Create a Hanging Indent for One or More Paragraphs in Google Docs
by Avantix Learning Team | Updated September 18, 2020
Applies to: Google® Docs (Windows or Mac)
You can create a hanging indent in Google Docs using the Ruler, the Indentation Options dialog box or a keyboard shortcut. A hanging indent is created when the first line of a paragraph is at a location to the left of the subsequent lines in the paragraph. The first line can be indented to the left or right of the following lines. Either way, the first line of a paragraph is indented or outdented. A hanging indent is typically used for bullets and numbering and to cite a reference.
A paragraph in Google Docs is anything with a hard return after it (you have pressed Enter or Return). If you want to create a hanging indent in a multi-line paragraph, there should not be hard returns at the end of each line of text.
Recommended article: Google Docs Shortcuts to Quickly Select Text
Creating a hanging indent using the Ruler
A common way to create a hanging indent is to use the Ruler. If the Ruler is not displayed at the top of the Google Docs document, click the View tab in the menu and select Show Ruler:
To create a hanging indent using the Ruler:
- In the Google Docs document, select the paragraph(s) you want to indent. If you are indenting only one paragraph, simply click in it.
- On the Ruler, drag the left indent marker (blue triangle pointing down) to the location where you want all lines except the first line to indent. The first line indent marker (blue rectangle) should move with it. They are typically stacked together and start at the left margin on the Ruler.
- Click and drag the first line indent marker (the rectangle) back to the left (usually to the margin). This should affect only the first line of hte paragraph.
In the following example, the two marrkers are at different locations on the Ruler:
Creating a hanging indent using the Indentation Options dialog box
To create a hanging indent using the Indentation Options dialog box:
- In the Google Docs document, select the paragraph(s) you want to indent. If you are changing only one paragraph, simply click in it.
- Click Format in the menu.
- Click Align & Indent. and then click Indentation Options. A dialog box appears.
- Under Special Indent, click the drop-down menu and then select Hanging.
- In the box beside Hanging, enter the indent amount in inches.
- Click Apply.
In the following example, indents have been entered for the Left and Hanging Indent in the Inswnrtation Options diaog box in inches:
Creating a hanging indent using a keyboard shortcut
You can also create a hanging indent in Google Docs using a keyboard shortcut. Position the cursor where you want to create the hanging indent (at the end of the first line) and then press Shift + Enter or Shift + Return and then press Tab. This creates a line break or a soft return. It’s better, however, to use the two methods above to create hanging indents.
Automatic indenting
When you apply bullets or numbering, Google Docs changes the indents of the first and subsequent lines in a paragraph or paragraphs automatically.
Subscribe to get more articles like this one
Did you find this article helpful? If you would like to receive new articles, join our email list.
Related articles
How to Superscript in Google Docs
How to Strikethrough Text in Google Docs (with Shortcuts)
How to Convert PowerPoint to Google Slides (5 Ways)
Related courses
Microsoft Word: Intermediate / Advanced
Our instructor-led courses are delivered in virtual classroom format or at our downtown Toronto location at 1 Yonge Street, Suite 1801 (Toronto Star Building), Toronto, Ontario, Canada (some live classroom courses may also be delivered at an alternate downtown Toronto location). Contact us at info@avantixlearning.ca if you'd like to arrange custom training on a date that's convenient for you.
Copyright 2021 Avantix® Learning
You may also like
How to Remove Comments in Word (3+ Ways)
You can remove comments in Word by right-clicking, using the Review tab in the Ribbon or using the Inspector. The problem with comments is that they may be hidden if markup is not displayed. It’s a good idea to display markup and then remove comments.
How to Change Number Formats in Word Mail Merge Fields
You can change or fix the format of a number field in a Microsoft Word mail merge document using switches in field codes. Number formatting issues tend to occur when the source document for the mail merge is an Excel workbook or Access database.
How to Change Margins in Google Docs
You can change margins in Google Docs using the Page Setup dialog box or by using the Ruler. You have the option of changing the top, bottom left and right margins for your document. Note that margins can be different in each section of a document if you have inserted section breaks. By default, a Google Docs file contains one section.
Google, the Google logo and related Google Drive applications and logos are registered trademarks of Google LLC in Canada, US and other countries. Microsoft, the Microsoft logo, Microsoft Office and related Microsoft applications and logos are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in Canada, US and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of the registered owners.
Avantix Learning | 1 Yonge Street, Suite 1801 (Toronto Star Building), Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5E 1W7 | info@avantixlearning.ca
