Hanging Indent | Word & Google Docs Instructions

At the time of writing a research paper or bibliography especially while using MLA and Chicago style, APA style, the word “Hanging Indent” always comes up. But what exactly is a hanging indent? Why and when is it used? And how can you create one in Google doc and Microsoft docs? Don’t worry! This blog post will assist you in knowing everything simply, in easy follow steps and support you in formatting the professional document. Also you will explore this guide on how to do a hanging indent in google doc.

What Is a Hanging Indent?

Hanging Indent is a formatting style where the line of paragraph starts from margin left and accordingly all the content moves to right. It’s the opposite of a normal paragraph where the first line is indented and the rest are aligned together.

Lorence, Kohenr. *Understanding Writing Styles*. Academic Press, 2014.

This book explores various academic writing styles used in college.

The above is the example of hanging indent apa format where the first line starts at margin and second line is indented.

Why Use a Hanging Indent? Common Formatting Styles

This kind of indent is mainly used in reference lists, citations such as MLA, APA and Chicago, to help the readers quickly know the Author’s name. Here’s why it is helpful:

· Keeps the author line up for easy reading such as in hanging indent APA format.

· Looks professional and neat

· Make long citations more simple and organised.

· Requirements in bibliography and reference section.

How to Create a Hanging Indent in Microsoft Word

Method 1 (hanging indent shortcut in word)

Use of the paragraph settings: For hanging indent in google doc open the document in Microsoft word and highlight the paragraph and citation where you want to apply. Right click on the highlighted text and select the paragraph. Look for the indentation section in the paragraph window. Set the “By” default and click on OK. These will create a hanging indent in word.

Method 2: (hanging indent shortcut in word)

Use the ruler in word for visual formatting. You can see the view tab and check the box next to the ruler. Highlight the paragraph or citation that you want to in the doc. Look at the ruler at the top of the document and you will see two triangles and a rectangle. Click and drag the triangle from bottom to the right, usually 0.5 inches. The top one should stay at 0.

Quick points for hanging Indent in Word:

ü Highlight the paragraph or citation.

ü Right-click and choose Paragraph.

ü In the “Indentation” section, set “Special” to Hanging.

ü Set “By” to 0.5 inches (standard).

ü At last just click the OK button.

How to Make a Hanging Indent in Google Docs

Following are step wise guides for you on how to make a hanging indent in google doc written in simple and easy instructions perfect for every professional person.

Step 1: Highlight the paragraph or citation of format and click on format on top of menu bar

Step 2: Click on above on indentation options and look for a special indent which should be set somewhere 0.5 inches. Click on apply.

Done! Your hanging indent shortcut in Google doc is ready.

Quick points for hanging Indent in google doc:-

ü Highlight the text. Click Format > Align & Indent > Indentation options.

ü Under “Special indent,” choose Hanging.

ü Set to 0.5 inches and click Apply.

Hanging indent shortcut: Highlight the paragraph and press control +T

Hanging Indent for APA, MLA, and Chicago Style

Hanging Indent for APA format citation style: American psychological association style of reference is particularly used for subject concern social science, humanities, education and psychology. Here in this kind of style hanging indents are used in the reference section at the end of paper. This style requires all lines after the first in each reference and that to be in 0.5 inches. This assists the writer in highlighting the author’ name and makes reading easy.

For example: Keth, M. J. (2012). *Learning human mind and behavior*. London Press.

This content covers fundamental theories of human behaviour and learning.

Hanging Indent for MLA format citation style:

Modern language association style of reference is particularly used for the subject areas such as literature, English, arts and humanities and theory related subjects. This citation style is mainly used in work cited pages and requires 0.5 inch after the first line. This is standard citation style across all work cited sections.

For example: Kethy, Johny. *Writing for the Art*. London Publishing, 2020.

A detailed guide on how to write art culture theories

Hanging Indent for Chicago manual format citation style:

Chicago style is particularly used in subject concern history, law, theory areas and publishing. These citation styles of reference are particularly used in bibliographies. This style of hanging indent is just like APA and MLA. The main difference is in how the citation is structured and formatted.

For example: Juhi, Janey. *The upbringing of Modern Media*. University of London Press, 2011.

A comprehensive look at modern techniques.

Troubleshooting Hanging Indent Issues

Common hanging issues and problems are following:

1. Nothing happens when you apply the indent and highlighted citation looks the same.

2. First line is no longer a hanging indent.

3. Extra line breaking issues and cause problems. Pressing the enter button continuously in the middle can result in separate paragraphs.

4. Manually hitting the tab key and using the space can break over all formatting especially when copying text in different documents.

5. Inconsistent indents in the same list; this is due to one reference giving a perfect hanging indent while the other isn't.

6. Rulers markers are missing then you are unable to move the triangle or rectangle markers.

Hanging Indent Shortcut and Quick Tips

Hanging indents should be used in following academic and professional writing style

· APA style= Reference list

· Chicago style= Bibliography

· MLA style= Work cited page

· Harvard style =Reference list

Now let’s answer the question- what is the advantage of hanging indent in google doc and word.

Ø Hanging indent helps in readability

Ø Hanging indent follows academic standards

Ø Hanging indent organises long citation neatly

Ø Hanging indent gives academic appearance in professional way

Conclusion

At last using a hanging indent may seem small settings for formatting but it plays a major role in organising the work professionally. In many cases whether you are formatting citation using APA, MLA or Chicago style, using hanging indent will correctly show attention to details and maintain academic standard. When you are accessing to correct hanging indent formatting for your writing it makes your work look professional and polished.

Here’s for you a quick recall of what you go through and understand in post.

· It helps in improving the readability and format long citation to achieve clean appearance.

· A hanging indent keeps the first line left aligned and the rest in indent.

· Hanging indent apa format and Hanging indent MLA format is required at the reference section for readers and authors to understand content clearly.