Google Docs

Using indents and tab stops

Watch the video (3:12).

Watch the video to learn how to add indents and tab stops in Google Documents.

Indenting text

In many types of documents, you may want to indent only the first line of each paragraph. This helps to visually separate paragraphs from one another.

First Line Indent

To indent using the Tab key:

A quick and common way to indent is to use the Tab key. This will create a first line indent of 1/2 inch.

1. Place the insertion point at the very beginning of the paragraph you wish to indent.
   Placing the insertion point
2. Press the Tab key on the keyboard. The text in the first line will move to the right by 1/2 inch.
   Pressing the Tab key

To indent using the Indent shortcut buttons:

If you want to indent all lines in a paragraph, you can use the Increase indent or Decrease indent shortcut buttons.

1. Select the text you wish to indent.
   Selecting text to indent
2. Click the Increase indent shortcut button to increase the indent by increments of 1/2 inch.
   Increasing the indent
3. All lines of the paragraph will indent.
   Multiple indented lines
4. Click the Decrease indent shortcut button to decrease the indent by increments of 1/2 inch.
   Decreasing the indent

Alternatively, you can click Format from the menu toolbar and select Paragraph styles to locate the Increase indent and Decrease indent commands.

Using the Format menu