Indented

Indented is the adjective describing text or objects that are offset from the left margin by a specific amount. The offset, called an indent, is usually created with a space, a tab, or a formatting rule in word processors and web styling. In writing, indentation signals the start of a new paragraph, sets off block quotes, or formats bibliographic entries with a hanging indent.

In writing and typography, indentation helps organize content. A first-line indent applies to the paragraph’s initial line, while a left indent moves the entire paragraph inward. A hanging indent keeps the first line flush with the left margin while subsequent lines are indented. In many style guides, a half-inch (about 1.27 cm) first-line indent is common, though exact amounts vary by publication.

In computing and data formatting, indentation is whitespace used to convey structure. In languages with significant whitespace, such as Python, indentation defines code blocks. In most languages, indentation is optional but strongly recommended for readability, with conventions like 2, 4, or 8 spaces per level. YAML uses indentation to express nesting; incorrect indentation can produce parsing errors.

In layout and design, indentation helps organize content in lists, pull quotes, and bibliographies, often implemented with margins, padding, or CSS.

The term indented traces back to the verb indent, from Latin in- and dent-, meaning to notch inward.