# SpBefore Element

Specifies the amount of space inserted before each paragraph in the shape's text block.

## Syntax

    <SpBefore>
        [Unit]
        [F]
        [Err]>
    </SpBefore>

## Attributes

Unit

Optional string. Represents a unit of measure. The default is DT. For details about DT, see Units of measure.

F

Optional string. Represents the element's formula. This attribute can contain one of the following strings: "someFormula" if the formula exists locally, "No Formula" if the formula is locally deleted or blocked, or "Inh" if the formula is inherited.

If the attribute is not present, the element's formula is a simple constant, for example, <element>5</element>.

Err

Optional string. Indicates that the formula evaluates to an error. The value of Err is the current value (an error message string); the value of the element is the last valid value.

## Element properties

Property | Value
--- | ---
Name | SpBefore
Minimum Occurrences | 0
Maximum Occurrences | 1

## Element information

Parent elements

Para

Child elements

None

## Remarks

This value is independent of the scale of the drawing. If the drawing is scaled, the setting remains the same.

This space is in addition to any space from: the SpLine element; the TopMargin element if it is the first paragraph in a text block; and the SpAfter element if there are previous paragraphs.

The SpBefore element is relevant only when contained in a Shape or StyleSheet element. It is ignored when contained in a DocumentSheet or PageSheet element.

## See also

SpBefore cell (Paragraph section)

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