# Lists

Course: [Word](https://www.devtutorials.ai/learn/word) · Section: Working with Text
Source: https://www.devtutorials.ai/learn/word/working-with-text/lists

> Create bulleted, numbered, and multilevel lists, and change their bullets and numbering styles.

Lists turn a block of text into something readers can scan in seconds. Instead of hunting through a long paragraph, they see each item on its own line. In this lesson, you'll create bulleted lists, numbered lists, and multilevel lists, and learn how to change the way they look.

Open the **Word sandbox** and follow along.

## Bulleted lists

Lists usually start with bullets because they're the simplest type of list. A **bulleted list** puts a symbol, usually a dot (•), in front of each item. Use it when the **order doesn't matter**, like a shopping list or a list of features.

**To start a bulleted list:**

1. Click where the list should start.
2. Click **Bullets** in the **Paragraph** group on the **Home** tab.
3. Type the first item and press **Enter**. Word adds the next bullet for you.
4. To end the list, press **Enter** twice. The second **Enter** removes the empty bullet.

**To turn existing lines into a list:** select the paragraphs, then click **Bullets**. Each paragraph becomes one item.

In Microsoft Word, you can also type `*` and a space at the start of a line. Word turns it into a bullet automatically. Typing `1.` and a space does the same for a numbered list.

## Numbered lists

When the order matters, numbers are a better choice. A **numbered list** puts 1, 2, 3 in front of each item. Use it when **order matters**, like steps in a recipe or instructions.

1. Click where the list should start, or select existing paragraphs.
2. Click **Numbering** in the **Paragraph** group on the **Home** tab.
3. Type each item and press **Enter** for the next number.

The best part: Word keeps the numbers right for you. Add, delete, or move an item, and the numbers update on their own. You never have to renumber anything. This is why you should never type numbers by hand in a list—if you insert a new step in the middle, the typed numbers won't adjust.

**Bullets** for things where order doesn't matter, **numbers** for steps where it does. If a reader could follow your items in any order, use bullets.

## Multilevel lists

Sometimes one level isn't enough. A recipe might have steps, and each step might have ingredients. A **multilevel list** handles this: it has items **inside** other items, like an outline:

1. Fruit
   - Apples
   - Bananas
2. Vegetables
   - Carrots

**To change an item's level:**

- Click at the start of the item and press **Tab** to move it one level **down** (further in).
- Press **Shift + Tab** to move it one level **up** (back out).

You can also use **Increase Indent** and **Decrease Indent** on the **Home** tab. Each level gets its own style: for example, numbers at level 1 and bullets or letters at level 2.

## List customization

Once your list is in place, you can change how it looks. You can change the symbol or number style of any list:

- **Bullet style**: click the small arrow next to **Bullets** and pick a different symbol, such as a check mark, a square, or an arrow.
- **Number style**: click the arrow next to **Numbering** and pick a format, such as `1.`, `1)`, `a.`, `A.`, or `i.`.
- **Restart or continue numbering**: right-click a numbered item. Choose **Restart at 1** to begin a new count, or **Continue Numbering** to carry on from the list above.
- **Remove a list**: select the items and click **Bullets** or **Numbering** again to switch it off.

The bullet or number is part of the list formatting, not text you typed. You can't select it with the mouse like a normal character. To change it, use the **Bullets** and **Numbering** menus.

## Common mistakes

Here are the most common traps, and how to fix them:

| Mistake | What happens | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Typing numbers by hand | Numbers don't update when you add or move items | Remove them and click **Numbering** |
| