Block quotes are a great way to emphasise important information on your Google Docs document. They help to break up the text and draw attention to specific points. Block quotes are typically used to highlight quotations or an excerpt from a text, especially in academic papers, research documents, and other formal writing.
In this article, we’ll show you how to create a block quote in Google Docs.
Three methods of creating a block quote in Google Docs
We will explore three methods that can help you to create a block quote in Google Docs:
Method 1: Create a block quote using the Indent function
The indent function in Google Docs allows you to adjust the positioning of text or paragraphs in your document, helping you to create a well-structured and organised document. This function is particularly useful when creating lists or outlining content, as it can help to differentiate between different levels or sections of your document.
For creating a block quote using Indent, select the text on your Google Docs document and then click on Format > Align and indent > Increase indent.
Alternatively, you can use Ctrl + ] to increase the indent as per your liking.
While keeping the paragraph selected, go to Format > Line and Paragraph Spacing to change the spacing. By default, the spacing is at 1.5 which is suitable for most grammar styles.
Method 2: Create a block quote using the ruler
Google Docs has a ruler function that allows you to adjust the margins of your Google Docs document. It can also be used to create a block quote.
Select the paragraph or the line and then click on the left indent inverted triangle. Look at the screenshot to get an idea. After you have selected the Left indent triangle, drag it to the right till you reach your desired space.
Below is a screenshot of what happens when you drag the Left indent ruler to the right.
Method 3: Create a block quote using the Paragraph Styles function
If you want more control over the appearance of your block quote and can create a custom style of your own. Remember, more often than not, these custom styles are not allowed in academia or formal writing procedures.
Select the paragraph and then go to Format > Paragraph styles. Here, you can customise the style to your liking, including the font, size and colour of the text, and add a border to the selected paragraph, among others.
Best practices for using the block quote in your document
While block quotes can be an effective way to emphasize important information in your document, it’s important to use them appropriately. Here are some best practices for using block quotes in your document:
- Use block quotes for important, memorable, or powerful quotations. Block quotes can be used to emphasize a key point or to make a particular passage stand out.
- Block quotes should be used sparingly. They should only be used for the most essential and outstanding information. Overusing block quotes can make your document look cluttered and can decrease the quality of your document.
- Ensure that you properly cite the source of the quotation or the excerpt. This will help you give credit to the original author and makes your document accurate and professional.
- Avoid the use of block quotes for lengthy paragraphs. If you need to include a lengthy quote, it’s better to break it up into smaller chunks and incorporate them into the main body of your text.
Creating a block quote in Google Docs is a simple and effective way to organise your text. By following the above steps, you can easily create a visually distinct section of text that draws attention to the key points. Just keep in mind the best practices for using block quotes and always cite your source to make your document clear, concise and professional-looking.
Also read: How to do Word Art in Google Docs?
