How to Create a Hanging Indent in Google Docs: 2 Methods

How to do a Hanging indent on Google Docss - Quick Steps

• Open Google Docs > Select the Text
• Click on “Format” menu > Choose “Align & Indent”
• Select “Indentation options” > Choose “Hanging” from the drop-down menu
• Set the indentation amount > Click “Apply"

Creating a hanging indent on Google Docs is a common formatting request for users working on academic papers, research documents, or professional reports. A hanging indent helps improve the readability and presentation of your document, especially when formatting citations or references in styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago.

This guide will show you how to do a hanging indent on Google Docs on Desktop, Chromebook Mobile(Android & iPhone), iPad, and Mac using built-in tools like the ruler or formatting options, making it easy to achieve a clean and professional look for your documents. Follow along to increase readability and meet formatting guidelines easily.

Disclaimer: Always verify your formatting settings to ensure they match the required style guide for your document.

Method 1: Create a Hanging Indent Using the Ruler Tool

This method utilizes the built-in ruler tool in Google Docs, offering a manual way to adjust your text's indentation. To create a hanging indent in Google Docs, you can do the following:

Step 1: Launch Google Docs

Open Google Docs on your browser to start working on the document.

Step 2: Open the Document

Select the document you want to edit and perform the Indentation using Ruler.

Step 3: Select the Text or Paragraph

Select the text or paragraph where you want to apply the hanging indent.

Step 4: Adjust the Left Indent in the Ruler

Locate the ruler just below the customization panel. Click and drag the left indent to the desired position. For a hanging indent, adjust the first line to the original margin and move the rest of the paragraph's lines to the right.

Note: As in the hanging intent, the first line is kept unchanged. So we have to move the 1st line back to its original margin.

Method 2: Create a Hanging Indent in Google Docs Using the Indentation Options

This method uses Google Docs' built-in "Special Indent" option, which is quick and easy. You can use the following steps:

Step 1: Launch Google Docs

Open Google Docs in your preferred web browser.

Step 2: Open the Google Document

Access the document where you want to apply the hanging indent.

Step 3: Select the Text

Select the section of text that will receive the hanging indent.

Step 4: Go to the Format Tab

Open the "Format" options (located at the top panel or the upper section of our main screen) to begin customizing the indentation settings.

Step 5: Select Align & Indent from the Drop down Menu

Choose the "Alignment and Indent" menu to locate the hanging indent option (Indentation options).

Step 6: Select Hanging Under Special Indent and Click Apply

Subsequently, a compact window will emerge. Inside this window, you will see an option named "Special Indent" opt for this option, which will trigger a drop down menu to appear, and within it, select "Hanging." Upon completing this step, just click on the "Apply" button, and your hanging indent will be implemented.

Note: For Windows, press Ctrl + ] to increase the indent. For Mac, press Command + ]. Adjust the first line manually using the ruler if necessary.

Step 7: Preview Hanging Indent

Your hanging indent in being successfully applied to the selected paragraph, in which the first line of the paragraph is the same as the initial state, and the rest of the paragraph lines are indented in the hanging format.

Note: There is no built-in-support to make Hanging indent on Mobile Devices using Google Docs Application.

How to Add Hanging Indent in Google Docs on Mobile App (iOS/Android/iPad)

Creating a hanging indent in Google Docs on your mobile device or iPad can be a bit tricky, but it's possible using the formatting options. Here's how to do it step by step:

Step 1: Open the Google Docs App

Launch the Google Docs app on your mobile device and open the document you wish to edit.

Step 2: Select the Text You Want to Format

Tap and hold on to the text to select the paragraph or block of text where you want to apply the hanging indent.

Step 3: Tap on the “Format” Option

Tap the "A" icon at the top of the screen to open the text formatting options.

Step 4: Adjust the Indentation

In the "Format" menu, select "Paragraph" options. Under "Indentation," tap "Special" and then choose "Hanging." You can also adjust the size of the indent.

Step 5: Apply and Save Changes

After applying the hanging indent, tap anywhere outside the formatting menu to save the changes.

Also Read:

• How To Make A Grid In Google Docs
• How to Use Add-Ons in Google Docs
• How to Highlight in Google Docs

Conclusion

Now that you know how to do a hanging indent on Google Docs, you can easily apply this formatting for cleaner, more organized citations and paragraphs. Whether you're preparing for academic writing, a professional report, or formatting bibliographies, this guide will help you make your document look polished and aligned with standard writing styles. By mastering the hanging indent feature, you can enhance your document’s overall structure and readability with just a few simple steps.