How to customize bullet points in Google Docs

Google Docs
(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

There’s so much you can do in Google Docs, creating documents that go well beyond just basic black-and-white text. You can add color, images, adjust the font size and type, and more. One exciting way to liven up a Google Doc and make it easier to read and the information simpler to digest, especially with lists, is to use bullet points. You can even customize bullet points in Google Docs, including adjusting the type, indents, prefixes, and suffixes.

How to customize bullet points in Google Docs

1. Open Google Docs and start composing your document.

2. When you’re ready to add a list, select Bulleted list from the toolbar.

Google Docs

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3. Add the contents of your list. The items will appear next to standard circular bullets.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

4. To customize, select a bullet and select Format from the top menu.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

5. Select Bullets & numbering and choose the new bullet type. You can select Numbered list, Bulleted list, or Checklist.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

6. Here, I have selected Checklist.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

7. You can see the bullets have changed to empty squares in which I can add checkmarks.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

8. You’ll see that if I click one, it will add the checkmark and cross the item off the list.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

9. To create a custom bullet instead, including special characters in place of the typical circle bullet or numbering, return to step 4 and choose List options, then More bullets.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

10. The Insert special characters window will open. (You can also simply right click on the bullet point to which you want to add a custom bullet.) Choose the special character you want from the Categories, Symbols, or Arrows.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

11. You can also use the search bar to find exactly what you want. You can even draw your own symbol!

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

12. Select the desired character and X out of the screen.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

13. The new bullet format will appear for all bulleted items.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

14. To change the color of your bullets, highlight them and select Text color in the toolbar.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

15. Select your preferred color.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

16. The bullets now show in your preferred color.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

17. To indent, highlight the bullet text and in the top menu, select Format.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

18. Select Align & indent, and choose Left, Right, or Center.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

19. You can also select Indentation options.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

20. Choose how many inches you want the text indented and select apply.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

21. You can go back at any time and adjust if you think it’s indented too much.

Google Docs

(Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

Note that in addition to using these tools to customize bullet points in Google Docs, you can also do this in Google Slides. The instructions are similar, and it’s really easy to do. You can also make additional adjustments to bullet points in the same way you would other text. Highlight the entry or all entries and adjust things like font size and type using the handy top toolbar menu. 

Making checklists in Google Docs is a great way to keep on top of tasks for work, or even lists for personal uses. This might include what you need to get for the summer barbecue, what chores the kids need to do, packing lists for your next travel adventure, and more. In addition to bullet points, you can even add images, tables, charts, and more to Google Docs

Looking for more ways to manage lists? Check out the best Google Tasks tips and tricks

Christine Persaud
Contributor

Christine Persaud has been writing about tech since long before the smartphone was even a "thing." When she isn't writing, she's working on her latest fitness program, binging a new TV series, tinkering with tech gadgets she's reviewing, or spending time with family and friends. A self-professed TV nerd, lover of red wine, and passionate home cook, she's immersed in tech in every facet of her life. Follow her at @christineTechCA.