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How to Add Bullet Points in Google Sheets

Marty Youssef
Last updated on
January 4, 2024

Bullet points are a great way to organize and highlight information in your spreadsheets.

Whether you're compiling a list, outlining steps in a process, or presenting data in an easy-to-read format, bullet points can significantly enhance your document's clarity and readability.

Let's dive into the various methods you can use to add bullet points in Google Sheets.

How to Add Bullet Points in Google Sheets Using the Keyboard Shortcut

Using keyboard shortcuts is the quickest way to add bullet points in Google Sheets. Here's how you can do it:

1. Click on the cell where you want to insert a bullet point and double-click to start editing.

2. Insert a bullet point by pressing Alt + 7 on Windows PC or Option + Shift + 9 on Mac and type your text after the bullet point appears.

How to Add Bullet Points in Google Sheets Using the Keyboard Shortcut

This methods allows you to add an single bullet point to a cell in Google Sheets.

How to Add Bullet Points in Google Sheets Using Custom Formatting

Custom formatting in Google Sheets allows you to add bullet points to your text while maintaining a consistent format. Here's how to use it:

1. Highlight the cells where you want to add bullet points.

Highlight the cells where you want to add bullet points

2. Click on Format in the menu bar, select Number, then More Formats, and choose Custom number format.

Custom number format bullet points

3. In the custom format field, enter ● @. You can copy and paste the bullet symbol or choose a different symbol as per your preference.

custom number format for bullet points symbol

4. To apply the formatting, click on Apply.

Custom format bullet points showing

This method allows you to seamlessly integrate bullet points into your cells, enhancing the visual structure and organization of your data in Google Sheets.

How to Add Bullet Points in Google Sheets Using the CHAR Function

Using the CHAR function in Google Sheets is a versatile way to insert bullet points, offering you control over bullet styles. Here's the process:

1. Click on the cell where you want to add a bullet point.

2. Type =CHAR(8226) & " " & followed by your text or cell reference. For example, =CHAR(8226) & " Your Text".

How to Add Bullet Points in Google Sheets Using the CHAR Function

3. Press Enter to apply. This will add a bullet point before your text.

Bullet Points CHAR Function

The CHAR(8226) function generates the standard bullet point symbol, but you can experiment with different numbers in the CHAR function to explore various symbols.

How to Add Multiple Bullet Points in One Cell in Google Sheets

If you're looking to organize several items within a single cell in Google Sheets using bullet points, here’s a step-by-step guide to do it effectively:

1. Click on the cell where you want to add multiple bullet points and double-click to start editing.

2. Insert the first bullet point by pressing Alt + 7 on a Windows PC or Option + Shift + 9 on a Mac.

3. Type your first item after the bullet point.

4. For a new bullet point in the same cell, press Alt + Enter on Windows PC or Command + Enter on Mac to add a line break.

5. Repeat the bullet point insertion step and type your next item.

6. Continue this process for as many bullet points as you need in the cell.

7. Once you’ve added all your bullet points and items, press Enter to finish editing the cell.

This method allows you to create a neat and organized list within a single cell, enhancing the readability of your data.

Conclusion

Adding bullet points in Google Sheets is a simple yet powerful way to enhance the presentation of your data. Whether you choose the keyboard shortcut, custom formatting, or the CHAR function, each method offers unique advantages. Experiment with these techniques to find out which one best suits your needs, and watch your spreadsheets become more organized and visually appealing!

Marty Youssef
Marty is a digital marketer with over 8 years working with clients to introduce word class software solutions for their business.