How to Do a Hanging Indent in Google Docs
Michael (154)It takes just a little bit of detective work to find out how to create a hanging indent in Google Docs. Luckily for you, we’ve saved you the time by showing you how to set up and use the hanging indent in Google Docs.
What is a hanging indent?
A hanging indent is when the next line of a paragraph receives an indent, while the first line remains flush with the left side of the page. For example:
This would be the first line that you are trying to type. The second line is indented like this. And even the third. It’s rare when you need to use a hanging indent in Google Docs, but there are cases.
When to use a hanging indent?
Most often, you’ll use a hanging indent when you’re creating a bibliography or works cited page at the end of an essay or research paper. The sources you list in your bibliography will be in hanging indents and alphabetically listed. The standard hanging indent is 1/2 inch.
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To access the “Indentation Options” menu:
- Go to Format.
- Select Align & indent.
- Choose Indentation options.
Under “Special Indent”:
- Choose Hanging.
- Set how much you wish to indent. (The standard indent is 0.5 inches.)
Now, your default paragraph in Google Docs will utilize a hanging indent, as opposed to a traditional one or no indent.
To change back to no indent
If you no longer need to use a hanging indent in a Google Doc, you’ll simply go back to Indentation options, change “Hanging” to “None”, and select Apply.
Michael (154)In this guide, we’ll show the shortcuts for both using subscripts and superscripts in Google Docs. What is a subscript?
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