Hanging Indent (Ctrl+T / ⌘T)
Click in the paragraph, then press Ctrl+T on Windows or ⌘T (Command+T) on the Mac in Microsoft Word to create a hanging indent — the first line stays put while the rest indent, exactly what MLA/APA reference lists need.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Create / increase hanging indent | ⌘T | Ctrl+T | |
| Remove / decrease hanging indent | ⌘⇧T | Ctrl+Shift+T | |
| Indent whole paragraph from left | ⌘M | Ctrl+M | |
| Remove left indent | ⌘⇧M | Ctrl+Shift+M |
What a hanging indent does
A hanging indent pushes every line of a paragraph to the right except the first. It is the standard format for bibliographies, works-cited and reference lists. In Microsoft Word put the cursor in the paragraph and press Ctrl+T (Windows) / ⌘T (Mac). Each press deepens the indent by one default tab stop; Ctrl+Shift+T / ⌘⇧T steps it back.
Where it works
These are Word shortcuts (also PowerPoint and Outlook's editor). Google Docs has no single-key shortcut — use Format → Align & indent → Indentation options → Special → Hanging, or drag the ruler's lower (triangle) marker right while the top (rectangle) marker stays at the margin.
FAQ
What is the hanging indent shortcut in Word?
Click in the paragraph and press Ctrl+T on Windows or ⌘T (Command+T) on the Mac. Press it again to deepen the indent.
How do I remove a hanging indent?
Press Ctrl+Shift+T on Windows or ⌘⇧T on the Mac. Each press reduces the hanging indent by one tab stop.
Is there a hanging indent shortcut in Google Docs?
No single key. Use Format → Align & indent → Indentation options and set Special to Hanging, or drag the lower ruler marker to the right.