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 your Google Docs document. By default, Google Docs will show a Ruler right above the document.
Step 2: If you can’t find it, go to View > select the Show ruler option 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 the paragraph you wish to indent. Now, drag the First Line Indent marker (Horizontal bar) to its right. A blue line will appear with measurement displayed at the top. Next, move the slider accordingly 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 the paragraph in question and move the Left 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 your Google Docs document. Select the paragraph you wish to indent and use the Increase Indent or Decrease Indent shortcuts in the toolbar at the top to indent paragraphs.
Alternatively, use the Ctrl + ] shortcut to increase indent and Ctrl + [ shortcut to decrease indent.
Aside from the above, if you’re looking for more precision while indenting paragraphs, go to Format > Align and indent > Indentation options.
Here, you can set precise indentation distance in centimeters. You can also create a First Line or Hanging indent using the Special indent option. When done, click on Apply.
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 the paragraph that you want to apply a hanging indent to. Now, drag the Left indent marker (upside-down triangle) to your right to set your paragraph indent.
Now, drag the First 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 to Format > Align and indent > Indentation options.
Step 2: Under Special indent, use the drop-down menu to select Hanging from the list. In the box next to it, set a custom value in centimeters > hit Apply.
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 your Google Docs document. Tap the Pencil icon at the bottom right to switch to edit mode. Now, place the cursor to the line of the paragraph you wish to indent. Now, tap on the format icon from the toolbar at the top.
Switch to the Paragraph tab and use the right Indent option.
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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