Empty Returns

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Empty Returns

Remove empty returns and spaces from the document.  Screen readers and other assistive technologies read aloud these document elements.  Removing empty returns and spaces reduces verbosity for assistive technology users.

Delete Empty Returns

Locate, select and delete the empty returns in the entire document.Screen shot with arrows pointing to empty paragraph returns

Delete Empty Spaces

Delete Empty Spaces in the entire document.  Some examples of where some are found is provided in the screenshot below.Screenshot with arrows pointing to empty spaces

Do Not Delete Images

  1. Be careful to NOT delete images.  This is easy to do because images are not visible in Draft view.  You may need to switch to the Print view to see where the images are located.  In the screenshot below, you can find what appears to be an empty return below the Heading level 2 named "Alternative Text."In draft view, images are not visible.  Screenshot shows an empty area that should not be accidently deleted.  
  2. There's a second image above the Heading level 2 named "Links".  Be sure not to accidentally delete it.Screenshot demonstrating where the second image is located within draft view.  Do not delete this.

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