Quick answer
Copy • above. On Windows with a numeric keypad, use Alt + 0149. On a U.S. Mac keyboard, press Option + 8. For a real list in Word or Docs, use the app's bulleted-list command instead.
Bullet point methods
The round bullet • is useful inside short labels, separators, table cells, and plain text. For a multi-line list, use the list feature in your editor or HTML instead of typing bullets and spaces manually.
| Platform | Best option |
|---|---|
| Windows | Alt + 0149 on the numeric keypad |
| Mac (U.S.) | Option + 8 |
| Microsoft Word | Home → Bullets, or 2022 then Alt + X |
| Google Docs | Toolbar Bulleted list button |
| HTML | <ul><li>…</li></ul> for lists; • for a text bullet |
Type • on Windows
Enable Num Lock, hold Alt, type 0149 with the numeric keypad, and release Alt. On a compact laptop, the shortcut may not work because the top number row is not a keypad. Use Character Map, the Windows symbol panel, or copy the symbol.
Word accepts another method: type 2022, then press Alt + X. That converts the Unicode code point into a bullet. Use this when you need one character rather than an automatically indented list.
Type • on a Mac
On the U.S. keyboard layout, press Option + 8. The same character works in Notes, Pages, email, browsers, and most other apps.
For a formatted list, use the application’s list command. In many Mac editors, a shortcut such as Command + Shift + 7 or 8 changes list formatting, but the exact command varies by app; check its Format menu rather than assuming one universal combination.
Create bullets in Word and Google Docs
Select the paragraphs and choose the Bullets button. The editor will maintain indentation, continue the list after Enter, and align wrapped lines under the text instead of under the bullet.
In Word, you can customize the bullet character through the list menu. In Google Docs, use the toolbar or Format → Bullets & numbering. Press Enter twice to end most lists.
Use a typed • when the character belongs inside a single line, such as Design • Development • Support, or when a plain-text system has no list structure.
Bullet alternatives
Different marks imply different visual weight:
| Symbol | Common description | Good use |
|---|---|---|
• |
Bullet | Standard list or separator |
◦ |
White bullet | Nested or lighter item |
▪ |
Small square | Compact feature list |
○ |
Outline circle | Checklist-like visual, not a real checkbox |
‣ |
Triangular bullet | Directional or editorial accent |
Do not rely on Wingdings characters for content that will be copied or opened on another device. A Wingdings glyph may turn into an unrelated letter when the font is missing. Unicode symbols travel more reliably.
Accessible bullets on the web
Use <ul> and <li> for unordered lists. Browsers expose that structure to screen readers and handle spacing automatically. Adding a literal bullet before every paragraph can cause assistive technology to read the symbol without identifying the group as a list.
For an inline separator, a real bullet character is fine. Give it appropriate spacing and avoid creating long runs that are hard to scan.
Fix bullet formatting problems
If wrapped text starts beneath the bullet, replace typed tabs and spaces with list formatting. If the symbol becomes a box, use a modern font. If Word keeps starting a list when you only wanted the character, undo the AutoFormat action or change the automatic list preference.
References and compatibility
These platform references explain the input methods used above. Availability varies by app and keyboard layout; a Unicode value is not automatically a numeric-keypad Alt code.
Editorial note: Shortcuts can vary by keyboard layout and app. Check the stated platform and use the copy-and-paste fallback when needed. Report a correction with your device, layout, and application; see our editorial policy for limitations.