Are you ready to level up your Google Sheets skills? Whether you’re a spreadsheet novice or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn to enhance your productivity. Bullets are a great way to organize your data, create lists, or highlight important information in your spreadsheet.
Unlike Google Docs or Google Slides, Google Sheets doesn’t have a built-in button for inserting bullets. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll reveal the secret to creating neat and eye-catching bullets that can transform the appearance of your data. Get ready to unlock a new level of clarity and professionalism in your spreadsheets as we explore different methods to elegantly incorporate bullets into Google Sheets.
Different Ways to Add Bullets in Google Sheets
There are four ways to add bullets in Google Sheets:
- Copy and Paste Bullets
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts
- Use the CHAR function
- Use Custom Number Formats
How to Insert Bullets Using the Special Characters Tool
Step 1: Launch Google Docs and Create a New Document
To start, open Google Docs and create a new document by selecting “New” (+) document. Once the document is created, we can begin the process of inserting bullets.
Step 2: Go to “Insert” and Select “Special Characters”
Find the bullet that you want to copy. You can copy it from anywhere, like Google Docs. Open your Google Docs document and go to the top menu bar, then click on “Insert” and choose “Special Characters”.
Step 3: Select a Symbol, then Choose “Geometric Shapes” from the Dropdown Menu
Next, navigate to the two dropdown menus. In the first dropdown menu, choose “Symbol”, while in the other dropdown menu, choose “Geometric Shapes”.
Step 4: Select a Bullet and Copy it
At this stage, a range of bullet symbols will be visible in the box. Simply choose a symbol, and it will immediately appear in your document. To incorporate the selected bullet into your content, copy it from the document – this action will place it in your clipboard.
Step 5: Open Google Sheets, Select a Cell, and Paste the Copied Bullet
Now, open your Google spreadsheet where you want to paste the bullet you copied from the Google document. Select a cell where you want to copy and paste by pressing Ctrl + V (Windows).
Quick Tip for Copying and Pasting Multiple Bullets in a Single Cell
If you want to add multiple bullets in a single cell, as shown in the image below, press Alt + Enter (Windows) or Ctrl + Enter (Mac) and then paste another bullet.
Keyboard Shortcut to Insert Bullets in Google Sheets
Step 1: Select a Cell
To insert a bullet in a Google sheet using keyboard shortcuts, first go to your Google sheet and select the cell where you want to paste your bullet.
Step 2: Press the fn key and the F2 key to Edit
After selecting the cell, press the function (fn) key and the F2 key together to edit it.
Step 3: Switch to Google Docs: Hold down the Alt key and press the number 7 on the numeric keypad
After completing the previous steps, hold down the Alt key on your keyboard, and then press the number 7. Go to your Google document from which you can copy using Ctrl+C, and then paste into your Google spreadsheet using Ctrl+V.
How to Add Bullets in Google Sheets Using the CHAR Formula
What are the Unicode numbers for bullets?
Bullets have specific Unicode numbers that you can use in the CHAR formula to get a bullet as the result. Here are three Unicode numbers for bullets that you can use:
- Black Circle: CHAR(9679)
- Black Square: CHAR(9632)
- Black Right-Pointing Arrow: CHAR(9656)
Step 1: Use the CHAR function for a Square Bullet
In an empty cell, type the equal sign followed by the CHAR function. For example, =CHAR(9632) for a black square.
Step 2: Add a Space
If you want a space between the bullet and the text, add a space in quotation marks (” “) and place it between two ampersands (&), for example, &” “&.
Step 3: Press Enter
Select the first item and press the Enter key. You will then encounter a prompt, as shown in Figure 2. Click the validation button, and it will fill all cells with the same bullet.
How to Add Bullets Using Custom Number Formatting
This method allows us to display bullets without actually incorporating them into the content of the cell. In Google Sheets, custom number formats can be created to change the display of data while preserving their original storage format.
Step 1: Select a Cell, Go to the Format Menu, and Click “Number”
Select the cells containing your list items and go to Format, then select “Number”.
Step 2: Click on “Custom Number Format”
By clicking on the “Number” option, an additional dropdown menu will open up. Among the various options provided, select “Custom Number Format”. This will open up a custom number format dialog box.
In the Custom Number Format text box, you can paste your bullet and add an “@” next to it.
Step 3: Click on “Apply”
To the right of the text box where you pasted your bullet, there is a button titled “Apply”. Click on this button.
Step 4: Preview the Bullet in the Google Sheet Cell
Now, the selected cells will display bullets while retaining the content of the cells unchanged.
Conclusion
In a world where data speaks for itself and presentation is essential, mastering the art of bullets in Google Sheets is a skill that can set you apart. With the methods we have explored, you can now add structure, clarity, and visual appeal to your spreadsheets, making your information easier to assimilate and understand.
Whether you’re creating project reports, task lists, or simply organizing your thoughts, the power of bullets cannot be underestimated. These are just some of the ways to add bullets in Google Sheets. I hope you find them helpful and easy to follow. Bullets can make your spreadsheet more professional, organized, and clear. You can also customize your bullets by changing their color, size, or style. Experiment with different options and see what works best for you.
Remember, it’s not just about the information itself but also how it’s presented, which often makes the difference. By incorporating bullets, you not only streamline your data but also enhance its impact on your audience. So go ahead, experiment with different characters, symbols, and formatting options to find the style that best suits your message. Elevate your game on Google Sheets and leave a lasting impression with every cell. Happy spreadsheet creation!
FAQ
Q: Do bullets affect sorting or calculations in Google Sheets?
A: No, bullets are considered text characters and do not affect sorting or calculations in Google Sheets.
Q: What special characters can I use as bullets?
A: Commonly used special characters for bullets include dashes (-), asterisks (*), plus signs (+), square bullets (▪), or round bullets (•).
Q: Can I customize the appearance of my bullets?
A: Yes, you can use conditional formatting to change the font color, background color, or other formatting options for cells containing bullets.
