im writing a outline how do i get them all in a straight line on the computer?

Question

im using open office

Answer 1

First, don't try to do all the numbering by hand.
Use the numbered list feature to get all your main elements numbered. (It's a little roman numeral icon on the main toolbar)

While you're in autonumber mode, you can use the tab key to indent a level. Shift-tab out-dents.

You can change the numbering style via format - bullets and numbering.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Try bullets