Add Space Between List Items in LaTeX Itemize and Enumerate

In LaTeX, lists often look too close and items have little space. This makes the text hard to read. Do not worry, there are many easy ways to add space between items.

In this guide we will learn simple steps to fix it.

Using setlength with itemsep

This is the most common way to control spacing inside a list. You can directly change the vertical space between items by adjusting \itemsep.

This method is simple and works well when you need more breathing space.

\begin{itemize}
\setlength{\itemsep}{6pt}
  \item First item
  \item Second item
  \item Third item
\end{itemize}

\setlength{\itemsep}{6pt}

Here the command changes the vertical distance between list items. Positive values increase spacing, while negative values make it more compact.

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
\begin{itemize}
\setlength{\itemsep}{6pt}
  \item Apple
  \item Orange
  \item Banana
\end{itemize}
\end{document}

Using enumitem package

The enumitem package provides the cleanest and most powerful way to manage spacing in lists.

It allows direct control of itemsep, topsep, and other parameters in one place.

\usepackage{enumitem}
...
\begin{itemize}[itemsep=6pt, topsep=10pt]
  \item Item A
  \item Item B
  \item Item C
\end{itemize}

[itemsep=6pt]

Here you directly define the vertical space between each list item inside the optional environment argument. It is quick and very effective.
[topsep=10pt]

With this option, you control the blank space before and after the whole list. It helps the list stand out better in the document.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{enumitem}
\begin{document}
\begin{itemize}[itemsep=6pt, topsep=10pt]
  \item Monday
  \item Tuesday
  \item Wednesday
\end{itemize}
\end{document}

Adding manual vertical space

Sometimes you may not want to change global list spacing.

Instead, you can insert vertical space manually between specific items using \vspace. This method is flexible but less consistent.

\begin{itemize}
  \item First item
  \vspace{8pt}
  \item Second item
  \vspace{8pt}
  \item Third item
\end{itemize}

\vspace{8pt}

By using this command, you can insert vertical space directly where you need it. The value can be changed depending on how much gap is required.

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
\begin{itemize}
  \item Alpha
  \vspace{8pt}
  \item Beta
  \vspace{8pt}
  \item Gamma
\end{itemize}
\end{document}

Spacing in Nested Lists

Nested lists often look too crowded because both outer and inner lists share the same spacing. The best way is to set different itemsep or use enumitem with specific nesting levels.

\usepackage{enumitem}
...
\begin{enumerate}[itemsep=8pt]
  \item Outer item one
    \begin{itemize}[itemsep=4pt]
      \item Inner item A
      \item Inner item B
    \end{itemize}
  \item Outer item two
\end{enumerate}

[itemsep=8pt] for outer

Here the outer list is given more spacing so that main points are well separated. This makes the structure of your content clearer.
[itemsep=4pt] for inner

By reducing spacing in the inner list, the hierarchy looks balanced. Too much space inside nested lists can otherwise break the flow of reading.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{enumitem}
\begin{document}
\begin{enumerate}[itemsep=8pt]
  \item Outer item one
    \begin{itemize}[itemsep=4pt]
      \item Inner item A
      \item Inner item B
    \end{itemize}
  \item Outer item two
\end{enumerate}
\end{document}