How to Change the Closing Indent in KOMA-Script scrlttr2

In scrlttr2, the closing phrase and the signature are laid out as a closing/signature block. To move that block horizontally, set the KOMA-Script pseudolength sigindent. The standard form is \setplength{sigindent}{<dimension>}.

For example, \setplength{sigindent}{2cm} places the block 2 cm to the right of its usual reference position. Setting it to 0pt removes the added indentation. The example below shows a complete letter.

Change the indent with sigindent

Put the setting in the preamble, after \documentclass and before \begin{document}:

\documentclass{scrlttr2}

\setplength{sigindent}{2cm}

\setkomavar{fromname}{Alex Example}
\setkomavar{signature}{Alex Example}

\begin{document}
\begin{letter}{Jamie Reader\\
  10 Example Street\\
  Sampletown}

\opening{Dear Jamie,}

Here is the body of the letter.

\closing{Yours sincerely,}
\end{letter}
\end{document}

The important line is \setplength{sigindent}{2cm}. The value is a TeX dimension, so you can use units such as pt, mm, cm, or in. To align the block with the text margin, try:

\setplength{sigindent}{0pt}

Compile the document and adjust the dimension until the block is where you want it. A positive value moves it farther in from the left; a negative value can move it left of its usual reference position, though that may extend into the margin.

What does the setting move?

sigindent controls the horizontal position of the closing/signature block produced by \closing. It is the right setting when the closing phrase and name need to move together. It does not change the indentation of the letter’s paragraphs or the recipient’s address.

The related pseudolength sigwidth controls the width of the signature block. Change it if the block needs more or less horizontal space; changing its width is not the same as moving its starting position. For example, changing sigwidth alone may affect line wrapping without giving the desired leftward or rightward shift.

If you want the closing phrase and signature to have different horizontal positions, sigindent alone is not enough: it positions the block as a unit. That layout requires a custom closing design rather than a single adjustment to the standard block.

Common mistakes

• Changing a general paragraph length: The closing position is not controlled by the paragraph indent. Altering paragraph settings can affect the letter body while leaving the closing block unchanged.
• Using \setlength instead of \setplength: sigindent is a KOMA-Script pseudolength, so set it with \setplength.
• Changing sigwidth to move the block: Width and horizontal position serve different purposes. Use sigindent to shift the block.
• Setting the value after \closing: A setting made after the closing has already been typeset cannot reposition that closing. Configure the pseudolength before the relevant \closing command.
• Expecting paragraph-level alignment: The setting applies to the closing/signature block, not to the letter’s body text.

For a document with several letters that need different layouts, set sigindent before each relevant \closing so the intended value is in effect when that block is produced.