Word: Indent Paragraphs

Indentation enables you to move your paragraphs away from the left or right margin. In the following example, the second paragraph has a left and a right indent.

EXAMPLE: Indentation Video provides a powerful way to help you prove your point. When you click Online Video, you can paste in the embed code for the video you want to add. You can also type a keyword to search online for the video that best fits your document. To make your document look professionally produced, Word provides header, footer, cover page, and text box designs that complement each other. For example, you can add a matching cover page, header, and sidebar. Click Insert and then choose the elements you want from the different galleries.

Left Indent Paragraphs

1. Place the insertion point in the paragraph you want to indent, or select the paragraphs you want to indent.
2. Choose the Page Layout tab.
3. Type the left indent amount in the Indent Left field in the Paragraph group.
4. Click in the text area. Word indents the paragraph(s).

Right Indent Paragraphs

1. Place the insertion point in the paragraph you want to indent, or select the paragraphs you want to indent.
2. Choose the Page Layout tab.
3. Type the right indent amount in the Indent Right field in the Paragraph group.
4. Click in the text area. Word indents the paragraph(s).

Is there a quick way to indent both sides of a paragraph (double-indent)?

The short answer is no. You can use the Ctrl+M shortcut to left indent, but there is no right indent shortcut or double indent shortcut. If you are using the Word 2013 style set, both the Quote and Intense Quote styles double indent. They also add additional formatting you may not want. If you double indent often, consider creating a double indent style. Here are the steps: 1) Choose the Page Layout tab. 2) Click in the paragraph you want to indent. 3) Type the left indent amount in the Left Indent field. 4) Type the right indent amount in the Right Indent field. 5) Click in the text area. Word applies the indents. 6) Choose the Home tab. 7) Click the down-arrow next to the Styles gallery and then click Create a Style. The Create New Style from Formatting dialog box opens. 8) Type the name you want to give the style in the Name field (for example, Double Indent). 9) Click OK. Word creates a Double Indent style. Now when you want to double indent, select the paragraph, choose the Home tab, and click Double Indent in the Styles gallery.

The next time you open the document, the style will be available. If you want the style to be available in other documents, perform the following steps: 1) Right-click the style name. A menu appears. 2) Click Modify. The Modify Style dialog box opens. 3) Select New Documents Based on this Template. 4) Click OK. The Style will be available the next time you create a document.

Can I indent into the margin?

Typing a negative number in the Indent Left field or the Indent Right field will indent into the left and right margins, respectively.