The Formatting Shift
Google Docs tries to anticipate the structure of your document. If you type an asterisk (*) or a number followed by a period (1.) and press the spacebar, Docs assumes you are starting a bulleted or numbered list. Not only does it instantly format the text into a formal list item, but it also automatically indents the entire line, pushing it inward from the left margin. If you are simply typing a casual note, writing a programming script where asterisks denote multiplication, or drafting a document where you require strict, flush-left alignment, this automatic indentation completely ruins your layout.
Disabling Automatic Lists
To retain full control over your margins and stop Google Docs from automatically indenting text when you attempt to type a list character, you must disable the automatic list detection feature.
Open the Google Docs document you are currently working in. Navigate to the main menu bar at the very top of the screen and click on Tools. From the resulting drop-down menu, select Preferences. In the dialogue box that appears, make sure you are on the General tab (the default selection on the left). Look carefully through the list of checkboxes for the option labelled Automatically detect lists. Click the checkbox next to this option to remove the checkmark. Finally, click the blue OK button at the bottom right. Now, typing a number or an asterisk will leave the text exactly where you typed it, flush with the margin.