Bullet Point Keyboard Shortcut: Windows & Mac

Bullet Point Symbol (•) Copy and Paste

You can copy and paste the bullet point symbol (•) directly into documents, emails, notes, or social media posts without using a keyboard shortcut.

Bullet point symbol: •

Copy and paste: •

You can also use these alternative bullet symbols depending on your formatting needs:

To use a bullet symbol, select and copy the character you need, then paste it where you want it. If you’re creating a list in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, use the application’s bulleted-list feature to format multiple items consistently.

If you want to type the bullet symbol directly instead, the shortcut depends on your operating system. The next sections explain how to type a bullet point on Windows and Mac.

Bullet Point Keyboard Shortcut on Windows

On a Windows PC, you can type the bullet point symbol (•) using an Alt code and the numeric keypad. This method works in many text editors and applications, including Notepad and Microsoft Word.

Method 1: Use the Bullet Point Alt Code

Follow these steps to type a bullet point using your Windows keyboard:

1. Open your document and place the cursor where you want the bullet.
2. Turn on Num Lock if your keyboard has this key.
3. Press and hold the Alt key.
4. Type 0149 using the numeric keypad.
5. Release Alt to insert the bullet symbol (•).

Shortcut: Alt + 0149

Important: Use the numeric keypad rather than the number keys along the top of the keyboard. If the shortcut doesn’t work, your keyboard or application may not support this input method.

Method 2: Type a Bullet Point Without a Numeric Keypad

Many compact laptops don’t have a dedicated numeric keypad, which can make Alt codes difficult to use. You can try the Windows On-Screen Keyboard instead:

1. Press Windows + Ctrl + O to open the On-Screen Keyboard.
2. Check whether a numeric keypad is available in its options or layout.
3. If available, use it to enter the Alt code while holding Alt.

The On-Screen Keyboard layout varies by Windows version, and this workaround may not work on every device. If you only need one bullet, copying • from the previous section is usually the simplest option.

Method 3: Create a Bulleted List in Microsoft Word

If you want a formatted list rather than a single bullet character, Microsoft Word has a built-in shortcut:

1. Place your cursor at the start of a new paragraph.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + L to apply Word’s default bulleted-list formatting.
3. Type your list item and press Enter to create the next bullet.

This shortcut formats a paragraph as a list; it is different from the Alt + 0149 method, which inserts a bullet character.

For more useful key combinations, explore our guide to Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts.

Bullet Point Keyboard Shortcut on Mac

On a Mac, you can type a bullet point symbol (•) using a simple keyboard shortcut. This works in many text editors and applications when using a standard US keyboard layout.

Method 1: Use the Mac Bullet Point Shortcut

Follow these steps to insert a bullet point on your MacBook or Mac desktop:

1. Open your document and place the cursor where you want the bullet.
2. Press Option + 8 on your keyboard.
3. The bullet symbol (•) will appear at the cursor position.

Shortcut: Option + 8

If this combination doesn’t work, your keyboard layout or application may use a different input method. You can copy the bullet symbol (•) from the previous section and paste it into your document instead.

Method 2: Create a Bulleted List on Mac

If you want to create a formatted list rather than insert a single bullet character, use the bulleted-list feature in your application. For example, in Pages or Microsoft Word, you can select the list formatting option and choose a bullet style.

The exact keyboard shortcut for creating a bulleted list depends on the application, so don’t confuse it with Option + 8, which inserts the bullet symbol on a standard US Mac keyboard.

For more useful key combinations, explore our guide to Keyboard Shortcuts.

How to Make Bullet Points in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word lets you create bulleted lists using a keyboard shortcut or the built-in list formatting feature. The method you choose depends on whether you want a formatted list or a single bullet symbol.

Method 1: Create a Bulleted List With a Keyboard Shortcut

To apply Word’s default bullet-list formatting:

1. Place your cursor at the beginning of a new paragraph.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + L on Windows.
3. Type your first list item.
4. Press Enter to create the next bullet.
5. Press Enter twice to end the list.

This shortcut applies Word’s default bulleted-list style. It does not simply insert a standalone bullet character.

Method 2: Insert a Bullet Using the Word Toolbar

You can also create a bulleted list using Word’s ribbon:

1. Open your document and select the Home tab.
2. In the Paragraph group, select Bullets.
3. Choose a bullet style from the menu.
4. Type your list items, pressing Enter after each item.

