How to Make Bullet Points and Numbered Lists in Word
Lists make documents easier to scan. They can also be one of the most frustrating things in Word when numbering jumps to 7 or indents go haywire. Here's how to stay in control.
Quick reference
| What you want | How |
|---|---|
| Start a bullet list | Type * and a space |
| Start a numbered list | Type 1. and a space |
| Indent a level | Tab |
| Go back a level | Shift + Tab |
| End the list | Enter twice |
1. The quick way: just type
Type an asterisk (*) followed by a space, and Word turns it into a bullet. Type 1. and a space and you get a numbered list. Press Enter and the next bullet or number appears automatically.
2. Use the ribbon
1. Select the lines you want in a list (or click where the list will start).
2. Go to the Home tab.
3. Click Bullets or Numbering.
2. Go to the Home tab.
3. Click Bullets or Numbering.
Click the small arrow next to each button to choose a different bullet or number style.
3. Sub-points and levels
• Press Tab at the start of a list item to indent it one level.
• Press Shift + Tab to move it back out.
• Press Shift + Tab to move it back out.
For outlines like 1, 1.1, 1.1.1, use Home → Multilevel List and pick a style.
4. End a list
Press Enter twice. The second press removes the bullet and returns you to normal text.
5. Fix the numbering
• Starts at the wrong number? Right-click the number → Restart at 1.
• Should carry on from an earlier list? Right-click → Continue Numbering.
• Need a specific start number? Right-click → Set Numbering Value…
• Should carry on from an earlier list? Right-click → Continue Numbering.
• Need a specific start number? Right-click → Set Numbering Value…
6. Custom bullets
Click the Bullets arrow → Define New Bullet… You can choose:
• Symbol — ticks, arrows, stars, checkboxes.
• Picture — use a small image or your logo.
• Font — change the bullet colour to match your brand.
• Picture — use a small image or your logo.
• Font — change the bullet colour to match your brand.
7. Stop Word making lists automatically
If Word turns something into a list you didn't want, press Ctrl + Z straight away. That undoes just the automatic list.
To turn it off completely: File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options → AutoFormat As You Type → untick Automatic bulleted lists and Automatic numbered lists.
Troubleshooting
The gap between bullet and text is too big. Right-click the list → Adjust List Indents… → change Follow number with to Space or reduce the Text indent.
Bullets are a different size from the text. Click one bullet (they all highlight) and change the font size.
Wrapping up
Type * or 1. to start, Tab and Shift + Tab for levels, and right-click the number whenever the numbering misbehaves.
