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Use Hanging Indent in Microsoft Word

Format your reference citing and bibliographies right

One of Microsoft Word’s features that has been helpful for research, bibliographies, and citations is the use of Hanging Indent. 

Writing style guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style, MLA Style Guide, and AMA Manual require Hanging Indent to be used on references.

Aside from it being a requirement, it helps readers read references easier.

What is a Hanging Indent for?

A Hanging Indent is a formatting style used for citing academic references. It is also known as a second line indent. 

As the label suggests, the first line of a paragraph is positioned in a default indentation while all the other succeeding lines are all indented farther. 

It is usually spaced like this…

The first line starting at the first margin and the succeeding lines of the paragraph starting at the second margin.

Like this. 

Microsoft Word

This one is in MLA Format Example.

How do I create a Hanging Indent in Word?

Creating a Hanging Indent in Word is a simple task but it may vary from one MS Word version to another. 

When creating a hanging indent, take note of the Microsoft software and device as interfaces may vary. Users might disregard these simple details so it is important to search for the correct instruction that is compatible with one’s Microsoft Word account.

Here are some ways to create a Hanging Indent depending on your device and Word version:

Method #1. Create a Hanging Indent shortcut version

  1. Open your MS Word document.
  2. Highlight the paragraph that you want to apply the Hanging Indent.

Press Ctrl + T. As you press these tabs, MS Word will automatically create a Hanging Indent for paragraphs without tab stops.

  1. To undo, press Shift + Ctrl + T.

All done! This is so far the fastest method to create a Hanging Indent. Still, we’ve prepared an elaborate guide for Mac and PC users.

Method #2. How do I create it for Mac

Here’s a step-by-step guide in creating a Hanging Indent for Mac users.

  1. Open your MS Word document.
  2. First, you have to highlight the paragraph that you want to indent. By doing so, the indentation will take effect on the highlighted paragraph.
  3. Maneuver your cursor to your Tool Bar. In the Tool Bar, click Format.
  4. In the drop-down menu, select Paragraph.
  5. Now, a Paragraph table will appear. Look for Indents and Spacing, then click.
  6. In the Indentation section, navigate your cursor to Special.
  7. Beside Special is a drop-down menu, click it and choose Hanging. You have the option to increase and decrease the indentation in the By section.
  8. To finish the process, click Ok.

That’s it. You have created a Hanging Indent for your citations and references on your Mac device.

Method #3. How do I create it on Windows?

If you’re using a Windows computer, follow this.

Do take note that this guide is applicable to Word 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365 users.

  1. Open your MS Word document.
  2. Again, you have to highlight the paragraph that you want to indent. By doing so, the indentation will take effect on the highlighted paragraph.
  3. Maneuver your cursor to your Home Tab, select. In the Home Tab, look for Paragraph. It is usually located under the View tab.
  4. In Paragraph, click Dialog Launcher. It is a small arrow located at the lower right section of the Paragraph tab.
  5. A Paragraph table will appear. Look for Indents and Spacing, then click.
  6. In the Indentation section, navigate your cursor to Special.
  7. Beside Special is a drop-down menu, click it and choose Hanging. You have the option to increase and decrease the indentation in the By section. A Preview box will let you view how your indented document will look like.

To finish the process, click Ok.

Method # 4. Here is another way to create a Hanging Indent on your PC:

  1. Open your MS Word document.
  2. Highlight the paragraph that you want to indent. By doing the indentation will take effect on the highlighted paragraph.
  3. Right-click and a table will pop up. Now, choose Paragraph.
  4. Look for Indents and Spacing, then click.
  5. In the Indentation section, navigate your cursor to Special.
  6. Beside Special is a drop-down menu, click it and choose Hanging.
  7. You have the option to increase and decrease the indentation in the By section. A Preview box will let you view how your indented document will look like.
  8. To finish the process, click Ok.

 

You’re done! 

Now your references are more visible and easy to identify. Referencing has never been this easy. 

Choose your Microsoft Word Version

If citing references for research papers has been driving you crazy, it’s time to invest in MS Word software.

Microsoft’s objective since Day 1 is to make sure that their users achieve documentation goals in the easiest and fastest way possible. 

All you have to do is to choose a Microsoft software package or a single Microsoft program that meets your needs.

And just like creating a Hanging Indent where you follow instructions depending on your device or MS Word version, you must also check your device’s compatibility to the Microsoft product that you want to purchase. 

You can choose from:

Need help? Let’s help you find the best MS Office software that can help you. Just send us a message by clicking on the orange button on the lower-left corner of our website. 

If you are interested in buying a product license key of other Microsoft software, you may view all the available products on FastSoftwares. 

About FastSoftwares

FastSoftwares is an online store where you can get legit Microsoft Office and Windows product keys. It is proven to offer genuine products to customers. 

Here’s a good read for students before buying: Best Microsoft Office Download For Students – Google Docs – Google Docs

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