- Introduction
- Formatting Text
- Formatting Text for Emphasis
- Changing Character Spacing
- Selecting Text with Similar Formatting
- Finding and Replacing Formatting
- Finding and Replacing Custom Formatting
- Changing Paragraph Alignment
- Changing Line Spacing
- Displaying Rulers
- Setting Paragraph Tabs
- Setting Paragraph Indents
- Creating Bulleted and Numbered Lists
- Applying Borders and Shading
- Hiding Text
Setting Paragraph Indents
WD07S-2.1.4, WD07S-4.2.3
Quickly indent lines of text to precise locations from the left or right margin with the horizontal ruler. Indent the first line of a paragraph (called a first-line indent) as books do to distinguish paragraphs. Indent the second and subsequent lines of a paragraph from the left margin (called a hanging indent) to create a properly formatted bibliography. Indent the entire paragraph any amount from the left and right margins (called left indents and right indents) to separate quoted passages.
Indent Paragraph Lines Precisely
Click the View Ruler button to display the Ruler.
Click the paragraph or select multiple paragraphs to indent:
- To change the left indent of the first line, drag the First-line Indent marker.
- To change the indent of the second and subsequent lines, drag the Hanging Indent marker.
- To change the left indent for all lines, drag the Left Indent marker.
To change the right indent for all lines, drag the Right Indent marker.
As you drag a marker, the dotted guideline helps you accurately position the indent. You can also press and hold Alt to see a measurement in the ruler.
Indent a Paragraph
Click the paragraph, or select multiple paragraphs to indent.
Click the Home tab.
Click the Increase Indent button or Decrease Indent button to move the paragraph right or left one-half inch.
Set Indentation Using the Tab Key
Click the Office button, and then click Word Options.
In the left pane, click Proofing, and then click AutoCorrect Options.
Click the AutoFormat As You Type tab.
Select the Set left- and first-indent with tabs and backspaces check box.
Click OK.