How to Insert Bullet Points in Excel

Capturing data in the right way is 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 point. 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 as we have in Microsoft Word.

But here is the good news. A few days back I 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, I’d like to share with you all those methods.

[icon name=”bell” unprefixed_] 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.

Add a Bullet Point from Symbol Dialog Box

I am sure you have used this method before.

1. Select the cell in which you want to add a bullet point
2. Go to Insert Tab ➜ Click on Symbol.
   
3. Once you click on the symbol button, you’ll get a symbol dialog box.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Insert Bullet Points with a Shortcut Key

Shortcut keys are the best way to insert a bullet point if you don’t have the time to play with a symbol dialog box. We have two different shortcut keys and you can use any of these.

1. Select the cell in which you want to add a bullet point.
2. Press F2 to edit the cell.
3. Hold the alt key and press 7 or 9 to insert a bullet.

Both shortcut keys will give you different types of bullets. If you want to add a dark dot for bullet points you can use Alt + 7 or if you want to add a circle, you can use alt + 9.

Use CHAR Function for Bullet Points

You can also use CHAR(149) to add a bullet in a cell. This method is helpful 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.

1. Select the cell in which you want to add a bullet point.
2. Enter =CHAR(149)&” “&A1
   
3. Now, drag the formula up to the cell in which you want to add the bullet.
   

Custom Formatting for Bullet Points

It’s a one-time setup. All you have to do is to create a custom format to insert bullet points. Just follow these simple steps.

• Press Ctrl + 1 and you will get a format dialog box.
• Under the number tab, select custom.
• In the type input bar, enter the following formatting.
  • ● General;● General;● General;● General
• In the 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 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.

Add Bullet Points in a Text Box

Inserting bullet points in the text box is the quickest way. You don’t have to run here and there from bullets. Follow these simple steps.

1. First of all, insert a text box.
2. Edit the text box and right click
3. Click on the bullet option and select the bullet style to apply.
   
4. 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.

Use Wingdings & Webdings Fonts for Bullet Points

Both of the font styles will show an icon instead of an alphabet or number. If you enter any number or alphabet you will get a cool icon instead.

You’ll even get a different symbol for a capital letter and a lower letter. To insert a simple black dot use the small “l” & small “n” in Webdings & Wingdings respectively.

Bullet Points in a Cell Comment

You can also use bullet points in cell comments using symbols.

1. First of all, insert a comment in a cell.
2. Edit that cell comment.
3. Go to Insert Tab ► Click on Symbol.
4. Add any symbol that you want to add.
5. Copy that symbol before the start of each line.

Use Smart Art to Create a Bulleted List

Smart art is also an effective way to create an organized list of bullet points.

1. Go to Insert Tab ► Smart Art Graphics.
2. From categories select the list.
3. Select the type of smart art you want and click OK.