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How to Indent on Google Docs App [2 Minute Guide]

To indent on the Google Docs app, select the text you want to indent, then tap the “A” icon in the top-right corner of the screen. Next, tap the paragraph in the formatting bar until you see the “Indent” icons. Finally, tap the “Indent” icon to increase the indent level. Repeat as needed.

Indenting text is an essential formatting tool that allows users to visually separate sections or paragraphs, creating a clear hierarchy of information.  However, if you’re new to the Google Docs app, it can be a bit confusing when trying to figure out how to indent paragraphs. Fortunately, the process is simple. With just a few clicks, you can easily create a professional-looking document in no time.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to indent on the Google Docs app, so you can quickly and easily format your text on the go.

What Is an Indent?

An indent is a space left at the beginning of a line of text to set it apart from the surrounding text. It is often used to signal a new paragraph, to organize text into sections visually, or to create a hierarchy of information.

Indenting can also make a document look more visually appealing and easier to read by creating a clear visual distinction between the different parts of the text. An indent in Google Docs is usually created by pressing the “Tab” key on a keyboard, which moves the text to the right of the margin by a certain amount.

Did you know that aside from Google Docs, you can also indent on Google Sheets? We have a separate guide if you are curious about how it’s done.

When Do You Usually Use Indention?

One of the most common uses of indention is in block quotes. When quoting someone else’s words or text, it’s standard practice to indent the text to set it apart from the rest of the content. This signals the reader that they’re reading someone else’s words and not the writer’s original text.

Another vital use of indention is in creating lists or outlining information. The writer can create a visual hierarchy highlighting each point’s importance by indenting each item in a list. This not only makes the text more readable but can also help the reader to understand the structure of the content better.

Additionally, indention can create a sense of rhythm and flow in writing. By alternating indents within a paragraph or section of the text, the writer can create a visual melody that makes the text more engaging and enjoyable.

How to Indent on Google Docs App on Android

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to indent on Google Docs mobile app (Android):

  1. First, launch the Google Docs app on your Android device.
  2. Next, create a new document or open an existing one.
  3. Tap on the “Edit” (pencil) icon on the bottom-right corner of the screen.
How to Indent on Google Docs App on Android - Edit icon

 

  1. Tap and hold the paragraph or line of text you want to indent. Doing this will highlight the text.
  2. Next, tap on the “Format” icon (Letter A). This will open the text formatting options.
Google Docs App on Android - Format (A) icon

 

  1. Tap “Paragraph.”
Google Docs App on Android - Paragraph button

 

  1. Next, select “Left Indention” or “Right Indention.”
Left indention or right indention

 

  1. Tap again if you want to adjust the indention more to the left or right.

That’s it! Your paragraph or line of text should now be indented as per your chosen settings.

Pro tip: To indent multiple paragraphs at once, tap and hold one paragraph, then drag your finger over the other paragraphs to select them. Then follow steps 4 to 7 to indent them.

How to Indent on Google Docs App on iOS

Here’s how to indent paragraphs in the Google Docs app on iPhone:

  1. Open the Google Docs app on your iOS device.
  2. Open the document you want to indent.
  3. Tap on the “Edit” (pencil) icon on the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Google Docs App on iOS - Edit icon

 

  1. After that, tap and hold the first word of the paragraph you want to indent.
  2. Next, tap the “A” (text formatting icon) at the top-right side of the screen.
Google Docs App on iOS - Format (A) icon

 

  1. Select “Paragraph” from the drop-down menu.
Google Docs App on iOS - Paragraph button

 

  1. Next, select “Left Indention” or “Right Indention.”
Google Docs App on iOS - Left or right indention

 

  1. Tap again if you want to adjust the indention more to the left or right.
  2. Select the paragraphs by tapping and dragging your finger over the text to apply the same indentation to multiple paragraphs.
Google Docs App on iOS - highlight all texts

 

  1. Repeat steps 3-7 to adjust the indentation for all selected paragraphs.

How to Indent Bullets in Google Docs App

Bullets are a great way to organize lists in your document. However, having a long list of bullets can be challenging to read without indentation. But don’t worry! Indenting bullets in the Google Docs App is actually easy.

