How to Indent in Google Docs
Short Answer
How do you indent a paragraph in Google Docs?
Click into the paragraph and press Ctrl + ] to indent it or Ctrl + [ to move it back (⌘ + ] and ⌘ + [ on Mac). For a hanging indent, use Format › Align & indent › Indentation options. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then H A I.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Home › Increase Indent. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Google's Built-in Shortcuts
| Command | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Increase indent | Ctrl+] | ⌘+] |
| Decrease indent | Ctrl+[ | ⌘+[ |
These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension. To see Google's full list, press Ctrl + / (⌘ + / on Mac) in Google Docs.
The Word-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Docs document.
- Click into the paragraph, or select several.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Word-style key-tips appear.
- Press H, A, then I. ShortieCuts runs “Increase Indent”.
| Keys | Also in ShortieCuts |
|---|---|
| Alt HAO | Decrease IndentHome key-tips |
When the ALT route helps: Alt, H, A, I and Alt, H, A, O are Word's Home-tab indent key-tips. ShortieCuts clicks Google's indent buttons with them.
More Google Docs How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt HFP | Paint FormatBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + C |
| Alt PM | Margins |
| Alt RG | Suggesting ModeBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + X |
| Alt HL1 | HeadingsBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + 1–6 |
| Alt PO | Landscape |
| Alt FI | Version HistoryBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + H |
FAQ
What is the keyboard shortcut to indent a paragraph in Google Docs?
Increase indent: Ctrl + ] on Windows; ⌘ + ] on Mac. Decrease indent: Ctrl + [ on Windows; ⌘ + [ on Mac. These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension.
Does Alt + H + A + I work in Google Docs?
Not on its own. Google Docs has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + H + A + I there won't indent a paragraph. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then H, then A, then I, and ShortieCuts runs its "Increase Indent" command.
How do I indent a paragraph in Google Docs on a Mac?
On a Mac, use Google's shortcut: ⌘ + ] (Increase indent). With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then H, then A, then I.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.