Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Outlook’s Increase indent and Decrease indent commands move one or more paragraphs away from or back toward the margin. The correct method depends on whether you use new Outlook, classic Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, Outlook for Mac, or the mobile app.
Before changing the indentation, click inside the paragraph you want to move. To indent several paragraphs, select them first. To apply the change to the complete message, click in the message body and press Ctrl+A.
Quick reference: Outlook indentation methods
| Outlook version | Increase indent | Decrease indent |
|---|---|---|
| New Outlook for Windows | Format text > Increase indent | Format text > Decrease indent |
| Classic Outlook for Windows | Ctrl+T, or Format Text > Increase indent | Ctrl+Shift+T, or Format Text > Decrease indent |
| Outlook on the web | Formatting options > Increase indent | Formatting options > Decrease indent |
| Outlook for Mac | Command+] | Command+[ |
| Outlook for iOS or Android | No general desktop-style paragraph-indent command is currently documented | |
To tell new Outlook apart from classic Outlook for Windows, check the ribbon for Settings. If Settings is present, use the new-Outlook instructions. If it is not present, use the classic-Outlook instructions.
How to indent an email in new Outlook for Windows
Using the formatting controls
- Create a message or open a reply.
- Click inside the paragraph you want to indent. Alternatively, select multiple paragraphs.
- Open the message’s formatting controls and choose Format text.
- Select Increase indent to move the paragraph farther from the left margin.
- Select Decrease indent to move it back toward the margin.
The command applies to the paragraph containing the cursor. It does not apply only to the word or characters next to the cursor.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
- 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
- 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
- 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
- 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
Keyboard navigation in new Outlook
- Select the paragraphs, if you want to format more than one.
- Press F6 to move focus to the ribbon tabs.
- Move to Format text.
- Press Tab to enter the formatting controls.
- Move to Increase indent or Decrease indent, then press Enter.
The exact focus order can vary with the screen reader and keyboard configuration. Microsoft documents navigation with the arrow keys and, for NVDA, the Down arrow when locating the indent buttons.
Do not assume that the classic Windows shortcuts work here. Microsoft’s current new-Outlook shortcut list does not list Ctrl+T and Ctrl+Shift+T as general indentation shortcuts.
How to indent in classic Outlook for Windows
Use the ribbon
- Start a new message or open a reply.
- Place the cursor in the target paragraph, or select the paragraphs.
- Open the Format Text tab.
- In the paragraph-formatting controls, select Increase indent or Decrease indent.
Use keyboard shortcuts
With the cursor in the paragraph or with the target text selected, use:
- Increase indent: Ctrl+T
- Decrease indent: Ctrl+Shift+T
These shortcuts are also documented for creating or reducing a hanging indent. The result depends on the paragraph’s existing indentation settings, so the same shortcut can look different in an ordinary paragraph and a hanging-indent paragraph.
Set an exact indentation amount in classic Outlook
The Increase indent button changes the paragraph by a preset level. For a specific distance, use the Paragraph dialog:
- Select the paragraph or paragraphs.
- Open Format Text.
- Open the Paragraph dialog box.
- Under Indentation, edit Left or Right.
- Enter the measurement in inches, such as
0.5. - Select OK.
The documented keyboard route to the Paragraph dialog is:
Rank #2
- Ergonomic Design: Ergonomically designed to keep wrists aligned with the keyboard and mouse, helping reduce wrist pain, fatigue, and strain during long hours of typing, gaming, or office work. Provides stable, comfortable support for everyday computer use.
- Memory Foam Comfort: Soft, breathable fabric combined with high-density memory foam gently conforms to your wrists, helping maintain a neutral wrist position. Reduces pressure points and discomfort caused by repetitive typing and mouse use, making it ideal for office work and long computer sessions.
- Non-Slip Rubber Base: The dense non-slip rubber base keeps both the keyboard wrist rest and mouse wrist rest firmly in place on your desk. Prevents unwanted movement while typing, gaming, or working, ensuring stable and precise control.
- Optimal Size & Universal Fit: Includes a 17.2 x 3.12 x 0.9 inch keyboard wrist rest and a 9.8 x 8.6 x 0.9 inch mouse pad with wrist rest. Designed to fit most standard, laptop, and gaming keyboards for home or office setups. A slight rubber odor may be present when first unpacked and will fade naturally.
- Buy with Confidence: Built for reliable daily use with consistent comfort and durability. Backed by KTRIO’s commitment to quality and up to 18 months of responsive customer support for added peace of mind.
Alt+O, P, GThese are sequential key presses rather than one simultaneous shortcut. Use the same dialog when you need a first-line or hanging indent.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteCreate a first-line indent
- Select the paragraph.
- Open the Paragraph dialog with Alt+O, P, G.
