Why are indentations used

To customize the indent amounts, select the Layout tab near the desired values in the boxes under Indent. Using tabs gives you more control over the placement of text.

Adding tab stops to the Ruler allows you to change the size of the tabs, and Word even allows you to apply more than one tab stop to a single line. For example, on a resume you could left-align the beginning of a line and right-align the end of the line by adding a Right Tab , as shown in the image below.

Pressing the Tab key can either add a tab or create a first-line indent , depending on where the insertion point is. Generally, if the insertion point is at the beginning of an existing paragraph, it will create a first-line indent; otherwise, it will create a tab. The tab selector is located above the vertical ruler on the left.

Hover the mouse over the tab selector to see the name of the active tab stop. Although this method takes more time, the reasoning behind it makes sense. Writers who add indents as they write organize their content through the creation of paragraphs. The writers who wait until they complete the rough draft of their manuscripts typically have trouble finding the right places to separate the text into paragraphs.

Technology has almost completely taken the manual typing of indentation spaces out of the hands of writers. Now, we use word processing software, such as Microsoft Word, to set indentations. To set a paragraph indent in Word, place the cursor in the paragraph you want to indent or highlight the entire paragraph.

Access the Format menu and click the Paragraph command. Within the Paragraph dialog box, enter the desired width of the indent and then select the type of indent. Click OK and then close the dialog box. Freelance writers differ in their indentation preferences. However, when it comes down to it, the type of indentation used to format a document typically depends on who you are writing for.

Before you finalize a project, check with your client to see if he or she prefers Chicago style, APA style, or Harvard style. In your own writing, what type of indentation do you prefer? Share in the comments! Real-time suggestions, wherever you write. Tip: If you want to change indentation for paragraphs that have already been written, use the tab-key method on the first paragraph, as described above. Then put your cursor at the beginning of the next paragraph. Press Backspace and then Enter.

Repeat the process for subsequent paragraphs. On the Home tab, right-click the Normal style, and choose Modify. On the Indents and Spacing tab, under Indentation , select First line. Note: If you always want first-line indentation whenever you start a new document, choose the New documents based on this template option before you select OK.

Table of contents. Use Word for school. Write an equation or formula Article Indent the first line of a paragraph Article Double-space the lines in a document Article Create a bibliography, citations, and references Article Insert footnotes and endnotes Article.

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