How to Use Indents for Paragraphs in Google Docs

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Make Normal Indents on Google Docs

Use Ruler in Google Docs

The first and probably the easiest way to indent a paragraph is via the Ruler in Google Docs. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1:Open yourGoogle Docsdocument. By default, Google Docs will show a Ruler right above the document.

Step 2:If you can’t find it, go toView> select theShow ruleroption from the list.

On the left of the Ruler, you’ll find two blue markers. One horizontal line and an upside-down triangle. The horizontal line is the First Line Indent marker, while the upside-down triangle is the Left Indent marker.

To indent the first line of a paragraph, select theparagraphyou wish to indent. Now, drag theFirst Line Indentmarker (Horizontal bar) to its right. A blue line will appear with measurement displayed at the top. Next, move theslideraccordingly to create a First Line indent.

Similarly, if you’re looking to indent the entire paragraph to its right, use the Left Indent marker. Select theparagraphin question and move theLeft Indent marker(upside-down triangle) to its right.

And voila! Now you’ve your paragraph indented. Easy, right?

Keyboard Shortcuts for Normal Indents

Besides using the Ruler, Google Docs also carries handy shortcuts at the top to indent paragraphs.

Step 1:Fire up yourGoogle Docsdocument. Select theparagraphyou wish to indent and use theIncrease IndentorDecrease Indentshortcuts in the toolbar at the top to indent paragraphs.

Alternatively, use theCtrl + ]shortcut to increase indent andCtrl + [shortcut to decrease indent.

Aside from the above, if you’re looking for more precision while indenting paragraphs, go toFormat>Align and indent>Indentation options.

Here, you can set precise indentation distance in centimeters. You can also create aFirst Lineor Hanging indent using theSpecial indentoption. When done, click onApply.

As we saw, using the format tool is an effective way to precisely indent paragraphs in Google Docs.

How to Make a Hanging Indent in Google Docs on PC

Hanging indents where the first line isn’t indented while other lines of the paragraph are, is useful in adding citations to your academic document. Here’s how to do so.

Using Ruler

To create a hanging indent using the Ruler, select theparagraphthat you want to apply a hanging indent to. Now, drag theLeft indent marker(upside-down triangle) to your right to set your paragraph indent.

Now, drag theFirst Line indent(horizontal bar) to your left. This way, you’ll only indent the first line to its left, and the rest of the paragraph will stay put.

Use Format Tool to Make a Hanging Indent

Alternatively, you can use the Format tool in Google Docs to create a hanging indent at a custom value.

Step 1:Select the paragraph you wish to indent. Now go toFormat>Align and indent>Indentation options.

Step 2:UnderSpecial indent, use the drop-down menu to select Hanging from the list. In the box next to it, set acustom valuein centimeters > hitApply.

That’s it. A hanging indent will be created at a specified distance.

How to Make an Indent in Google Docs on Mobile

Google Docs also allows indenting paragraphs in its mobile app on both Android and iPhone. Since there’s no ruler in Google Docs’s mobile version, there’s no direct way to create a First Line or a Hanging indent. So, you’ll be limited to indenting the whole paragraph to the right. Here’s how it works.

Open yourGoogle Docsdocument. Tap thePencilicon at the bottom right to switch to edit mode. Now, place thecursorto the line of the paragraph you wish to indent. Now, tap on theformat iconfrom the toolbar at the top.

Switch to theParagraphtab and use theright Indentoption.

That’s it. This will indent the entire paragraph to its right.

Pro Tip:If you’re looking to indent the first line of a paragraph in the Google Docs app, place your cursor at the beginning of the paragraph. Now, tap the spacebar on your keyboard multiple times to create a First Line indent. This workaround will get the job done.

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Last updated on 22 July, 2024

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