Hanging indentation is a style of paragraph indent in word processing documents. Unlike paragraphs where the first line is slightly indented, the first line in a hanging indent is on the left side of the page while the following lines are slightly indented to the right. How to create a hanging indent may vary depending on the word processing program you are using; but generally listed on the paragraph formatting style settings. Learn how to create a hanging indent below.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Indent Hanging on Microsoft Word
Step 1. Open your Microsoft Word document
Step 2. Write your paragraph
It's helpful if you have some text and just move your cursor, when you first indent.
Highlight the paragraph you will format with hanging indents
Step 3. Click the "Format" menu located on the top horizontal toolbar
Scroll down and click the "Paragraph" option.
In MS Word 2007, label Page Layout, click Paragraph Dialog Box Launcher
Step 4. Select the "Indents and Spacing" section of the Paragraph format setting box
Step 5. Look for the "Indentation" section
Click on the drop down box that says "Special" above it.
Step 6. Select "Hanging" on the list
Step 7. Select the indent size on the left of the list
A standard indent of 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) will be used as a benchmark.
Step 8. Click "Ok" to save the changes you made
Your paragraph should now have a hanging indent.
You can set the hanging indent format before typing the text. Your Word document will automatically perform the command. If you don't want the hanging indent to be applied to the entire body of the document, repeat the steps above and indent the portions of the text you've highlighted when you're done typing the text
Method 2 of 2: Indent Hanging on Open Office
Step 1. Open your document with Open Office
Step 2. Type some text on the document
Place the cursor next to the text you want to indent hang down.
You can also set a hanging indent before you start typing. Open Office will use that style of formatting as a benchmark
Step 3. Select the "Styles and Formatting" window located in the drop down menu
Step 4. Select "Hanging Indent" in the format settings option
Step 5. Adjust the indent size of the benchmark found on the paragraph formatting toolbar
Close the format settings window you used earlier.
- Click "Format" on the menu. Select "Paragraph" in the list of formatting options.
- Click on the "Indents & Spacing" section. You should see "Before Text" and "First Line".
- Use the up and down directional buttons to increase or decrease the size of the hanging indent.
Tips
Always save your work as often as possible when working with word processing programs
Resources and Reference
- https://wiki.openoffice.org/wiki/Documentation/FAQ/Writer/FormattingText/How_do_I_create_a_hanging_indent_in_my_document%3F
- https://faculty.msmary.edu/rupp/writing/hangingindenthowto.htm
