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Formatting Google Docs: Changing Indentation

A guide to assist students in formatting a paper in Google Docs

Paragraph Indentation

The first line of each paragraph should be indented one-half inch from the margin.

Screen capture showing a one half inch indent of the first line of a paragraph in Google Docs.

To achieve this, use the Tab key on your keyboard. Press the Tab key once at the beginning of each paragraph. 

Image of a computer keyboard showing the location of the Tab key.

Hanging Indentation for Citations

Many citation styles require citations to have a "hanging indentation". This means that the first line of the citation will be against the margin and the next lines will be indented one-half inch. 

Screen capture of a page showing two references and a hanging indent.

To achieve this, start by highlighting your completed references. 

Next, (1) Open the Format menu, then (2) open the Align & indent menu, (3) select Indentation options. 

Screen capture showing the location of the format menu, align and indent and indentation options in Google Docs.

In the Indentation options menu, open the dropdown under Special indent and select "hanging". The spacing should default to  "0.5" which is exactly what you need. Click Apply to apply the hanging indent to your references and close the window.

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