- Under Indentation, open Special.
- Choose First line.
- Enter the amount in the By field.
- Select OK.
A first-line indent moves only the first line inward. This is useful for traditional letter-style paragraphs.
Create a hanging indent
In the same Special menu, choose Hanging and enter the amount in By. A hanging indent keeps the first line at the margin and moves the following lines inward, which can help format references or structured notes.
How to indent in Outlook on the web or Outlook.com
- Start a new message or reply.
- Click in the paragraph you want to change.
- Press Tab once to move from the message body to the message’s Formatting options.
- Move to Increase indent or Decrease indent.
- Press Spacebar to activate the selected button.
For the whole message, press Ctrl+A while the cursor is in the message body before selecting the indent command.
Because Outlook on the web runs in a browser, its navigation differs from desktop Outlook. Microsoft documents Ctrl+F6, rather than F6, for moving between major command areas in the web application.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Microsoft is documenting both newer and older web experiences. If your controls do not match these labels, your account may still be using the older Outlook on the web interface. Look for Formatting options or expand the compact formatting toolbar.
Rank #3
- Dimension of keyboard wrist rest: 17.32 x 3.15 inch, that of circle curved mousepad wrist support: 9.65 x 8.66 inch, dimension of coaster: 3.9 inch (diameter). Fits all mouse/keyboard. Compatible with MacBook / Notebook / Chromebook / Ultrabook / Desktop / PC, also compatible with iMac.
- This mouse pad with wrist rest is ergonomically designed with breathable neoprene cloth and silicone lining. It's soft with a slow rebound, offering exceptional comfort and support. The silicone-lined mouse pad is its superior non-slip grip, ensuring stable tracking on any desk surface during intense use. The keyboard wrist rest features a memory foam lining that offers plush support to alleviate wrist pressure and pain, keeping your wrists in a natural and comfortable position.
- Non-slip base can firmly grasp the desk to prevent sliding or any unintentional movement. This mouse pad with wrist rest and keyboard pad will provide stable operation for your mouse and keyboard. The unique design is not only easy for you to use, but also to decorate your desktop and show your personal style.
- The filled cushion part will slowly rebound when leave it, not easy to deform. The curved shaped design of the mousepad can be well fitted to your wrist, providing comfortable support during prolonged use.
- This mouse pad and keyboard wrist rest is suitable for OL gamer and programmer used in home / office. Suitable for friend, family member and yourself.
How to indent in Outlook for Mac
In Outlook for Mac, select the paragraph or paragraphs and use the indent controls in the message-formatting area. The commands are named Increase indent and Decrease indent.
The current Mac shortcuts are:
- Increase indent: Command+]
- Decrease indent: Command+[
On some keyboard layouts, these may be shown as Command+Shift+} and Command+Shift+{, because the bracket characters require the Shift key.
Indent a bulleted or numbered list
List indentation changes the list level, so it is different from moving an ordinary paragraph. To create a nested list item on Windows:
- Click at the start of the existing list item.
- Press Tab.
- Type the nested item.
Outlook increases the list level and may change the bullet or numbering style. To move the item back to the previous level, place the cursor at the start of the item and press Shift+Tab.
On Mac, use the indent controls or the Mac keyboard shortcuts. In Outlook on the web, do not treat Tab as a universal paragraph-indent shortcut: in the web editor it is used to move to the formatting options, while list items use it to change nesting level.
Why the indent option is missing or does not work
The message is plain text
Plain-text email cannot preserve visual formatting such as paragraph indentation, bold, colored text, or italics. Change the message to HTML before applying visual indentation.
Rank #4
- ULTRA THICK MEMORY FOAM: experience more comfort while you work; thickest memory foam interior of the wrist rest features an ergonomic, slow rebound for more comfort than ever; inner foam measures nearly 1.2 inches thick; you’ll never want to work without this rest ever again
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: forget sore wrists and fingers when typing and using a mouse; these rests are designed to help alleviate sore muscles, stress, and aches and pains by elevating your wrists to help aid in your muscles moving freely without being weighted down
- SLIP-RESISTANT BACKING: the ultra durable bottom layer of the rests are designed to stay in place on most desk surfaces, so you can worry less about adjustments and focus on your work
- SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION: featuring a 3 layer design, the rests are designed for long lasting use; durable rubber bottom stays in place on most surfaces; thick inner memory foam material for extra support; soft top spandex layer for additional comfort; wrist rest measures 17 by 3.5 inches, making it a perfect fit for most desks; mouse pad rest measures 6 by 3.3 inches
- STAIN AND WATER RESISTANT: top spandex layer is water resistant and stain resistant to help it last throughout the years; to clean, simply wipe with a damp cloth and let air dry
In new Outlook, set the default format through Settings > Mail > Compose and reply. Under Message format, choose Compose message in HTML format, then select Save. New Outlook uses HTML by default unless you intentionally switch to plain text.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
In classic Outlook, change one message by opening Format Text > HTML. To change the default, go to File > Options > Mail, set Compose messages in this format to HTML, and select OK.
