Career Tips & Resources

    • Women in STEM

    • STEM Educator Training

    • STEM Grants & Funding

    • STEM Education: Coding for Kids

    • STEM Education: Robotics

    • STEM Education: Biotechnology

    • STEM Education: Sustainability

    • STEM Education: AI & ML

    While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this glossary is provided for reference purposes only and may contain errors or inaccuracies. It serves as a general resource for understanding commonly used terms and concepts. For precise information or assistance regarding our products, we recommend visiting our dedicated support site, where our team is readily available to address any questions or concerns you may have.

    Why Lenovo?

    Go Greener with Leno...

    Lenovo is committed to Smarter Climate Action with lower energy laptops, use of sustainable materials and packaging, and available CO2 Offset Services.
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Get It Now, Pay For ...

    Lenovo has multiple financing option: the Lenovo Credit Card, installment plans, and lease-to-own financing op...
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Productivity & Peace of Mind

    Stay productive with Premium Care Plus - 24/7 priority support and coverage against accidental damage. Power through your day with our Smart Performance and extended battery solutions.
    Learn More
    pastel background

    My Lenovo Rewards

    Get up to 9% back in Rewards credit on all purchases! Join or Sign In to start earning today.
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Assistance and Suppo...

    Chat with a trained professional who can help you find the right products, place or check on an order, or setup your Education laptop.
    Contact Us
    pastel background
    Enter email to receive Lenovo marketing and promotional emails. Review our Privacy Statement for more details.
    Please enter the correct email address!
    Email address is required
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • instagram
    Select Country / Region:
    Country
    AndroidIOS

    About Lenovo

    • Our Company
    • News
    • Investors Relations
    • Compliance
    • ESG
    • Product Recycling
    • Product Security
    • Product Recalls
    • Executive Briefing Center
    • Lenovo Cares
    • Careers
    • Formula 1 Partnership

    Products & Services

    • Laptops & Ultrabooks
    • Smarter AI for You
    • Desktop Computers
    • Workstations
    • Gaming
    • Tablets & Smart Devices
    • Servers, Storage, & Networking
    • Accessories & Software
    • Services & Warranty
    • Product FAQs
    • Deals
    • Lenovo Coupons
    • Preconfigured Products

    Shop By Industry

    • Small Business Solutions
    • Large Enterprise Solutions
    • Healthcare Solutions
    • Higher Education Solutions
    • Education Discounts
    • Discount Programs

    Resources

    • Lenovo Pro for Business
    • My Lenovo Rewards
    • Lenovo Financing
    • Customer Discounts
    • Affiliate Program
    • Affinity Program
    • Employee Purchase Program
    • Lenovo Partner Hub
    • Laptop Buying Guide
    • Where to Buy
    • Glossary

    Customer Support

    • Contact Us
    • Shopping Help
    • Return Policy
    • Shipping Information
    • Track my Order
    • Register a Product
    • Replacement Parts
    • Technical Support
    • Forums
    • Provide Feedback
    © 2025 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
    PrivacySite MapTerms of UseExternal Submission PolicySales terms and conditionsAnti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
    Compare  ()
    removeAll x
    Call

    Need Help? Call: 

    1-855-253-6686 Option #2
    Select Your Store
    Add items to your cart?
    We've noticed that you've entered a different store. Do you want to add these items to your cart in this Store?
    No Yes. Add in Lenovo Pro
    Add items to your Lenovo Pro Store?
    We've noticed that you've entered a different store. Do you want to add these items to your cart in Lenovo Pro Store?
    No Yes.Add items in Lenovo Pro store.
    Add items to your Affinity Store?
    We've noticed that you've entered a different store. Do you want to add these items to your cart in Affinity Store?
    No Yes.Add items in Affinity store.
    Add items to your Education Store?
    We've noticed that you've entered a different store. Do you want to add these items to your cart in Education Store?
    No Yes.Add items in Education store.