The first line of a paragraph is flush with the left margin but all the lines below it are indented. This style of paragraph indentation is referred to as a hanging indent, second line indent, or reverse indent. It facilitates the reader’s ability to quickly scan a “works cited” or “bibliography” page for breaks and/or author names and is frequently used in MLA, APA, and other citation styles.
- Highlight the citation(s) you want to indent. …
- Along the top menu, click on “Format,” then go down to “Align & indent,” then click on “Indentation options.”
- In the Indentation options menu, under “Special,” select “Hanging.”
- Click “Apply.”
How is a hanging indent different from a regular indent?
Only the first line of text is indented normally; the remaining lines are flush left with the margin. A regular indent is also automatically set at . 5 is the required minimum for this kind of format.
What is a hanging indent?
When your first line of text is flush left with the margin but the second line of text and each subsequent line are indented, this is known as a hanging indent. In Google Docs, the indent size is automatically set at 5 is the required minimum for this kind of format.
When do you use a hanging indent?
When citing a list of sources in a document, such as bibliographies, reference pages, or other places, a hanging indent is used. The information is easier to read and easier to distinguish between each individual source when presented in this manner. The Chicago Manual of Style, the AP Stylebook, the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Modern Language Association (MLA) are just a few of the major style manuals that support this format.
How to make a hanging indent in Google Docs
The steps to create a hanging indent in Google Docs are as follows:
Even though the default setting is zero, you can choose the size of the hanging indent you require. 5 inches. When you come back to your document, the hanging indent will already be there.
Example of hanging indents in a reference list
The references in the sample list below demonstrate the benefits of using hanging indents.
Google Docs – Hanging Indent
FAQ
How do you make a hanging indent in Google Docs?
- First, select the text you want to indent. You can highlight one or multiple paragraphs.
- To return to the left margin, drag the First Line Indent marker (the light blue rectangle) now.
- And there you go! Your hanging indent is created.
Why won’t Google Docs do a hanging indent?
Highlight your citation(s) in Google Docs, then select Format. Click the “hanging” option under “Special Indent” in the Indentation options window that appears. Make sure it says “0. Click Apply after entering “5” in the field next to that dropdown. Voila!.
What is the shortcut for hanging indent in Google Docs?
Additionally, a keyboard shortcut in Google Docs can be used to add a hanging indent. Place the cursor at the end of the first line, where you want the hanging indent to appear, and then press Shift Enter or Shift Return, followed by Tab.
How do you make a one inch hanging indent on Google Docs?
Additionally, a keyboard shortcut in Google Docs can be used to add a hanging indent. Place the cursor at the end of the first line, where you want the hanging indent to appear, and then press Shift Enter or Shift Return, followed by Tab.
