Capturing data in a right way is really important.
In Excel, most of the time we use serial numbers but when you are working on lists the best way is to use bullet points. I mostly use bullet point lists to capture my day to day work (To do lists, Important points).
Now the bad news is. In Excel, there is no default way to insert a bullet point like we have in Microsoft Word.
But here is the good news. A few days back I have realized that actually, we can use 8 different ways to insert bullet points in Excel.
And, all these methods can be useful in different situations. So, today in this post, Iβd like to share with you all those methods.
Top 8-Methods to Insert Bullet Points in Excel for Lists [Windows + Mac]
As I said here we have nearby 8 different ways to add a list with bullet points. But the thing is, you need to choose which method works perfectly for you.
Let's check out these methods one by one.
1. Add a Bullet Point from Symbol Dialog Box
I bet you have used this method before.
- Select the cell in which you want to add a bullet point
- Go to Insert Tab β Click on Symbol.
- Once you click on the symbol button, youβll get a symbol dialog box.
- In symbol dialog box, you have a lot of smart symbols to use as a bullet point or you can simply use a black dot.
- Once you choose your bullet point, just click on the insert to add in the cell.
Here are some symbols which you can use for a list in Excel as a bullet point.
2. Insert Bullet Points with a Shortcut Key
Shortcut keys are the best way to insert a bullet point if you donβt have the time to play with symbol dialog box.
We have two different shortcut keys and you can use any of these.
- Select the cell in which you want to add a bullet point.
- Press F2 to edit cell.
- Hold alt key and press 7 or 9 to insert a bullet.
Both shortcuts keys will give you a different type of bullets.
If you want to add a dark dot for bullet point you can use Alt + 7 or if you want to add a circle, you can use alt + 9.
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3. Use CHAR Function for Bullet Points
You can also use CHAR(149) to add a bullet in a cell.
This is a helpful method if you want to insert a bullet in all the cells using a formula in the formula bar in the cell where you need to insert it.
- Select the cell in which you want to add a bullet point.
- Enter =CHAR(149)&β β&A1
- Now, drag the formula up to the cell in which you want to add the bullet.
4. Apply Custom Formatting for Bullet Points
Itβs a one-time setup.
All you have to do is to create a custom format to insert bullet points. nJust follow these simple steps.
- Press Ctrl + 1 and you will get a format dialog box.
- Under number tab, select custom.
- In type input bar, enter the following formatting.
β General;β General;β General;β General
- In type input bar, enter the following formatting.
How it works
Let me give you a short note to use custom formatting for bullet points.
In custom formatting, you have to mention 4 different formats from positive, negative, zero and text.
I have used a black dot for all these four types.
And now, when you insert a text or any number whether positive or negative, it will add a bullet in front of it.
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5. Add Bullet Points in a Text Box
To insert bullet points in the text box is the quickest way. You donβt have to run here and there from bullets.
Follow these simple steps.
- First of all, insert a text box.
- Edit the text box and right click
- Click on the bullet option and select the bullet style to apply.
- Once you select your bullet style it will automatically insert a bullet at the start of each line.
You can also use the numbers in a text box by using the same method.
6. Use Wingdings & Webdings Fonts for Bullet Points
Both of the font styles will show an icon instead of alphabet or number. If you enter any number or alphabet you will get a cool icon instead.
Youβll even get a different symbol for a capital letter and lower letter.
To insert a simple black dot use small βlβ & small βnβ in Webdings & Wingdings respectively.
7. Bullet Points in a Cell Comment
You can also use bullet point in cell comment using symbols.
- First of all, insert a comment in a cell.
- Edit that cell comment.
- Go to Insert Tab βΊ Click on Symbol.
- Add any symbol which you want to add.
- Copy that symbol before the start of each line.
8. Use Smart Art to Create a Bulleted List
Smart art is also an effective way to create an organized list of bullet points.
- Go to Insert Tab βΊ Smart Art Graphics.
- From categories select list.
- Select the type of smart art you want and click OK.
Conclusion
Bulleted lists are handy when you want to create lists and now you now eight different ways to insert bullet points in Excel. If you ask me custom formatting is my favorite way for this as itβs a one-time set-up.
Which one is your favorite?
Please share your views with me in the comment section. I'd love to hear from you, and please, donβt forget to share this post with your friends, I am sure they will appreciate it.
This tutorial is a part of our Basic Excel Skills, and if you want to sharpen your existing Excel Skills, checkout these Excel Tips and Tricks. But if you are just getting started with Excel, check out this tutorial on Excel Basics.
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About the Author
Puneet is using Excel since his college days. He helped thousands of people to understand the power of the spreadsheets and learn Microsoft Excel. You can ο¬nd him online, tweeting about Excel, on a running track, or sometimes hiking up a mountain.
Re: Bullet symbol in Excel comment
Is there a way to real bulleted lists with indent for multi-line entries, or just a symbol?
In a comment?
Thank you Puneet
You’re Welcome.
On my keyboard, Alt + 7 and Alt + 9 only work if you use the number keypad for the 7 and 9, not the regular numbers across the top (under the function keys).
Hi..
Good info..
In some laptop in place of Alt+9 / Alt+7 for bullets, we need to use Alt+Function Key+9 / Alt+Function Key +7.. Just sharing for the benefit of others for whom it is not working like mine.
Also for me, in webding font, need to put “=” in place of “l” for bullet. Correct me if I am wrong.
FYI – Even “r”, “t”, “u” etc. in winding font gives good bullets.
nice information,
i like excel because mostly all and any work can be done in excel easily.
we can use quick access toolbar to add symbol option.
I do like the custom formatting but you can still only place one bullet per cell. It would be nice if you could have a bulleted list of multiple bullets per cell. Does anyone know how this can be done. Using Excel on Mac
Is there a way to do custom formatting for one cell? So that the list of items is bulleted on each item (via ALT+ENT)? Thank you!
I use ALT 0149 all the time, all folders and files get one at the beginning.
@Grizz_UK:disqus Thanks for sharing
Love the custom formatting option! I’m going to use that from now on.
@disqus_al5c8qcwCx:disqus Great
Good information. You can also create a custom format using the @ symbol, which is a kind of wild card that represents all of the text that follows. Type Alt+0149 (or Alt+7, Alt+9 as noted above), press the space bar, type @, and then Enter to create the custom format.
@harolddola:disqus Thanks for sharing