How to indent a block of Python code in Notepad++?

Question

While coding in Matlab, I had the option of smart indenting my code using the shortcut Ctrl+i. Is there a similar option for Python using Notepad++?

Specifically, I am looking for a solution to the following problem:
I want the block

line 1
line 2
line 3

to be converted to

    line 1
    line 2
    line 3

On a side-note, I found this to be surprisingly easy with SE editor (keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+k). I want this feature to be available for other languages as well (in my experience good indentation hasn't killed anyone, regardless of the language).

Could you post that as an answer? I will accept it soon. I was not able to find this solution using Google. I am looking for a different solution as well. Your solution adds tabs. Ideally I am looking for a solution that will add 4 spaces. But this works great! — Shashank Sawant
– Shashank Sawant, Commented Apr 26, 2014 at 1:43

senshin · Accepted Answer · 2014-04-26 01:45:29Z

11

Just select the text you want indented and hit Tab. To un-indent, select the text and hit Shift+Tab.

If you're in "Normal text file" mode, this will give you tabs (\t characters). If, however, you're in Python mode (which you enter either by saving as a .py file or by selecting Python from the Language menu), it should default to using four spaces instead of tabs. To configure the way tabs work yourself, go to Settings → Preferences → Tab Settings (for Python, this should default to "Tab size: 4" with "Replace by space" checked).

edited Apr 26, 2014 at 1:45

answered Apr 26, 2014 at 1:40

senshin

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2 Comments

ooga Over a year ago

Definitely change it to spaces! Tabs suck, and they don't seem to display properly on SO.

Mr. Polywhirl Over a year ago

I like spaces for Python, but tabs for C and Java. I wish there were profiles that you could set up for the language you are working with.

Mr. Polywhirl · Accepted Answer · 2014-04-26 02:12:00Z

2

Select all 3 lines and hit the Tab key. To undo this action you can hold down Shift while pressing the Tab key.

Pro Tip: As long as you have at least 2 lines partially selected, you can tab in the entire block.

Example:

enter image description here

If you want to change tab settings there are two locations in Settings -> Preferences

Under Tab Settings: You can change the tab size and you can check off the Replace by space option if you want NPP to use spaces for tabs.
Under MISC: you can check-off Auto-indent in case you have that option turned off.

edited Apr 26, 2014 at 2:12

answered Apr 26, 2014 at 1:44

Mr. Polywhirl

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1 Comment

ooga Over a year ago

And shift-tab de-indents.

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