diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/convert/bulk.py b/src/calibre/gui2/convert/bulk.py
index 3fd2570310..0aae167d4b 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/convert/bulk.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/convert/bulk.py
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ class BulkConfig(Config):
             'of using the defaults specified in the Preferences'))
 
         self.output_formats.currentIndexChanged[str].connect(self.setup_pipeline)
+        self.groups.setSpacing(5)
         self.groups.activated[(QModelIndex)].connect(self.show_pane)
         self.groups.clicked[(QModelIndex)].connect(self.show_pane)
         self.groups.entered[(QModelIndex)].connect(self.show_group_help)
diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/convert/single.py b/src/calibre/gui2/convert/single.py
index 687e5c0df6..0008d4a7a6 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/convert/single.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/convert/single.py
@@ -161,6 +161,7 @@ class Config(QDialog, Ui_Dialog):
 
         self.input_formats.currentIndexChanged[str].connect(self.setup_pipeline)
         self.output_formats.currentIndexChanged[str].connect(self.setup_pipeline)
+        self.groups.setSpacing(5)
         self.groups.activated[(QModelIndex)].connect(self.show_pane)
         self.groups.clicked[(QModelIndex)].connect(self.show_pane)
         self.groups.entered[(QModelIndex)].connect(self.show_group_help)