When creating organized and visually appealing documents or spreadsheets, bullet points play a crucial role. They help break down information into digestible chunks, making it easier for your audience to grasp your ideas or data.
If you’re using Google Sheets for your data analysis, project management, or any other task, you may be wondering how to insert bullet point symbols to enhance your documents. Fortunately, it’s a straightforward process once you know the ropes.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of inserting bullet point symbols in Google Sheets, helping you create more impactful and visually pleasing spreadsheets. Let’s dive right in!
You can also learn how to get bullet symbols in Word/Excel here.
Quick Help to Insert Bullet Points in Google Sheets
The following methods and steps will help you quickly insert the Bullet Point symbol in Google Sheets:
- Using keyboard Shortcut, Press ‘Alt’ + ‘0149’ (on Windows) or ‘Option’ + ‘8’ (on Mac) to quickly insert the Bullet Point symbol into any cell in Google Sheets.
- Using unicode Code Point (or Bullet Point Symbol Formula): type ‘=CHAR(8226)’ in the formula bar and press Enter for the Bullet Point symbol (•).
The table below also contains the Bullet symbol you can copy and paste into your Google Sheets document, and other information you may find helpful.
| Name | Bullet Point |
| Symbol | • |
| Shortcut (Windows) | ‘Alt’ + ‘0149’ |
| Shortcut (Mac) | Option + 8 |
The table above provides a quick overview of how to insert the Bullet Point symbols in Google Sheets. However, if you find that this brief explanation doesn’t fully meet your needs, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide on inserting not only the Bullet Point symbol but also any other symbol you may require in Google Sheets.
Insert Bullet Point Symbols in Google Sheets
As mentioned earlier, the Bullet Point symbol can be a bit tricky to put into your work compared to other symbols. But don’t worry, this guide will make it simple for you. It will show you how to easily add the Bullet Point symbol (•) to your Google Sheets.
In this blog, I’ve explained all the easy methods for inserting the Bullet Point symbol. Please note that I’ve used the uppercase Bullet Point symbol (•) in the examples, but you can use the same steps to insert the lowercase version (•) or any other symbol you need.
Now, let’s explore the different ways to insert the Bullet Point symbol into Google Sheets.
Bullet Point symbol Alt code (Windows Only)
Every symbol in Google Sheets has a unique code that you can use to insert the symbol into your document. This code is popularly known as Alt code.
The Bullet Point Symbol Alt code is 0149 or 7 or 9.
To insert this symbol in Google Sheets using the alt code,
- Specify and select the cell you want to insert the bullet point symbol.
- Double-click the cell or press F2 key to enter edit mode.
- Press and Hold the Alt key and press 0149 or 7 or 9 using the numeric keypad.
- Release the Alt key.
The bullet symbol will appear as soon as you release the alt key.
The Alt + 0149 and Alt + 7 will insert the same bullet. However, Alt + 9 will give you a different type of bullet.
If you’re using a keyboard without a numeric keypad, typing the bullet symbol using alt code shortcuts won’t work in the traditional way. Alt codes usually require a numeric keypad. However, if your keyboard lacks a numeric keypad, there are still alternative methods to type the bullet symbol.
Let’s discuss the other alternative methods below.
Using Unicode & the CHAR() Function to Insert Bullet Point Symbol in Google Sheets
Think of Unicode as a giant library where each character has its unique number/code. These codes help computers understand letters and symbols from various languages and styles, sort of like having a secret language for computers.
Now, imagine the CHAR function as a special tool that can take those secret codes from Unicode and turn them into the actual letters and symbols you see on your screen. It’s like decoding a secret message and bringing it to life!
Then, imagine these two things, Unicode and the CHAR function, working together to create the Bullet Point symbol (•).
By using the special code (8226) assigned to the Bullet Point symbol and the CHAR tool, you can create a kind of magic formula that makes the Bullet Point symbol (•) appear in a cell in Google Sheets.
Exciting, right?
Let’s unravel this magic step by step and see how it’s done!
- click on the cell where you want to insert the symbol.
- In the formula bar, type “=CHAR(8226)” and press Enter.
