How to Add Bullet Points in Google Sheets

Insert Bullets Into Google Sheets

1. Select the Cell to Insert Bullet Point
2. Press F2 to enter Edit mode.
3. Press ALT + 7 to enter a bullet into the cell.
4. Add Text in the Cell

Are you ready to take your Google Sheets skills to the next level? Whether you’re a spreadsheet novice or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn that can enhance your productivity. Bullet points are a great way to organize your data, create lists, or highlight important information in your spreadsheet.

However, unlike Google Docs or Google Slides, Google Sheets does not have a built-in button for inserting bullet points. In this guide, we’ll unravel the mystery of creating those neat, attention-grabbing bullet points that can transform your data presentation. Get ready to unlock a whole new level of clarity and professionalism in your spreadsheets as we walk you through various methods to elegantly incorporate bullet points into your Google Sheets documents.

Different Ways to Add Bullet Points in Google Sheets

There are four ways to add bullet points to Google Sheets:

1. Copy-pasting the Bullet points
2. Using Keyboard Shortcut
3. Using CHAR function
4. Using Custom Number Formats

How to Insert Bullet Points Using the Special Characters Tool

Step 1: Launch Google Docs and Create a New Document

The first thing to do is open your Google Docs and create a new document by selecting the blank (+ sign) document. After creating the document we can start with the process of inserting bullets.

Create new document by selecting blank document

Step 2: Go to Insert and Select Special Characters

Locate a bullet point you wish to copy. You can copy from wherever you want like Google Docs. Open your Google Docs document and head to the top menu bar, then click “Insert” and choose “Special Characters.”

Click on Special Characters

Step 3: Select Symbol and then Select Geometric Shapes from Drop Down Menu

Next, navigate to the two dropdown menus. In the first dropdown, opt for “Symbol,” while in the other dropdown, choose “Geometric Shapes.”

Select Geometric shapes

Step 4: Select Any Bullet and Copy

At this point, the assortment of bullet symbols will be visible within the box. Simply pick any symbol, and it will promptly appear in your document. To incorporate the selected bullet point into your content, copy it from the document—this action will place it onto your clipboard.

copy your selected bullet

Step 5: Open Google Sheet, Select a Cell and Paste the Copied Bullet

Now open your Google sheet in which you want to paste the bullet that you have copied from Google document. Select a cell where you want to copy and past by pressing Ctrl + V in windows.

Paste those bullets on the Sheets

Quick Tip to Copy and Paste Multiple Bullet Points in Single Cell

If you want to add multiple bullets in a single cell as shown in the below image then press Alt + Enter (Windows) or Ctrl + Enter and Cmd + Enter (Mac) and then paste another bullet point.

Multiple Bullet Points in Single Cell

Keyboard Shortcut to Insert Bullet Points In Google Sheets

Step 1: Select a Cell

To insert bullet point into google sheet using the shortcut keys first go to your google sheet and select the cell where you want to paste your bullet.

Select a cell

Step 2: Press the fn key and F2 Key to Edit

After selecting the cell, press the function (fn) key and F2 key together to edit in the cell.

Press the fn+ f2

Step 3: Switch to Google Doc: Hold the ALT key and press the number 7 on the numeric keypad

After doing the above, hold the alt key on your keyboard and press number 7. Go to your google doc from where you can copy using ctrl+c and then paste into your google sheet using ctrl+v.

Copy the bullet and the paste it in bullet sheets

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

What are Bullet Point Unicode Number

Bullet Points have a specific Unicode number that you can use in the CHAR formula to get a bullet point as the result, below we have mentioned three unicode number of bullet that you can take reference for:

• Black circle =CHAR(9679)
• Black square =CHAR(9632)
• Black right-pointing arrow =CHAR(9656)

Step 1. Use Char Function for Square Bullet

In an empty cell, type the equal sign followed by the CHAR function. For example, =CHAR(9632) for black square.

Adding Bullet Formula

Step 2. Adding Space

If you want a space between the bullet point and the name, then add a space between quotation marks (“ ”), and put it in between two ampersand symbol (&). e.g., &” “&.

Adding Space

Step 3. Press Enter

Choose the first element and press the Enter key. You will then encounter a prompt, as illustrated in figure 2. Click on the checkmark button, and this action will populate all the cells with the same bullet.

Figure 1: Select the Name then press enter

Figure 2: This will create a separate column of same items with the bullets

Figure 3: Completed

How to Add Bullet Points Using Custom Number Formatting

This method allows us to show bullet points without actually incorporating them into the cell’s content. In Google Sheets, custom number formats can be created to modify how data is displayed while maintaining its original storage format.

Step 1. Select a Cell, Go to Format and Click Number

Select the cells containing your list items and go to Format and select Number.

Select a Cell, Go to Format and Click Number

Step 2: Click on Custom Number Format

As you click on number option a further dropdown menu will open. Among different options provided you have to select the Custom Number Format. A custom number format box will open after that.

Click on Custom number format

You will find the Custom Number Format option, as displayed in the image below.

Custom number format box displayed

Step 3. Copy the Bullet Point from Doc and Paste it the box and Add @ next to it

To display a bullet point before the cell’s contents, use the format as ” ● @ “

Click on Apply

Step 4. Click on Apply

To the right of the textbox where you pasted your bullet point, there is a button labeled “Apply.” Please click on this button.

click on Apply button

Step 5: Preview Bullet in Google Sheet Cell

Now, the selected cells will display bullet points while keeping the cell contents unchanged.

Completed

Conclusion

In a world where data speaks volumes and presentation is key, mastering the art of bullet points in Google Sheets is a skill that can set you apart. With the methods we’ve explored, you can now seamlessly add structure, clarity, and visual appeal to your spreadsheets, making your information easier to absorb and understand. Whether you’re creating project reports, task lists, or simply organising your thoughts, the power of bullet points can’t be underestimated. These are some of the ways to add bullet points in Google Sheets. I hope you find them useful and easy to follow. Bullet points can make your spreadsheet look more professional, organized, and clear. You can also customize your bullet points by changing their color, size, or style. You can experiment with different options and see what works best for you. Remember, it’s not just about the information itself, but how it’s presented that often makes the difference. By incorporating bullet points, you’re not only streamlining your data but also enhancing its impact on your audience. So go ahead, experiment with different characters, symbols, and formatting options to find the style that suits your message best. Elevate your Google Sheets game and leave a lasting impression with every cell. Happy spreadsheet crafting!

FAQs

Do bullet points affect the sorting or calculations in Google Sheets?

No, bullet points are treated as text characters and won’t affect sorting or calculations in Google Sheets.

What special characters can I use as bullet points?

Commonly used special characters include hyphens (-), asterisks (*), and plus signs (+). You can also use symbols like square bullets (▪) or round bullets (•).

Can I customise the appearance of my bullet points?

Yes, you can use conditional formatting to change font color, background color, or other formatting options for the cells containing bullet points.