Bullet Point Keyboard Shortcuts
Master keyboard shortcuts for bullet points across all major software. Windows, Mac, and web app shortcuts in one place.
Excel
| Platform | Method | Description | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|---|
windows | Alt Code | Insert bullet point using Alt code | Alt + 7 |
windows | Alt Code (hollow) | Insert hollow bullet point | Alt + 9 |
mac | Keyboard Shortcut | Insert bullet point on Mac | Option8 |
all | Symbol Dialog | Insert bullet using Symbol dialog | See steps |
all | Custom Format | Add bullets using custom cell format | See steps |
Detailed Steps:
Alt Code:
- Hold down the Alt key
- Type 7 on the numeric keypad
- Release the Alt key
Alt Code (hollow):
- Hold down the Alt key
- Type 9 on the numeric keypad
- Release the Alt key
Keyboard Shortcut:
- Hold down the Option key
- Press 8
- Release both keys
Symbol Dialog:
- Click Insert tab
- Click Symbol button
- Select bullet symbol
- Click Insert
Custom Format:
- Select cells
- Right-click and choose Format Cells
- Go to Custom category
- Enter format: "• "@
- Click OK
Word
| Platform | Method | Description | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|---|
windows | Keyboard Shortcut | Apply bullet list formatting | CtrlShiftL |
mac | Keyboard Shortcut | Apply bullet list formatting on Mac | CmdShiftL |
windows | Alt Code | Insert bullet character | Alt + 0149 |
all | AutoFormat | Auto-create bullet list | See steps |
Detailed Steps:
AutoFormat:
- Type * (asterisk) followed by a space
- Type your text
- Press Enter
PowerPoint
| Platform | Method | Description | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|---|
windows | Keyboard Shortcut | Apply bullet list formatting | CtrlShiftL |
mac | Keyboard Shortcut | Apply bullet list formatting on Mac | CmdShiftL |
all | Home Tab | Use Bullets button | See steps |
Detailed Steps:
Home Tab:
- Select text
- Click Home tab
- Click Bullets button
Google Docs
| Platform | Method | Description | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|---|
windows | Keyboard Shortcut | Apply bullet list formatting | CtrlShift8 |
mac | Keyboard Shortcut | Apply bullet list formatting on Mac | CmdShift8 |
all | AutoFormat | Auto-create bullet list | See steps |
all | Menu | Use Format menu | See steps |
Detailed Steps:
AutoFormat:
- Type * (asterisk) followed by a space
- Type your text
- Press Enter
Menu:
- Click Format menu
- Select Bullets & numbering
- Choose bullet style
Google Sheets
| Platform | Method | Description | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|---|
windows | Alt Code | Insert bullet point (numeric keypad) | Alt + 7 |
mac | Keyboard Shortcut | Insert bullet point on Mac | Option8 |
all | Copy-Paste | Copy bullet symbol from elsewhere | See steps |
Detailed Steps:
Copy-Paste:
- Copy a bullet symbol (•)
- Paste into cell
- Type your text after it
What is the Keyboard Shortcuts Guide?
The Keyboard Shortcuts Guide is a comprehensive reference for creating bullet points using keyboard shortcuts across 13+ popular applications. Instead of manually clicking toolbar buttons or searching through menus, you can instantly insert bullet points using simple key combinations. This guide covers Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), communication tools (Slack, Discord, Teams), and development platforms (Notion, Markdown, HTML).
Each application has different keyboard shortcuts for Windows and Mac operating systems. Our guide provides both platform-specific shortcuts in an easy-to-read table format. You can filter by platform (Windows, Mac, or Web) to see only the shortcuts relevant to your system. The guide also includes shortcuts for numbered lists, indenting, and other list formatting operations that help you work more efficiently.
Learning keyboard shortcuts dramatically improves your productivity. Studies show that keyboard users are up to 20% faster than mouse users for common tasks. By memorizing the shortcuts for your most-used applications, you'll save countless hours over time and maintain better focus by keeping your hands on the keyboard. This guide makes it easy to learn and reference shortcuts whenever you need them.
