What Does a Hanging Indent Look Like? (And How to Create One in Google Docs)

If you've ever formatted a bibliography, works cited page, or academic reference list, you’ve likely come across the term hanging indent. But what exactly does a hanging indent look like—and how can you create one in Google Docs?

A hanging indent is a formatting style where the first line of a paragraph stays flush with the left margin , while the following lines are indented . It’s commonly used in citations such as MLA, APA, and Chicago style formatting.

Let’s walk through what it looks like and how to create a hanging indent in Google Docs in just a few simple steps.

How to Create a Hanging Indent in Google Docs (Step-by-Step)

1. Open Your Google Docs Document

Navigate to Google Docs and open the document where you need to apply a hanging indent. This could be a bibliography, a reference list, or any section where the format is required.

2. Highlight the Text

Select the paragraph or list of references where you want the hanging indent to appear. You can do this by clicking and dragging your cursor across the text.

3. Go to Format > Align & Indent > Indentation Options

Click the “Format” tab in the top toolbar. From the dropdown menu, choose “Align & Indent,” then select “Indentation options.”

4. Choose “Hanging” from the Special Indent Menu

In the Indentation options dialog box, find the “Special indent” dropdown. Choose “Hanging” from the list.

5. Set the Indent Size (Optional)

Google Docs automatically sets the indent size to 0.5 inches, which is standard for most formatting styles. You can adjust this if your formatting guide requires something different.

6. Click Apply

Once your settings are correct, click the “Apply” button. Your selected text will now be formatted with a hanging indent.

What Does a Hanging Indent Look Like?

Here’s a visual description:

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CopyEdit

Smith, John. *The Art of Productivity*. New York: Example Publishing, 2020.

This second line is indented.

The first line remains aligned with the left margin, while the second and any additional lines are indented—making the reference list clean and easy to scan.

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FAQ: Hanging Indents in Google Docs

What is a hanging indent used for?

A hanging indent is commonly used in bibliographies, works cited pages, and reference lists. It helps distinguish authors’ names from the rest of the citation, improving readability.

Can I apply hanging indents to bulleted or numbered lists?

Hanging indents are best used with plain text. If you're using a list, it may not render correctly. Instead, format each citation as a separate paragraph without bullets or numbers.

What’s the default indent size in Google Docs?

When you apply a hanging indent, Google Docs automatically uses a 0.5-inch indent, which is standard for academic and publishing formats.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for a hanging indent in Google Docs?

There’s no direct shortcut, but you can use the ruler: drag the left indent marker (the blue triangle) to the right while keeping the first-line indent marker (the blue rectangle) at the margin.