How To Indent On Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Published on November 11, 2025

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Google Docs is a powerful and versatile word processor, but sometimes formatting can be tricky. One common formatting task is indenting text, which is essential for creating organized and readable documents. Whether you need to indent a single paragraph, multiple paragraphs, or create hanging indents for bibliographies, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

This article will show you exactly how to indent on Google Docs, covering all the different methods and scenarios you might encounter. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently format your documents with perfect indentation every time.

How Do I Indent in Google Docs?

Using the Ruler to Indent

The ruler is the most visual and intuitive way to indent in Google Docs. Here’s how to use it:

Select the paragraph(s) you want to indent. Click and drag your mouse to highlight the text.
Locate the ruler at the top of the document. If you don’t see it, go to “View” in the menu and make sure “Show ruler” is checked.
Drag the indent markers on the ruler to adjust the indentation. There are three markers:

First Line Indent (top marker): Controls the indentation of the first line of the paragraph.
Left Indent (bottom marker): Controls the indentation of the entire paragraph from the left margin.
Right Indent (right marker): Controls the indentation of the entire paragraph from the right margin.

Adjust as needed. Drag the markers until you achieve the desired indentation.

Using the Indent Options in the Format Menu

Google Docs also provides indent options within the Format menu. This method offers more precise control over indentation.

Select the paragraph(s) you want to indent. Click and drag your mouse to highlight the text.
Click “Format” in the menu bar.
Select “Align & indent.”
Choose “Indentation options…” A dialog box will appear.
Specify the indentation values. You can set the left, right, and first line indents in inches or centimeters.
Click “Apply.” The selected paragraphs will be indented according to your specifications.

Creating a Hanging Indent

A hanging indent is commonly used in bibliographies and reference lists, where the first line of the entry starts at the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented.

Select the paragraph(s) you want to apply the hanging indent to.
Use the Ruler:

Drag the Left Indent marker (the bottom rectangle) to the desired indent position.
Then, drag the First Line Indent marker (the top triangle) back to the left margin.

Alternatively, use the Format menu:

Follow steps 1-4 from the previous section (Using the Indent Options in the Format Menu).
Under “Special indent,” select “Hanging.”
Specify the indent size and click “Apply.”

Indenting Entire Sections

If you need to indent an entire section of your document, you can use the same methods as above, but make sure to select all the paragraphs within that section.

Select all paragraphs in the section you want to indent.
Use the Ruler or Format menu to adjust the indentation as needed.
Ensure consistency throughout the section.

Clearing Indents

To remove indentation from a paragraph, follow these steps:

Select the paragraph(s) you want to clear the indents from.
Using the Ruler: Drag both the First Line Indent and Left Indent markers back to the left margin.
Using the Format menu:

Go to “Format” > “Align & indent” > “Indentation options…”
Set the left, right, and first line indents to “0” and click “Apply.”

Tips for Perfect Indentation

Use consistent indentation: Choose an indentation style and stick to it throughout your document for a professional look.
Use non-breaking spaces: If you need to create a small indent within a line, use a non-breaking space (Ctrl+Shift+Space) instead of multiple spaces.
Use tabs sparingly: While tabs can create indents, they can also cause inconsistencies in formatting. It’s generally better to use the ruler or format menu for more precise control.
Check the preview: Before finalizing your document, review the formatting to ensure that the indentation looks correct and consistent.

Mastering Indentation on Google Docs

Indentation is a key element in creating well-structured and easily readable documents in Google Docs. By using the ruler, format menu, and the tips above, you can confidently format your text to meet any requirements.

FAQ

How do I indent multiple lines in Google Docs? Select the multiple lines you want to indent, then use the ruler or the Format menu to adjust the left indent.

How do I create a hanging indent in Google Docs? Select the paragraph, then use the ruler by dragging the left indent marker to the desired position and then dragging the first line indent marker back to the left margin. Alternatively, use the Format menu and select “Hanging” under “Special indent.”

Why is my indent not working in Google Docs? Make sure the ruler is visible (“View” > “Show ruler”). Also, check if there are any conflicting formatting settings applied to the paragraph.

How do I remove an indent in Google Docs? Select the paragraph and drag the indent markers on the ruler back to the left margin, or set the left, right, and first line indents to “0” in the Format menu.

How can I indent a bullet point in Google Docs? You can adjust the indent of bullet points by selecting the bulleted list and dragging the indent markers on the ruler.

Common Indentation Scenarios

Scenario	Method
Indent first line	Use the ruler and drag the First Line Indent marker to the right.
Indent entire paragraph	Use the ruler and drag the Left Indent marker to the right.
Create hanging indent	Use the ruler: drag the Left Indent marker to the desired indent position, then drag the First Line Indent marker back to the left margin. Or, use the Format menu and select “Hanging” under “Special indent.”
Indent a numbered list	Select the numbered list and drag the indent markers on the ruler to adjust the position of the numbers and the text.
Remove all indents	Select the paragraph and drag the indent markers on the ruler back to the left margin, or set the left, right, and first line indents to “0” in the Format menu.

Google Docs Indentation Made Easy

With these steps, you can easily manage indentation in Google Docs, creating professional and well-formatted documents every time.