A hanging indent is where the first line of a paragraph stays at the margin while every line below it is indented. It’s required for references and bibliographies (APA, MLA, Chicago). Here’s how to do a hanging indent in Google Docs, step by step.
How to do a hanging indent in Google Docs (the easy way)
- Select the text (or paragraph) you want to indent.
- In the top menu, click Format.
- Go to Align & indent, then click Indentation options.
- Under Special indent, choose Hanging.
- Set the size (0.5 inch is standard) and click Apply.
Your paragraph now has a hanging indent. This is the most reliable method and works the same on Windows, Mac and Chromebook.
Using the ruler (drag method)
Prefer to do it visually?
- Make sure the ruler is visible (View > Show ruler).
- Select your text.
- Drag the left indent marker (the light-blue triangle) to where you want the indented lines.
- Then drag the first-line indent marker (the rectangle on top) back to the left margin.
How to do a hanging indent in the Google Docs app (mobile)
The Google Docs mobile app has limited indent controls, so the reliable route is to open your document in Google Docs on a computer and use the Format menu above. If you must use mobile, you can approximate it with the increase-indent button, but the desktop method is exact.
Why use a hanging indent?
Hanging indents make reference lists easy to scan and are required by most academic styles (APA, MLA, Chicago). They’re also handy for glossaries and definition lists.
Frequently asked questions
What size should a hanging indent be?
0.5 inches (1.27 cm) is the standard for APA and MLA.
Can I apply it to multiple references at once?
Yes. Select all the references first, then apply the hanging indent, and it applies to each paragraph.
More Google Docs tips: How to double space in Google Docs and How to change margins in Google Docs.