How to add bullet points in Google Docs
Turn lines of text into a bulleted list in Google Docs: select the lines, open Format, choose Bullets & numbering, then pick a bullet style.
Quick answer
Select the lines you want as bullets, open the Format menu, point to Bullets & numbering, then open the Bulleted list menu and pick a bullet style from the grid. Google Docs turns each selected line into its own bulleted item, and you can clear the selection to check the finished list.
Steps at a glance
- Select the lines you want as bullets.
- Open the Format menu.
- Point to Bullets & numbering.
- Open the Bulleted list menu.
- Pick a bullet style from the grid.
- Click away to check the list.
Interactive demo
Summary
A bulleted list sets short items apart so readers can scan them quickly. In Google Docs you apply bullets to lines you have already typed, and each line becomes one list item.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Select the lines to turn into a list
Type each item on its own line, then highlight the lines you want as bullets. Every selected line becomes one bullet. Leave out any heading line, such as a title above the list.
Step 2
Open the Format menu
With the lines still selected, click **Format** in the menu bar above the toolbar. The menu lists text, paragraph and list options.
Step 3
Point to Bullets & numbering
In the Format menu, move the cursor onto **Bullets & numbering**. A submenu opens beside it with the **Numbered list menu**, the **Bulleted list menu** and the **Checklist menu**.
Step 4
Open Bulleted list menu
Move the cursor straight across into the submenu and onto **Bulleted list menu**. A grid of bullet styles opens, including bullet, hollow, square, arrow and star variations.
Step 5
Pick the round bullet style
Click the first style in the grid, which starts with a round bullet. Docs applies it to every line you selected.
Step 6
Check the bulleted list
Click an empty part of the page to clear the selection. Each line you selected now starts with a bullet, and any line you left out stays as plain text.
Why this matters
You have a few tasks typed out as plain lines, such as a launch checklist, and they read like a paragraph. Bullets give each item its own marker, so your team can scan the list at a glance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose a different bullet style?
Yes. The Bulleted list menu opens a grid of styles, including round, hollow, square, arrow and star bullets. Click the one you want instead of the first.
Does each line need to be a separate paragraph?
Yes. In this capture each item was typed on its own line, and each selected line became its own bullet.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
How to add a checklist in Google DocsTurn a list of tasks into a Google Docs checklist with the Format menu, then click each checkbox to tick items off as you finish them.
How to add a footer in Google DocsAdd a footer in Google Docs from the Insert menu: open Page elements, choose Footer, type your text, then press Escape to return to your document.
How to add a footnote in Google DocsAdd a footnote in Google Docs from the Insert menu. Place your cursor, choose Page elements then Footnote, and type the note at the bottom of the page.
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