You are replying in the Reading pane
Inline replies can expose fewer formatting controls. Select Pop Out to open the reply in a separate window, then use the relevant Format Text or formatting-options controls.
You pressed Tab in an ordinary paragraph
Tab is reliable for changing the level of a list item, but it is not a universal paragraph-indent command across Outlook versions. Use Increase indent or the version-specific keyboard shortcut instead.
The recipient sees different spacing
The recipient’s mail program or mail server may convert HTML to plain text. When that happens, indentation and other visual formatting can disappear or display differently. For important alignment, consider a clearly structured list or a table, but avoid using spaces as a substitute for dependable layout.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What about Outlook mobile?
In Outlook for iOS and Android, rich-formatting options are accessed through the pencil icon in the compose toolbar. Microsoft’s current mobile documentation does not provide a general paragraph-indentation procedure equivalent to the desktop and web Increase indent and Decrease indent commands.
Best Value
- 【2-in-1 Keyboard Stand with Wrist Rest】Tired of constantly adjusting a misaligned wrist rest that slides out of place? Vaydeer keyboard wrist rest revolutionary one-piece design fuses the keyboard stand and wrist rest into a single, cohesive unit. This keyboard pad eliminates the frustrating gaps between your keyboard and cushion, ensuring a fluid typing motion without any interruptions.
- 【2-Angle Ergonomic Adjustability】Customize your typing experience with two optimized angles—12.5° for maximum wrist support during extended work sessions, reducing strain on tendons and joints, and 3° for a more subtle elevation ideal for quick tasks or casual use. The ergonomic wrist rest angles distribute pressure evenly, allowing you to work or play easier and more comfortably.
- 【Silicone Bottom Renders Unmatched Stability】Crafted with high-density silicone, the anti-slip base of keyboard cushion creates a secure grip on any desk surface, preventing the wrist pad for keyboard from sliding or shifting. Even during intense typing or gaming sessions, the keyboard riser with wrist rest keeps firmly in place, ensuring ultimate stability and zero wobble.
- 【Indulge in Cloud-Like Softness】Sink your wrists into the sumptuous embrace of our super soft memory foam desk wrist pad. It's like floating on a cloud—effortlessly cushioned, with every keystroke supported by plush comfort that banishes wrist pain and fatigue. The breathable and moisture-wicking lycra fabric allows air to circulate freely, keep your wrists cool and dry.
- 【Amazing Wrist Saver】This arm rest for desk elevates your keyboard and supports your wrists to a comfortable height so your wrists do not get sore, effectively relieve hand inflammation and carpel tunnel problems. Whether you’re a remote worker, a student, or a gamer, this all-in-one keyboard riser and wrist support is your effective solution to typing easier.
If the pencil menu in your particular app build does not show an indent control, compose the message in Outlook on the web or desktop instead. Do not expect repeated spaces or tabs to preserve a consistent visual indent on every recipient’s device.
FAQ
Does Ctrl+T indent text in every version of Outlook?
No. Microsoft documents Ctrl+T for increasing indentation in classic Outlook for Windows. It is not listed as a general indentation shortcut in the current new-Outlook shortcut table. Use the Increase indent command when working in new Outlook.
Can I indent only one paragraph?
Yes. Place the cursor anywhere in that paragraph and select Increase indent or Decrease indent. Select multiple paragraphs first if you want to change them together.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWhy does Tab create a list instead of indenting my paragraph?
Tab changes the level of a list item when the cursor is at the start of that item. It is not a consistent paragraph-indent shortcut. For ordinary paragraphs, use the indent command for your Outlook version.
Can I indent a plain-text email?
Not as preserved visual formatting. Plain text does not support paragraph-formatting information. Compose or convert the message to HTML if the indentation must appear as formatting.
How do I create a hanging indent in Outlook?
In classic Outlook for Windows, select the paragraph, open the Paragraph dialog, choose Special > Hanging under Indentation, enter the amount in By, and select OK. The Paragraph dialog can be opened with Alt+O, P, G.
Why are the formatting controls missing from a reply?
The reply may be open in the Reading pane’s compact editor. Select Pop Out to open it in a separate message window, where the full formatting controls are usually available.
The Bottom Line
Use Increase indent or Decrease indent for ordinary paragraphs, and reserve Tab for nesting list items. Classic Outlook for Windows supports Ctrl+T and Ctrl+Shift+T; Mac uses Command+] and Command+[. If indentation disappears, check that the message is HTML rather than plain text.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
