How to do a hanging indent in Google Slides

Want to create a works cited list on your slide or simply add visual appeal to a paragraph? You can do a hanging indent in Google Slides using a few different methods.

Using the Ruler, Format Options, or just your keyboard, you can transform your paragraph to keep the first line on the left and each line beneath indented to the right.

Along with easy ways to format your Google Slides content, you can use Plus AI to enhance that content. Whether you start with a new slideshow or edit an existing one, you can take advantage of artificial intelligence for pleasing presentations.

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What is a hanging indent?

A hanging indent is used in a paragraph where the first line is aligned to the left margin and each subsequent line is indented.

This is the opposite of body text in formats like MLA where you see the first line of a paragraph indented and the lines beneath aligned to the left margin.

While you normally use a hanging indent in bibliography or reference sections of essays or research papers, you can use one in a slideshow just the same. If you include a slide with works cited or simply want to add a unique visual appeal to a paragraph, you can do a hanging indent in Google Slides.

Tip: For more ways to format your content, look at how to do strikethrough or how to wrap text in Google Slides.

Method 1: Create a hanging indent with the Ruler

One easy way to create a hanging indent in Google Slides is using the ruler. This is handy if you already display the ruler for aligning your slide elements.

1. If you don’t see the ruler, open the View menu and select Show ruler. This places a checkmark next to it and immediately displays it on the top and left side of the slides.

2. Place your cursor in front of the first letter of the first line in your paragraph.

3. Drag the Left Indent tool in the top ruler to the right. This is the blue triangle with the line. Normally an indent is 0.50 inches, but you can make it as large or small as you want. You’ll see the measurement as you drag the tool along with the lines in the paragraph shift to the right.

4. Drag the First Line Indent tool in the top ruler to the left. This is the horizontal blue line above the triangle. You can drag this to the 0.00 to align it with the left margin or choose a different measurement per your preference. You’ll then see only the first line of the paragraph shift to the left.

You then have your hanging indent in Google Slides and can adjust further as needed.

Method 2: Create a hanging indent with the Format Options

Another way to do a hanging indent on your slide is using the Format Options feature. This is ideal for accomplishing the indent without the ruler and for using the exact measurement with just a few clicks.

1. Select the text box and do one of the following:some text
   • Pick Format options in the top toolbar.
   • Open Format in the menu and pick Format options.
   • Right-click and pick Format options.

2. When the sidebar opens, expand the Text fitting section.
3. Below Indentation, choose Hanging in the Special drop-down box.

4. In the By box to the right, either enter the number of inches or use the arrows to increase or decrease the indent in small increments.

As you adjust the measurement, you’ll see your paragraph update. So, you can continue to change the measurement until you reach the amount you want.

When you finish, use the X on the top right of the Format Options sidebar to close it.

Method 3: Create a hanging indent with the keyboard

One more way to create a hanging indent in Google Slides is using your keyboard. This is convenient if you like using your keyboard to perform tasks like shortcuts in Slides, although it can take a little longer than the above methods.

1. Use your arrow keys to place your cursor in front of the first letter of the first line that you want to indent. This should be the second line in the paragraph.

2. Press Shift + Enter on Windows or Shift + Return on Mac. Note that you won’t see anything happen when you do this.
3. Press Tab. You’ll then see that line indent.

4. Continue this process for each line in the paragraph you want to indent.

You’ll see the first line of the paragraph aligned to the left margin with each subsequent line indented.

Update slide content with Plus AI

It’s not always easy to come up with content for each slide in a presentation. Even if you have a specific mission or focus, you can still struggle with the best way to present it to an audience. Using Plus AI for Google Slides and Docs, you can take advantage of artificial intelligence for creating slideshows.

By entering a simple prompt, you can tell Plus AI what the presentation should be about, which points you’d like to include, and how many slides you want. Pick an attractive template and watch as your slideshow is created for you in just seconds.

Once you have your presentation, you can make whatever adjustments you like. What’s more, you can use Plus AI to add further details on a topic, jazz up the content for better engagement, or even insert more slides for items you want to include later.

From creating to editing, Plus AI is the perfect presentation tool for Google Slides as well as Microsoft PowerPoint slideshows. 

Head to the Plus AI website for complete details and to start your free trial.

Conclusion

If you’re adding a bibliography to your slideshow or want to place emphasis on a paragraph with a distinctive format, you now know how to do a hanging indent in Google Slides. And remember, Plus AI can help you create and edit presentations to make them more attractive and engaging.

FAQs

How big should a hanging indent be?

Hanging indents are normally one-half inch from the left margin or five Space key clicks. This is the standard for most formatting types including APA and MLA bibliographies. However, you can use a different measurement if you’re only applying it for visual appeal in Google Slides.

What is the shortcut for a hanging indent on Google Docs?

You can use the same keyboard maneuvers to do a hanging indent in Google Docs as you do in Google Slides.

Move your cursor to the start of the line you want to indent, press Shift + Enter on Windows or Shift + Return on Mac, and then press Tab. Continue the same process for each line.

How to do a hanging indent in PowerPoint?

To create a hanging indent on a PowerPoint slide, select the text box or text and head to the Home tab. Open the Paragraph launcher, choose Hanging in the Special drop-down box in the Indentation section, and use the Before text box to set the measurement. Click OK to apply the hanging indent.