How to Make a Bullet Point Using the Alt Key

Use your numeric keypad to insert a bullet with the Alt key.

If your work involves computers and drafting documents, you likely use symbols on a regular basis. Most keyboards include keys for symbols such as per cent (%) and ampersand (&), but other frequently used symbols, such as the bullet used to itemize lists, do not have specific keys. There are various ways to insert a bullet into your document, but if you're looking for a shortcut via the Alt key, here's the secret: use your numeric keypad.

Things You'll Need

• Keyboard with numeric keyboard extension (included in most keyboards)

Instructions

1. Open a document in which you want to add a bullet via "Alt," such as Microsoft Word.

2. Click your cursor in the place of your document you want to add a bullet.

3. Press and hold the "Alt" key and then click "7" on the numeric keypad.

4. Release both keys and a bullet will appear in your document. If a bullet does not appear, click the "Num Lock" key in the top-left of your numeric keypad to activate it, and repeat this step.

Tips & Warnings

• A keyboard with a numeric keypad will have a series of numbers like a calculator (instead of on top of the letter keys) next to the standard keypad. When the numeric keypad is on, the keys function like a standard calculator to input numbers and mathematical functions, such as addition (+) and multiplication (*). When the numeric keypad is off, it functions for navigation using the arrow and page navigation keys, such as "Pg Dn."

References

• Bullet Alt Codes
• Inserting a Bullet (Microsoft Word)