How to Create Bulleted Lists in Microsoft Word

Summary

Erin Wright's tutorial offers a step-by-step guide on creating bulleted lists in Microsoft Word, covering two primary methods and customization options. She demonstrates how to start a list from scratch and convert existing text, adjusting list levels and bullet attributes like size and color. The tutorial is applicable for various Word versions, with a note on interface differences. Erin also invites viewers to explore her other Word tutorials and blog for more in-depth guidance.

Takeaways

• 🖥️ The tutorial focuses on creating bulleted lists in Microsoft Word, a common task for document formatting.
• 👩‍💻 Presented by Erin, a technical writer and editor, who specializes in providing practical software tutorials and writing tips.
• 🔍 Two primary methods for creating bulleted lists are discussed: starting from scratch and converting existing text.
• 📚 The tutorial is applicable to various versions of Microsoft Word, including 365, 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010.
• 🎨 Customization options are available, such as changing list levels, bullet size, and color, to suit different document needs.
• 🗂️ Word allows for up to nine levels of nested bullet lists, offering depth in organizing complex information.
• 🔑 Shortcuts like the Tab key are shown to quickly adjust list item levels, streamlining the editing process.
• 🖊️ Changing bullet styles is demonstrated, including how to apply different sizes and colors to enhance document appearance.
• 🔗 Additional resources are available, including a playlist of Microsoft Word tutorials and a blog post detailing the steps.
• 🌟 The tutorial invites viewers to engage by requesting future topics, subscribing to the channel, and providing feedback.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the tutorial?

The main topic of the tutorial is how to create bulleted lists in Microsoft Word.

Who is the presenter of the tutorial?

Erin, a technical writer and editor, is the presenter of the tutorial.

What are the two methods demonstrated for creating bulleted lists in Word?

The two methods demonstrated are creating a bulleted list from scratch and creating a bulleted list from existing text already formatted as a list.

What is the website mentioned for additional tutorials and writing tips?

The website mentioned is erinwrightwriting.com.

Which versions of Microsoft Word are the steps compatible with?

The steps are compatible with Microsoft Word 365, Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, and Word 2010.

How do you start a bulleted list in Word according to the tutorial?

To start a bulleted list, place the cursor where you want to start the list, select the Home tab, and choose a bullet style from the Bullet Library.

How can you create a bulleted list from existing text?

Select the existing text formatted as a list, right-click, and choose a bullet style from the Bullet Library in the Mini toolbar.

What is the maximum number of nested levels for bulleted lists in Word?

Word allows you to create bulleted lists with up to nine nested levels.

How can you change the list level of an item in a bulleted list?

You can change the list level by pressing the Tab key or by selecting Change List Level from the Bullets button's drop-down menu.

How can you customize the size and color of bullets in a list?

Select the bullet, go to the Home tab, and choose a new font size or font color from the Font group.

Where can viewers find additional Microsoft Word tutorials by Erin?

Additional Microsoft Word tutorials by Erin can be found in the 'How to Use Microsoft Word' playlist linked in the video description.

How can viewers suggest topics for future tutorials?

Viewers can leave a comment on the video with their suggested topics related to Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or Google Docs.

How can viewers support the channel and stay updated with new tutorials?

Viewers can subscribe to the channel and give the video a thumbs-up to support and stay updated with new tutorials.

Outlines

00:00

📝 Creating Bulleted Lists in Microsoft Word

This tutorial, presented by Erin, a technical writer and editor, introduces viewers to two primary methods of creating bulleted lists in Microsoft Word. It covers the basic method of typing list items directly and the process of converting existing text into a bulleted list. The video also explains how to adjust list levels and customize bullet size and color. Erin uses Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365, but the steps are applicable to older versions like Word 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010, with slight interface differences. The tutorial emphasizes practicality, focusing on the most useful methods for the majority of Word users, and mentions that creating custom bullets with built-in symbols or personal images will be covered in a separate tutorial.

05:00

🔗 Additional Resources and Community Engagement

The second paragraph of the script serves as a call to action for viewers to visit Erin's blog, erinwrightwriting.com, for a detailed companion post to the tutorial. It invites viewers to engage with the content by leaving comments on topics they would like to see covered in future videos, specifically mentioning Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and Google Docs. The script encourages viewers to subscribe to the channel for more tutorials and to show appreciation by liking the video if they find it helpful. The paragraph concludes with a reminder of the typewriter sounds that bookend the tutorial, reinforcing the theme of writing and editing.

Keywords

💡Bulleted Lists

Bulleted lists are a type of list that use a graphical bullet point to indicate each item. They are commonly used in documents to organize information in a clear and concise manner. In the video, the tutorial focuses on how to create bulleted lists in Microsoft Word, which is a key feature for enhancing document readability and structure.

💡Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is a widely used word processing software that allows users to create, edit, and format documents. The script refers to Microsoft Word as the platform for creating bulleted lists, and the tutorial covers different versions of the software, indicating its relevance across various updates.

💡Technical Writer

A technical writer is a professional who specializes in creating clear and concise documentation, often for software or technical products. Erin, the presenter, identifies herself as a technical writer and editor, which establishes her credibility in providing step-by-step software tutorials.

💡Step-by-Step Tutorials

Step-by-step tutorials are instructional guides that break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. The video script emphasizes the step-by-step approach in teaching how to create bulleted lists in Word, which is essential for clarity and ease of understanding.

