Hanging indents are typically used in bibliography or reference sections. The steps are the same for Word 2016, Word 2013, and Word 2010.Īside from indenting the first line, it’s also possible to indent every line except for the first line, known as a hanging indent or second line indent. The images featured in this article are from Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), which is the same as Word 2019. As a general rule, block paragraphs are more common when writing for an online platform, and indented paragraphs are more common in print publishing and academic research. When creating a body of text in a Word document, indenting the first line adds structure and is the most common way to signal the start of a new paragraph or topic.īlock paragraphs are the default in Word, meaning that each line within a paragraph is aligned with the left margin, and the paragraphs only visually separated by line spaces.

Indent using Microsoft’s indent markers.

Selecting None will remove a Hanging or First Line indent from the selected paragraph. Hanging indent (also known as second line indent)Ī Hanging indent, also known as a second line indent, sets off the first line of a paragraph by positioning it at the margin, and then indenting each subsequent line of the paragraph.Ī First Line indent only indents the top line of a paragraph, with subsequent lines staying at the margin. This creates a new line without ending the paragraph. If you need to start another line within the paragraph that continues the format, use Shift+ Enter.

When you press the Enter key, it starts a new paragraph, and the indent style over again. The indent styles are applied to a paragraph where sentences are typed to the end without pressing the Enter key. There are essentially two paragraph indent styles, Hanging and First Line indents. Word for Microsoft 365 Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac Word for the web Word 2021 Word 2021 for Mac Word 2019 Word 2019 for Mac Word 2016 Word 2016 for Mac Word 2013 Word 2010 More.

Make first line indent in word