A bullet point is a symbol you can use to introduce separate items. These items can be in a vertical list, in sentences, or in paragraphs. You can also use bullet points within a document to show important information.
Bullet points have a unique advantage. They allow readers to read the important parts of the document quickly. You can use a variety of symbols to represent bullet points.
5 ways to insert Bullet points in MS Word
- Using the Home tab
- Using Symbols
- In multi-column lists
- Using Keyboard shortcuts
- Using the AutoCorrect feature
We will explain all the above methods in simple, step-by-step instructions.
Let us begin.
Method #1: Using the Home Tab
The list icon, which can be found on the home tab, is a straightforward way to add bullets to your list.
Step #1: Open a Word document
Open a Word document containing a list of items.
Navigate to the page containing the list.
Place the cursor where you want the bullet to appear.
In our example, that would be in front of the word ‘Apples.’
Note: To have bullets in front of all items in the list, you must select the entire list.
Step #2: Select the bullet
Click on the Home tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the Paragraph section, click on the down arrow next to the bullets icon.
This opens a Bullet Library with many bullet options.
Step #3: Insert the bullet
Click on the bullet you would like to use.
Word inserts the bullet in front of the word Apples.
Method #2: Using Symbols
If you wish to display a special bullet instead of the standard selection of bullets, using the Symbols menu gives you plenty of options.
Step #1: Open a Word document
Open a Word document containing a list of items.
Navigate to the page containing the list.
Place the cursor where you want the bullet to appear.
In our example, that would be in front of the word ‘Apples.’
Step #2: Open the symbol chart
Click on the Insert tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the Symbols section, click on the down arrow below the Symbol icon.
This opens a symbols chart.
Click on More Symbols… at the bottom.
This opens a more elaborate symbol chart.
Step #3: Pick a symbol
Click on the Symbols tab.
Under Subset, scroll to Miscellaneous Symbols or Dingbats.
You can select any of the various bullets in the list.
We chose the black dot.
Step #4: Insert the bullet
Click on the Insert button at the bottom of the chart.
Click on the Close button next to it to close the chart.
Word inserts the bullet.
Copy this bullet, and paste it in front of your other list items for a full bulleted list.
Method #3: In a Multi-Column List
When you create a list spanning more than one column, and decide to add bullets, then this is the method you would apply.
Step #1: Open a Word document
Open a Word document containing a multi-column list of items.
Navigate to the page containing the list.
Place the cursor where you want the bullets to appear.
Note: To have bullets in front of all items in the list, you must select the entire list.
Step #2: Select the bullet
Click on the Home tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the Paragraph section, click on the down arrow next to the bullets icon.
This opens a Bullet Library with many bullets.
Step #3: Insert the bullet
Click on the bullet you would like to use.
Word inserts the bullet.
Method #4: Using Keyboard Short-Cuts
Keyboard shortcuts are super efficient, making you work quicker like a pro. However, they do not work in all versions of Word and on all operating systems. This method will not work if you are using MS Word in an Apple Mac system. Try it out and see if it works for you.
Step #1: Open a Word document
Open a Word document containing a list of items.
Navigate to the page containing the list.
Place the cursor where you want the bullet to appear.
Note: To have bullets in front of all items in the list, you must select the entire list.
Step #2: Insert the bullet
Press and hold the ALT key on your keyboard.
Press 2 5 4 on the numeric keypad in sequence and not at the same time.
Release the ALT key.
Word will insert the bullet point in the list.
You can select other bullets from the list below:
Method #5: Using the AutoCorrect Feature
Step #1: Open a Word document
Open a Word document containing a list of items.
Navigate to the page containing the list.
Place the cursor where you want the bullet to appear.
Step #2: Open the symbol chart
Click on the Insert tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the Symbols section, click on the down arrow below the Symbol icon.
This opens a symbols chart.
Click on More Symbols… at the bottom.
This opens a more elaborate symbol chart.
Step #3: Pick a symbol
Click on the Symbols tab.
Under Subset, scroll to Miscellaneous Symbols or Dingbats.
You can select any bullet on the list.
We chose the black dot.
Click on the AutoCorrect… button at the bottom of the chart.
This will open the AutoCorrect dialog box.
Step #4: Set up the AutoCorrect feature
In the AutoCorrect dialogue box, click on the AutoCorrect tab.
Under Replace: type the word blt (you can use any other word as well).
Click on the Add button.
Click on the OK button to exit the dialog box.
Click on the Close tab at the bottom of the symbols chart to close it.
Step #5: Insert the Bullet
In the document, type the word blt where you want the bullet to appear.
Press Space after typing b l t, and Word will replace the word blt with the chosen bullet.
Conclusion
We have shown you five methods of inserting bullet points in MS Word. Some are most useful when you wish to apply a unique bullet point such as an aircraft, while others help you with longer lists.
Use the method most suitable for your application.