Complete Shortcuts Reference
13+ Applications
Comprehensive shortcuts for Word, Excel, Google Docs, Slack, Discord, Notion, Markdown, HTML, and more popular tools.
Multi-Platform Support
Separate shortcuts for Windows, Mac, and web applications. Filter by platform to see only relevant shortcuts.
Instant Access
Quick reference table with search functionality. Find the shortcut you need in seconds without leaving your workflow.
Always Updated
Regularly updated with the latest shortcuts as applications release new versions and features.
Shortcuts by Software Category
Microsoft Office Suite
Master bullet point shortcuts in Microsoft's productivity suite:
- Microsoft Word - Ctrl+Shift+L (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+L (Mac) for bullet lists. The most commonly used word processor with extensive formatting shortcuts.
- Microsoft Excel - Alt+7 (Windows) or Option+8 (Mac) to insert bullet symbols in cells. Essential for creating formatted lists in spreadsheets.
- Microsoft PowerPoint - Ctrl+Shift+L (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+L (Mac) for presentation slides. Create professional slide content quickly.
- Microsoft Outlook - Same shortcuts as Word for composing emails with bullet points. Improve email clarity and readability.
Google Workspace
Keyboard shortcuts for Google's cloud-based productivity tools:
- Google Docs - Ctrl+Shift+8 (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+8 (Mac) for bullet lists. Works in any web browser with consistent behavior.
- Google Sheets - Alt+7 (Windows) or Option+8 (Mac) to insert bullet characters. Format spreadsheet cells with bullet points.
- Google Slides - Ctrl+Shift+8 (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+8 (Mac) for presentation slides. Create engaging presentations with proper formatting.
Communication & Collaboration
Shortcuts for team communication and messaging platforms:
- Slack - Shift+8 followed by Space for bullet lists in messages. Format team communications professionally with markdown-style syntax.
- Discord - Shift+8 followed by Space for bullet points in chat. Organize gaming and community discussions with clear formatting.
- Microsoft Teams - Ctrl+. (Windows) or Cmd+. (Mac) to access formatting options. Collaborate effectively with formatted messages.
Development & Documentation
Technical shortcuts for developers and technical writers:
- Notion - Type "-" followed by Space to create bullet lists. Build comprehensive documentation and knowledge bases with rich formatting.
- Markdown - Use "- " or "* " at the start of lines for bullet points. Universal syntax for README files, documentation, and static sites.
- HTML - Use <ul> and <li> tags or HTML entities like • for bullet symbols. Proper semantic markup for web development.
How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts Effectively
Find Your Software
Use the search bar or browse the table to find your application. The guide includes shortcuts for Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Slack, Discord, Notion, and more.
Filter by Platform
Select your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Web) to see only relevant shortcuts. Each platform has different key combinations for the same actions.
Practice the Shortcuts
Open your application and practice the keyboard shortcuts. Repetition is key to building muscle memory. Start with your most-used applications first.
Bookmark for Reference
Bookmark this page for quick access whenever you need to look up a shortcut. Keep it open in a browser tab while you work until the shortcuts become second nature.
Why Learn Keyboard Shortcuts?
Boost Productivity
Keyboard shortcuts are significantly faster than using a mouse. Save seconds on every action, which adds up to hours saved over weeks and months of work.
Maintain Focus
Keep your hands on the keyboard and your eyes on the screen. Avoid the context switching that comes with reaching for the mouse and searching for toolbar buttons.
Professional Efficiency
Demonstrate proficiency and efficiency in your work. Keyboard shortcuts are a hallmark of experienced users and power users across all industries.
Reduce Repetitive Strain
Minimize mouse usage to reduce repetitive strain injuries. Keyboard shortcuts distribute the workload across both hands and reduce wrist movement.
Work Anywhere
Keyboard shortcuts work consistently across different computers and setups. No need to adjust to different mouse sensitivities or trackpad settings.
Impress Colleagues
Efficient keyboard usage looks impressive in meetings and presentations. Show your technical proficiency and attention to productivity optimization.
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