# .paragraph command (Output processor)

The .paragraph command specifies the
number of spaces to indent the first line of a paragraph.

**Synonyms:** .p

## Syntax

```
.paragraph {-} number.spaces
```

## Parameter(s)

| number.spaces | Specifies the number of spaces to indent. When the number of spaces to indent is negative, the first line of the paragraph is output that many spaces relative to the left of the left margin. |
| --- | --- |

## Description

To utilize this command, begin
each paragraph with exactly one space. This affects an output with
an indent of a specified number of spaces, and a blank line between
each paragraph.

Only the first line of the paragraph is indented.
Subsequent lines are output at the left margin.

The .xparagraph command terminates the paragraph mode.

## See also

- [.standard command (Output processor)](https://d3codex.com/output-processor/dot-standard-command-output-processor/)
- [.xparagraph](https://d3codex.com/output-processor/dot-xparagraph/)
- [Output processor commands](https://d3codex.com/output-processor/output-processor-commands/)
- [Output processor overview](https://d3codex.com/output-processor/output-processor-overview/)

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Source: https://d3codex.com/output-processor/dot-paragraph-command-output-processor/ - part of the D3Codex reference.