The Bullet Point symbol (•) will appear in the cell.
Using Custom Formatting to Automatically Add Bullet Points in Google Sheets
Wouldn’t it be great if you could automatically insert bullet points in Google Sheets as soon as you enter content into a cell? Well, it’s possible, and it’s a neat trick using custom number formatting.
Imagine the convenience of your data looking like this:
It may seem like magic, but it’s a simple customization using a powerful feature in Google Sheets.
Before we dive into the trick, let’s understand custom number formatting in Google Sheets.
Custom number formatting allows you to specify how different data types are displayed in a cell. You can control the format for various types of data, such as positive numbers, negative numbers, zeroes, and text.
If you want to put a dot symbol (•) in front of or after a text in a cell without changing the actual content, you can do it with custom formatting.
This trick comes in handy when you’re making things like charts or reports and want to make them look nice without messing up the real content of the cell.
What makes this method cool is that it doesn’t actually change the content in the cell. It just changes how they look. The cell content itself stays the same; only the way it appears is different.
For example, if a cell has the text ‘Item 1’, using this method will make it look like ‘• Item 1’, but the real text in the cell is still ‘Item 1’.
To use this trick, follow these steps:
- Select the Target Cells
Begin by choosing the cells where you want to display the Bullet Point symbol alongside the numbers.
- Go to Format > Number > Custom Number Format
- Define the Custom Format
In the text field, input the desired custom formatting. To display the Bullet Point symbol before numbers, type or copy and paste the following:
• @
- Click Apply to Confirm
After inputting the custom format, click the “Apply” button to save the changes.
As you follow these steps, you’ll see a quick change in how the cells you chose look. The Bullet Point symbol will appear next to the text, making things easier to understand without changing the actual numbers.
Using Google Docs to Insert Bullet Point Symbol into Google Sheets
It’s kind of surprising, but Google Sheets doesn’t have a straightforward way to put a bullet symbol in directly. But guess what? Google Docs does! So, here’s a little trick: you can add the bullet symbol in Google Docs and then copy it over to your Google Sheets.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Open Google Docs.
- Go to the “Insert” menu in Google Docs.
- From the menu that appears, choose “Special characters.”
- Search for the Bullet Point symbol and click on it in the search results. It will show up in your Google Docs.
- Now, just copy the Bullet Point symbol.
- Open your Google Sheets document and paste it there.
It’s a bit of a workaround since Google Sheets doesn’t have a direct way to add the bullet symbol, but this method using Google Docs can get the job done. However, keep in mind that it might be a bit of a longer process compared to using shortcuts or other methods we’ve explained earlier.
Copy and paste the Bullet Point symbol
Adding symbols to your document can be effortless, often involving a simple copy and paste action.
Whether you’ve already inserted the symbol in your document or want to copy it from another source, like a webpage, this method works universally on both Windows and Mac computers.
Here’s the Bullet Point symbol for easy copying and pasting into your work:
To copy and paste the Bullet Point sign, click on the button above. Alternatively, select the symbol here (•), press Ctrl+C to copy. Then switch over to where you need it and press Ctrl+V to paste.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues Whilst trying to insert Bullet Point symbol in Google Sheets
In case the Bullet Point symbol isn’t displaying correctly, consider these solutions:
- Font Compatibility: Ensure you’re using a font that supports the Bullet Point symbol (•).
- Character Sets: Check that your spreadsheet’s character set supports special characters.
- Internet Connection: If using Google Sheet’s online version, a stable internet connection is crucial for accessing special characters.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of inserting the Bullet Point symbol in your Google Sheets is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your data presentation and communication abilities. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who simply loves organizing information, this symbol can be your ally in making your spreadsheets more informative and visually appealing.
Throughout this guide, we’ve explored various methods and techniques, from custom number formatting to using Google Docs as a workaround. While each method has its advantages, the key takeaway is that you now have the knowledge and tools to use this symbol effectively.
So, go ahead and experiment with these methods to see which one works best for you. With this newfound skill, you’re well on your way to becoming a spreadsheet wizard, creating more impactful documents, and making data-driven decisions with confidence.
Happy spreadsheeting!