How to Make a Block Quote on Google Docs + Indentation and Line Spacing?

May 16, 2022

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In this tutorial, we will show you how to make a block quote on Google Docs + indentation and line spacing. We recommend you study this manual carefully and start practicing!

Checklist of crucial points we aim to highlight here:

Making a Block Quote in Google Docs
Quote Spacing

In this tutorial, we’re creating a block quote in Google Docs and overviewing other indentation and line spacing options.

The point of formatting a quotation as a block quote is to make it stand out from other data on the page, which we do by increasing its indent and applying the formatting different from the regular text, like using the italic font and decreasing its size, another line spacing, etc.

A very important clarification is that academic writing styles have certain rules for formatting the texts, in particular, for formatting a block quote, too. For example, according to the current rules and guidelines at the moment of speaking, MLA and APA require 0.5 inches indent from the left margin and having double-spacing between the lines, and lots of other formatting rules to follow. And you should always check all the requirements in accordance with the writing style you need to follow.

So, there are various formatting writing styles, and each of them has its formatting requirements and peculiarities. Moreover, the official formatting guidelines are periodically changed and updated. So, make sure to check all the necessary guidelines for your particular task and strictly follow them.

Now let’s generally look at how to make a block quote on Google Docs + indentation and line spacing.

Watch the video from https://thegoodocs.com/ and find out how to make a block quote on Google Docs + indentation and line spacing:

Making a Block Quote in Google Docs

Here’s the paragraph between the others that we need to format as a block quote. So, first, we select it. And then we go to “Format” on the toolbar at the top of the page, we go down to the third line with “Align & indent”, and then we press “Increase indent (Ctrl + ])” over here. And here it is

Or you can do the same with this icon on the toolbar, with the little arrow to the right and lines. Here it is on the screenshot below — “Increase indent (Ctrl + ])”. And there you go

Or you do it with the “Tab” button on the keyboard. And if you do that frequently, we think it’s a good idea to keep in mind a shortcut for that, which is “Ctrl + ]” for Windows and “Cmd + ]” for Mac
The default indentation is 0.5 inches, which is used in many cases. But if you need, you can change that with the ruler on top of the document. And if you don’t have the ruler now, go to “View” on the toolbar at the top of the page and click on “Show ruler”. Highlight the text and go to the triangle on the ruler. Now move it left or right to change the indent of the selected paragraph. And on top here, it shows how far you moved it from the zero point. We will choose a random left indentation just to show you how it works. And you need to choose the indentation according to the requirements for your particular task

Quote Spacing

Many writing styles require the block quote to have another spacing, double spacing commonly, or other ones. And to make that, highlight the quoted paragraph, then click on the “Line & paragraph spacing” item on the toolbar at the top of the page and choose the option you need. For instance, we press “Double”, because, let’s say that we need exactly this option now according to our writing assignment. And you select what you need here, strictly following the writing requirements for your task. Here you have it

And you can take it even further and set a custom spacing. Make sure the necessary paragraph is selected, go to the same item on the toolbar — “Line & paragraph spacing”, but now click on “Custom spacing”. And here, in the first field, you can enter any number and change the line spacing inch by inch. We will make some random customization just to show you how it works. And you make the customization that you need. And then press “Apply” to finish line & paragraph spacing customization

NB! Please, keep in mind that you should always specify all the necessary requirements for your assignment and strictly adhere to them. You can study in detail the official guidelines and instructions for writing and formatting the text in this or that style of writing, as well as check your understanding by asking your teacher.

NB! In particular, the formatting rules for every single writing style include numerous points, and they are updated from time to time. And you need to know exactly what and how to format, according to which style, which edition of the official handbooks, etc. Moreover, look at the formatting samples and study all the necessary information in detail.

We hope this tutorial will help you learn how to make a block quote on Google Docs + indentation and line spacing. Good luck!

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Team TheGoodocs

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