How to Tab in LaTeX: Quickstart Guide

Indent a paragraph by tabbing in LaTeX

LaTeX is an incredible math writing and formatting tool. There are a few easy ways to tab and indent paragraphs. You can try the tabbing environment to set your own tab stops. Or, use \quad and \hspace to insert predefined spaces. This wikiHow shows you how to tab in LaTeX.

Things You Should Know

  • Use the tabbing environment to create your own tab stops.
  • Alternatively, use \quad to make an 18 mu space.
  • Or, use \hspace{5cm} to make a 5 cm space.
Section 1 of 3:

Using the Tabbing Environment

  1. Image titled Tab in Latex Step 1
    1
    Type \begin{tabbing}. This will initiate the tabbing environment in your LaTeX code. This method manually sets tab stops in your text.[1]
  2. Image titled Tab in Latex Step 2
    2
    Type the first line of text. This is just normal text that we’ll add tab stops to in the next step.
    • Make sure to end each line of text with \\ to end the line and start a new line.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Tab in Latex Step 3
    3
    Insert \= for tab stops. Place this syntax in the first line of text wherever you want there to be tab stops.
  4. Image titled Tab in Latex Step 4
    4
    Type the second line of text. This is normal text in which we’ll add tab stop advances. Don’t forget to add a \\ at the end!
  5. Image titled Tab in Latex Step 5
    5
    Insert \> for tab stop advances. Place this syntax in the second line of text where you want the text to be inline with the tab stops placed in the first line.
    • After this, you can repeat this process with new lines of text until you’ve completed your document.
  6. Image titled Tab in Latex Step 6
    6
    Type \end{tabbing}. Type this code after the end of your text to close tabbing mode. You’re done!
    • As you continue your math journey, check out our guide on how to learn math for general tips!
    7. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Using \quad

  1. Image titled Tab in Latex Step 7
    1
    Insert \quad. This code will create a space of 18 mu wherever you place it. This is great for consistent paragraph indenting.[2]
    • “mu” is a LaTeX length unit equal to 1/18 em. An “em” is about the width of an uppercase “M” in the font you’re using.[3]
  2. Image titled Tab in Latex Step 8
    2
    Insert \qquad. This code has a space length of 36 mu, twice the length of \quad. This is great for organizing text by using indentation to indicate nesting.
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

Using \hspace

  1. Image titled Tab in Latex Step 9
    1
    Insert \hspace{5cm}. This code will create a space 5 centimeters (cm) wide. This is great for creating spacing dependent on length rather than font (unlike \quad).[4]
    • Vary the distance inside the {} to get the spacing you need. You can use multiple \hspace of different lengths to organize your text.
  2. Image titled Tab in Latex Step 10
    2
    Insert \hfill. This code fills the remaining space in the line of text (to the right-side margin). This is helpful if you’re writing a resume in LaTex and you want to right-align the dates.
    • For example, if you type:
      • Hello \hfill World
    • “Hello” will be on the left side of the text box, and “World” will be on the right side, against the right margin.
    3. Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Play Minesweeper
How to
Play Minesweeper
Keep Teams from Going IdleHow to Keep Teams from Going Idle: 6 Things to Try
Install the Google Play Store on an Amazon Fire
How to
Install the Google Play Store on an Amazon Fire
Open EPUB Files
How to
Open EPUB Files
Save an Animation in Blender
How to
Save an Animation in Blender
Add a Password to a RAR File
How to
Add a Password to a RAR File
Crack Software by Modifying DLL Files
How to
Crack Software by Modifying DLL Files
Make an Exe File
How to
Make an Exe File
Cancel Uber PassHow to End Your Uber Pass or Uber One Subscription in Seconds
Edit DLL Files
How to
Edit DLL Files
Connect the Kindle Fire to a Computer2 Easy Ways Connect the Kindle Fire to a Computer
Analyse Data Using SPSS
How to
Analyse Data Using SPSS
Run a .Jar Java File
How to
Run a .Jar Java File
Create a SQL Server Database
How to
Create a SQL Server Database
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.giss.nasa.gov/tools/latex/ltx-58.htm
  2. ↑ https://www.overleaf.com/learn/latex/Spacing_in_math_mode
  3. ↑ https://www.overleaf.com/learn/latex/Lengths_in_LaTeX
  4. ↑ https://www.overleaf.com/learn/latex/Line_breaks_and_blank_spaces

About This Article

Kyle Smith
Written by:
Kyle Smith
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Smith. Kyle Smith is a wikiHow Technology Writer, learning and sharing information about the latest technology. He has presented his research at multiple engineering conferences and is the writer and editor of hundreds of online electronics repair guides. Kyle received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. This article has been viewed 10,714 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 3
Updated: January 30, 2023
Views: 10,714
Categories: Software
Advertisement