Google Docs

Using tab stops

Using tab stops gives you more control over the placement of text. By default, each time you press the Tab key on the keyboard the insertion point will move 1/2 inch to the right. By adding tab stops to the ruler, you can change the size of the tabs, and you can apply more than one tab stop to a single line. For example, on a resume you can right-align important dates by adding a right tab stop.

Using two types of alignment on the same line

There are three types of tab stops in Google Documents.

• Left tab-stop : Left-aligns text at the tab stop
• Center tab-stop : Centers text around the tab stop
• Right tab-stop : Right-aligns text at the tab stop
  
  

Pressing the Tab key can either add a tab or create a first-line indent depending on the location of the insertion point. Generally, if the insertion point is at the beginning of an existing paragraph it will create a first-line indent; otherwise, it will create a tab.

To add tab stops:

1. Select the paragraph or paragraphs where you want to add tab stops. If you don't select any paragraphs, the tab stops will apply to the current paragraph and any new paragraphs you type below it.
   Selecting text to add a tab-stop
2. Click the location on the ruler where you want your text to appear. A drop-down menu of tab stop selections will appear.
   Clicking the ruler
   
3. Select the desired tab stop. You can add as many tab stops as you want.
   Selecting a tab-stop
4. Place the insertion point at the location where you wish to add the tab.
   Placing the insertion point
5. Press the Tab key on the keyboard. The text will jump to the location of the next tab stop.
   Applying the tab stop

To remove the tab stop, click, hold, and drag it off of the ruler.