Skip to main content

Adjusting Section Spacing (Padding)

This article shows how to adjust the spacing between different page builder elements.

Written by David Rose
Updated this week

Adjusting Section Spacing (Padding)

Sometimes the difference between a page that feels “fine” and one that feels polished comes down to spacing.

You can now control the padding (empty space) above and below each section directly inside the Page Builder — no custom CSS required.

Let’s walk through how it works.


What Is Section Spacing?

Section spacing controls the amount of space:

  • Above a section

  • Below a section

This spacing helps create visual separation between content blocks and improves readability across desktop, tablet, and mobile.

Think of it as breathing room for your content.


In this article...

We will cover:


How to Adjust Section Spacing

  1. Go to Admin > Pages

  2. Open the page you want to edit

  3. Locate the section you want to adjust

  4. Click the Spacing button in that section’s action menu

This opens the spacing control modal.

After making adjustments, be sure to click Save Page.


Understanding the Spacing Controls

Device Breakpoints (Desktop / Tablet / Mobile)

At the top of the spacing modal, you’ll see three options:

  • Desktop

  • Tablet

  • Mobile

You can set different spacing values for each device type.

This allows you to create a layout that feels spacious on desktop but more compact on mobile.

Example:

  • Desktop: 48px top / 48px bottom

  • Tablet: 32px top / 32px bottom

  • Mobile: 16px top / 16px bottom


Linked vs. Unlinked Padding

You’ll see a chain icon in the modal.

  • Blue chain (linked) → Top and bottom spacing move together

  • Gray chain (unlinked) → Adjust top and bottom independently

When to keep it linked:

  • Product grids

  • Image galleries

  • Standard content blocks

When to unlink it:

  • Hero sections

  • Footers

  • Areas where you need more space on one side


Padding Sliders

There are two sliders:

  • Top Padding

  • Bottom Padding

You can set values between 0–100px.

Common spacing values:

  • 0px → No spacing (sections touch)

  • 16px → Tight spacing

  • 32px → Standard default spacing

  • 48px → Comfortable spacing

  • 64px+ → Strong visual separation


Practical Use Cases

Add Breathing Room to a Product Section

If your product grid feels cramped:

  1. Open Spacing

  2. Keep padding linked

  3. Set to 48px

  4. Save Page

Result: Cleaner, more premium feel.


Tighten a Hero Section

If there’s too much space between your hero and the next section:

  1. Open Spacing

  2. Unlink padding

  3. Set Bottom to 0px

  4. Save Page

Result: Seamless transition into the next section.


Optimize for Mobile

Mobile screens are smaller — too much spacing forces extra scrolling.

A good rule:

Mobile padding = about 50% of desktop padding

Example:

  • Desktop: 48px

  • Mobile: 16–24px

Always preview your page after adjusting.


Default Spacing Values

Most sections start with theme defaults such as:

  • Standard sections: 32px top and bottom

  • Hero sections: 0px top / 32px bottom

  • Footer sections: 48px top / 32px bottom

If sliders show 0 but spacing still exists, the theme’s default styling may be applying padding. Adjust the slider to override it.


Best Practices

  • Keep spacing consistent across similar sections

  • Alternate between tighter and more spacious sections to create rhythm

  • Avoid excessive white space on mobile

  • Always click Save Page after adjustments

Spacing is subtle — but when done right, it dramatically improves the perceived quality of your site.


Troubleshooting

Spacing isn’t showing on the storefront

  • Make sure you clicked Save Page

  • Refresh your browser

  • Confirm you adjusted the correct device breakpoint

Spacing looks different on a real phone

  • Ensure you set values under the Mobile breakpoint

  • Test on multiple devices when possible


Small spacing changes can make a big impact.

Use it intentionally.

Did this answer your question?