If you are referring to vertical spacing, between list items, instead of adding a blank paragraph you should add Spacing Before (or Spacing After) to the text.

By default, numbered (and bulleted) lists make use of the List Paragraph style, which you can use to your advantage.

Do the following: In the Apply Styles pane (Ctrl+Shift+S), type in List Paragraph. Click the Modify button. In the Modify Style dialog, click Format, and then click Paragraph. Clear the "Don't add space between paragraphs of the same style" option. Specify the desired distance you want between list items in the "Before" (or "After") box. Click OK.

If you want to transfer the setting to your template, select "New documents based on this template" before clicking OK in the Modify Style dialog box.

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Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional