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.' 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.

Remove first line indent in word