💡List Levels

List levels refer to the hierarchical organization within a list, where items can be nested to create sub-items. The script mentions changing list levels, which is a feature in Word that allows users to organize complex information structures within their lists.

💡Bullet Styles

Bullet styles are the visual representations used in bulleted lists, such as circles, squares, or custom symbols. The tutorial shows how to select different bullet styles from the Bullet Library in Word, which is crucial for personalizing the appearance of lists.

💡Custom Bullets

Custom bullets are user-defined symbols or images used in place of standard bullets to add a unique touch to a list. The script mentions creating custom bullets using Word's built-in symbols or personal images, indicating a more advanced feature for list formatting.

💡Font Size

Font size refers to the measurement of the characters in a text document. The script discusses changing the font size of bullets separately from the text, which is an important aspect of formatting for visual hierarchy and design within lists.

💡Font Color

Font color is the color applied to the text in a document. The tutorial includes changing the color of bullets to match or contrast with the list items' text, which can enhance the visual appeal and organization of the content.

💡Tab Key

The Tab key on a keyboard is used to indent text, moving it to the right. In the context of the video, pressing the Tab key is shown as a method to change the list level of items, demonstrating a practical keyboard shortcut for list management.

💡Mini Toolbar

The Mini Toolbar in Microsoft Word is a contextual toolbar that appears when text is selected, providing quick access to formatting options. The script mentions using the Mini Toolbar to apply bullets to existing text, highlighting a user-friendly feature for list creation.

Highlights

Introduction to creating bulleted lists in Microsoft Word.

Overview of two methods for creating bulleted lists.

Explanation of how to change list levels in Word.

Tutorial includes changing bullet size and color.

Emphasis on methods most useful for the majority of Word users.

Details on how to create custom bullets using built-in symbols.

Separate tutorial available for using custom images as bullets.

Instructions for creating a bulleted list from existing text.

Using the Tab key to change bullet levels.

Alternative method to change bullet levels via the Home tab.

Customization of bullets without affecting the list item.

Recommendation to manually adjust bullets' size and color.

Mention of other Word tutorials available on the channel.

Link to companion blog post with detailed steps.

Invitation for viewers to request topics for future tutorials.

Transcripts

This tutorial shows how to create bulleted lists in Microsoft Word. 

[Typewriter sounds]

Hello, my name is Erin.

I’m a technical writer and editor who shares step-by-step software tutorials and writing tips for the real world

on this channel and on my blog at erinwrightwriting.com. 

Today we’re going to look at two ways to create bulleted lists in Microsoft Word.  

We'll also look at how to change list levels and how to change the size and color of bullets. 

Please note that there are many ways to manipulate bullets in Word,

so in this tutorial we will focus on the methods I believe will be most useful for the majority of Word users. 

We will create custom bullets using Word’s other built-in symbols and using your own images in a separate tutorial.

I’ll be using Word for Microsoft 365.  

These steps will also work in Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, and Word 2010.

However,  your interface may look slightly different in those older versions of the software. 

This is the basic method of creating a bulleted list in Word.   

This method requires that you type each item as you create the list.

If you have already typed your list items,

be sure to watch the next section which shows how to create bulleted lists from existing text.

To begin, place your cursor where you want to start your bulleted list. 

Then, select the Home tab in the ribbon. 

Followed by the menu arrow next to the Bullets button. 

Now, choose a bullet style from the Bullet Library. 

The first bullet will appear in your document.

Type your first list item after the bullet and press the Enter key on your keyboard.

The next bullet will appear.

Continue typing your list items and pressing the Enter key until your list is complete. 

After typing the final item, press the Enter key twice to remove your cursor from the list.  

Now we’re going to look at how to create a bulleted list from existing text already formatted as a list.

To begin, select and then right-click the text. 

Next, select the menu arrow next to the Bullets button in the Mini toolbar. 

Once again, choose a bullet style from the Bullet Library. 

Your selected items should become a bulleted list. 

Word lets you create bulleted lists with up to nine nested levels.  

So, we’re going to quickly look at two ways to change the levels of your list items. 

Please note that this first method won’t work for the very first item in your list. 

To begin, select one or more list items.

Then, press the Tab key in your keyboard.

Each time you press the Tab key, the bullet will move one level. 

To use this second method, select one or more list items. 

And then, select the Home tab if you’re not already there,  

and then select the menu arrow next to the Bullets button. 

Now, select Change List Level from the drop-down menu. 

And choose a list level from the submenu. 

Your list item or items should move to the next level. 

By default, the size and color of your bullets will be the same as your text.   

However, you can manually change the size and color of bullets by selecting them separately from the text. 

To begin, select one bullet. All bullets on that level will also be selected. 

Then, select the Home tab in the ribbon and choose a new font size, font color, or both from the Font group.

Your bullets should change to the new formatting without affecting the list item.

Repeat these steps for each level in your list, as necessary. 

I have created many other videos about Microsoft  Word, including “How to Create and Customize Charts in Microsoft Word”

and “How to Create and Update a Table of Contents in Microsoft Word.” 

Please see the playlist titled “How to Use Microsoft Word,” which is linked below, for the complete list.

The companion blog post for this video showing all the steps we just performed

appears on erinwrightwriting.com, which is also linked below. 

Feel free to leave me a comment if there’s a specific topic related to Microsoft Word, Adobe Acroabt, or Google Docs  

that you would like me to talk about in the future. 

And please subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future tutorials and give this video a  thumbs-up if you found it helpful.

Thank you so much for watching!

[Typewriter sounds]