diff --git a/docs/source/manual/file_formats/reference_file.rst b/docs/source/manual/file_formats/reference_file.rst
index 6f5b5474a..cbf8db835 100644
--- a/docs/source/manual/file_formats/reference_file.rst
+++ b/docs/source/manual/file_formats/reference_file.rst
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ An example of the file is shown as follows.
 
   Date: Mon Sep  9 16:41:53 2024
 
-#the instance names are given during netlist generation
+  #the instance names are given during netlist generation
 
   references:
     - module: grid_io_top