Method 3: Insert a Single Bullet Symbol

If you need just one bullet character inside a sentence or paragraph:

1. Place your cursor where you want the symbol.
2. On Windows, try Alt + 0149 using the numeric keypad.
3. Alternatively, copy and paste the bullet symbol • directly into your document.

Tip: Use Word’s bulleted-list feature for multiple items. It keeps spacing and alignment consistent and makes it easier to edit or reorder your list.

How to Insert Bullet Points in Google Docs

Google Docs lets you create bulleted lists using the toolbar, menu options, or keyboard shortcuts. The best method depends on whether you want a formatted list or a single bullet symbol.

Method 1: Create a Bulleted List Using the Toolbar

1. Open your document in Google Docs.
2. Place the cursor where you want to start the list.
3. Click the Bulleted list icon in the toolbar.
4. Type your first item and press Enter to add another bullet.
5. Press Enter twice to finish the list.

Method 2: Use a Keyboard Shortcut

On Windows or Linux, press Ctrl + Shift + 8 to toggle the bulleted-list formatting in Google Docs. On a Mac, press Command + Shift + 8.

Note: These combinations may conflict with browser or system shortcuts in some environments. If the shortcut doesn’t work, use the toolbar or open Format → Bullets & numbering → Bulleted list.

If you work with spreadsheets, our Google Sheets Keyboard Shortcuts guide can also help you work more efficiently

Method 3: Insert a Single Bullet Symbol

If you only need the bullet character • rather than a formatted list, copy it from the bullet point symbol copy-and-paste section above and paste it into your document.

Tip: Use Google Docs’ bulleted-list feature when listing several items. It keeps indentation and spacing consistent and makes editing easier.

How to Add Bullet Points in Excel and PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint support bullet points, but the steps differ because Excel uses cells while PowerPoint is designed for slide presentations.

How to Insert Bullet Points in Microsoft Excel

Excel doesn’t provide the same straightforward bulleted-list button as Word, but you can still insert bullet symbols into cells.

Method 1: Use the bullet symbol

1. Select the cell where you want the bullet point.
2. Copy the bullet symbol • from this guide.
3. Double-click the cell or press F2 to edit it.
4. Paste the symbol and type your text after it.

Method 2: Add multiple bullet points in one cell

1. Enter a bullet symbol followed by your first item.
2. Press Alt + Enter on Windows to start a new line within the same cell.
3. Insert another bullet symbol and type the next item.
4. Repeat as needed.

On Mac, the in-cell line-break shortcut may vary by Excel version and keyboard settings. You can also use the bullet symbol through copy and paste.

How to Insert Bullet Points in Microsoft PowerPoint

PowerPoint includes a built-in bulleted-list feature for organizing slide content.

1. Open your presentation and select the text box where you want the list.
2. Place the cursor on a new line.
3. Go to Home and select Bullets in the Paragraph group.
4. Choose your preferred bullet style.
5. Type your first item and press Enter to create the next bullet.

To finish the list, press Enter twice.

Tip: Use PowerPoint’s built-in list formatting for presentation slides, and use individual bullet symbols when you need a bullet inside ordinary text.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Keyboard Shortcut for a Bullet Point?

On a Mac with a standard US keyboard layout, press Option + 8 to type a bullet (•). On Windows, you can use Alt + 0149 with the numeric keypad in applications that support this Alt code.

How Do I Type a Bullet Point Without a Numeric Keypad?

The easiest option is to copy the bullet symbol • and paste it where you need it. You can also use your application’s symbol insertion feature. Some laptops support embedded numeric keypads or other input methods, depending on the model.

How Do I Make a Bullet Point in Microsoft Word?

To create a bulleted list in Word on Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + L to apply the default bullet-list formatting. You can also select Home → Bullets to choose a bullet style.

How Do I Type a Bullet Point on a Chromebook?

You can insert a bullet symbol by copying and pasting •. In many Chromebook text fields, you can also type a Unicode character using the Unicode input method if supported by the application: press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 2022, then press Enter or Space.

How Do I Type a Bullet Point on Android or iPhone?

Open your keyboard’s number or symbol screen and look for the bullet symbol •. The exact location varies by keyboard app and device. If you can’t find it, copy the symbol from this guide and paste it into your message or document.

How Do I Insert a Bullet Point in HTML?

Use the HTML entity • to display a bullet character (•) in HTML text. For a properly formatted list, use an unordered-list element with list-item elements instead.