Setting paragraph indentation

Paragraph indentation refers to the distance between the paragraph’s left edge and the page’s margin (blank space on the side). Usually only the first line is indented to help readers notice the beginning of a new paragraph, but the entire paragraph can be indented in each line if necessary.

Reference and works cited pages often use this format, as do block quotations, which need to be specially distinguished so as not to be confused with the document’s main text.

Word has several premade settings for determining the level of indentation, and most can be achieved with a number of presses of the Tab button, which will move the text along the page at predetermined points. You can also set a manual point if you wish by using the Formatting menu, or by placing a tab in the top ruler bar icon, underneath the main menus.