Indenting text helps organize your document. It separates information clearly. You can indent a single line or a whole paragraph. Use the tab selector and horizontal ruler to adjust tabs and indents.

Types of Indents

1. First-line indent: Only the first line of a paragraph moves in. This helps separate paragraphs.
   
   
   
2. Hanging indent: Every line except the first one moves in.
   
   
   

Indenting with the Tab Key

A quick way to indent is by using the Tab key. It creates a first-line indent of ½ inch.

• Place the cursor at the start of the paragraph.
  
  
  
• Press the Tab key.
• The first line moves right by ½ inch.
  
  
  

If you can’t see the ruler, go to the View tab and check the Ruler box.

Indent Markers on the Ruler

Indent markers give more control over paragraph indentation. These markers are on the left side of the ruler.

• First-line indent marker: Moves only the first line.
• Hanging indent marker: Moves all lines except the first.
• Left indent marker: Moves the entire paragraph.

Using Indent Markers

• Place the cursor in the paragraph.
  
  
  
• Click and drag the desired indent marker.
  
  
  
• Release the mouse. The paragraph will move.
  
  
  

Indenting with Indent Commands

You can also use the Indent commands for better control.

• Select the text.
  
  
  
• Go to the Home tab.
  
  
  
• Click Increase Indent or Decrease Indent.
  
  
  

For custom indent amounts, go to the Layout tab. Adjust values under Indent.

Using Tabs

Tabs help position text exactly where you want. By default, pressing the Tab key moves the text ½ inch to the right. You can add tab stops for more control.

Tab Selector

The tab selector is at the top-left, above the ruler. It lets you choose different tab stops:

• Left Tab: Aligns text to the left.
• Center Tab: Centers text.
• Right Tab: Aligns text to the right.
• Decimal Tab: Aligns numbers by the decimal point.
• Bar Tab: Adds a vertical line.
• First Line Indent: Indents only the first line.
• Hanging Indent: Indents everything except the first line.

Adding Tab Stops

• Select the paragraph.
  
• Click the tab selector until the desired tab appears.
  
  
  
• Click on the ruler where you want the tab stop.
• Place the cursor before the text.
  
  
  
• Press the Tab key. The text will move to the tab stop.
  
  
  

Removing Tab Stops

• Select the text with the tab stop.
  
  
  
• Click and drag the tab stop off the ruler.

To see hidden formatting symbols like spaces and tabs, go to the Home tab and click Show/Hide.