Don't create your first-line indents with tabs, or worse, by pressing the spacebar multiple times.įigure 9.2. How (and How Not) to Add First-Line Indentsįirst-line indents can be applied through the Control palette, or better yet, incorporated into a style sheet definition. Just make sure your first-line indent is not bigger than the exit lines of your paragraphs, as this will create ugly areas of trapped space between paragraphs. Some people prefer a slightly larger indent, especially if they're working with wide columns. Alternatively you can use your leading increment so that if your text is 10/12, then a 12-point first line indent is suitable. Anything less and the indent may be missed. If you're using 10-point type, a 10-point first-line indent is suitable. There is no hard and fast rule, but 1 em is a good starting point.
While blunt beginnings seem to create a uniform and consistent impression when compared to normal typesetting, this impression is paid for with a serious loss of comprehension." How Big Should They Be?
And that is its most important disadvantage. Paragraphs without indent…are a bad habit and should be eliminated." And more: "Typesetting without indentation makes it difficult for the reader to comprehend what has been printed. The famous typographer wrote several articles about first-line indents and was unequivocal on the subject: "The beginnings of paragraphs must be indented. They're indents on the first line of a paragraph. You wouldn't think there would be too much to say about first-line indents. The humble first-line indent plays a crucial role in the readability of documents, notifying the reader that one paragraph has ended and a new one is about to begin.
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