What is the difference between formatting a paragraph with a 1'' left indent using page layout?

Formatting a paragraph with a 1'' left indent using page layout affects the entire paragraph's alignment relative to the left margin, moving it inward by one inch. This setting is typically used for creating a visual separation of paragraphs, such as in essays or reports. In contrast, applying a left indent using the ruler or directly in the paragraph settings might only affect specific sections or paragraphs, depending on how it's applied. Both methods achieve similar visual results but may differ in ease of adjustment and consistency across the document.