Simply follow the steps outlined below:

  1. Open the Google Docs app on your mobile device.
  2. Create a new document or open an existing one that contains bulleted lists.
  3. Tap on the “Edit” (pencil) icon on the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Indent Bullets on Google Docs App - Edit icon

 

  1. Tap and hold the bullet points you want to indent.
  2. Choose between “Left Indention” or “Right Indention.”
Indent Bullets on Google Docs App - Left and Right indention

 

  1. Tap again if you want to adjust the indention more to the left or right.
  2. After that, the bullet points will move, indicating the indent has been added.

How to Indent First Line on Google Docs App

Indenting the first line of a paragraph is a common practice in document creation. It can help make your document look more organized and professional. However, this feature is unavailable on the Google Docs app for mobile devices as of writing.

However, you can still achieve this by using Google Docs on a desktop. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Open your Google Docs
  2. Create a new document or open an existing one
  3. Place your cursor at the beginning of the paragraph you want to indent.
  4. Next, press the “Tab” key on your keyboard. It should move the first line of the paragraph based on the default spacing.
    Use the tab key on keyboard to indent
  5. Moving the inverted triangle icon on the document’s ruler can also adjust the indention.
Use ruler to indent first line of paragraph in Google Docs

How to Indent Paragraphs on Google Docs App

Indenting paragraphs is a great way to make your document look more organized and easier to read. Doing so moves the entire paragraph away from the left margin.

Here’s how to indent a paragraph on Google Docs mobile:

  1. First, open the Google Docs app on your device and open the document where you want to indent the paragraphs.
  2. Tap on the “Edit” (pencil) icon on the bottom-right corner of the screen.
How to Indent on Google Docs App on Android - Edit icon

 

  1. Select the paragraphs you want to indent. You can do this by tapping and holding on the first word of the paragraph until it is highlighted and then dragging the selection to the end of the last paragraph you want to indent.
  2. Once the paragraphs are selected, tap the “Format” (A) icon on the top-right corner of the screen. This will open the text formatting menu.
Google Docs App—format button

 

  1. Tap “Paragraph”
Google Docs App - paragraph button

 

  1. Tap the “Right Indent” or “Left Indent” button to adjust the paragraph’s position, and that’s it! Your paragraphs should now be indented in the Google Docs app.
Indent on Google Docs App using Right and Left indent buttons

 

If you find it hard to locate the paragraph you want to be intended, perhaps you can locate it using some keywords. Here’s how to find and replace words in Google Docs to keep you started.

Why Use Indent in Google Docs?

There are several reasons why you might want to use indentation. Here are some of them:

  • Clarity: Indentation makes it easier to distinguish one paragraph from another, making your text more readable and clearer. It’s a common way to signal to the reader that a new paragraph has begun.
  • Organization: This helps organize your document, making it easier for readers to follow the flow of your ideas. You can also use indentation to create a hierarchical or nested list where the sub-items are indented beneath the main item.
  • Professionalism: Using indentation in your document can make it look more professional and polished.
  • Accessibility: Indentation can make your document more accessible to visually impaired readers by creating clear breaks between paragraphs.
  • Conformity: By using indentation, you ensure that your work complies with accepted formatting standards, making it simpler for editors and publishers to review and revise.
  • Emphasis: Indenting text can draw attention to a particular line or section of text, making it stand out from the rest of the content.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between a First-Line Indent and a Hanging Indent?

A first-line indent indents only the first line of a paragraph, while a hanging indent indents all lines except the first. A first-line indent is typically used for block quotes.

Meanwhile, a hanging indent is commonly used for bulleted or numbered lists. Knowing the difference between these two types of indents can help you create a more professional-looking document.

What Types of Indents Are Available in Google Docs?

Google Docs offers three types of indents: first-line indent, hanging indent, and right indent.

  • A first-line indent is an indent that only indents the first line of a paragraph. It’s commonly used for block quotes.
  • A hanging indent is an indent that indents all lines except the first. It’s commonly used for bulleted or numbered lists.
  • A right indent moves the entire right side of the text. This means that the text will be shifted to the right, creating a margin on the right side of the document.

Can I Remove an Indent in Google Docs App?

Yes, you can. To remove or adjust an indent in the Google Docs app, use the “Right indent” or “Left indent” buttons at the bottom of the formatting bar.

Conclusion

And that’s how to indent on the Google Docs app. With these steps, you can master the art of indentation and create documents that are well-structured, easy to read, and visually appealing.

Are you interested in improving your grammar and punctuation in your Google applications? If so, check out Grammarly, the powerful AI tool that will increase your language proficiency.

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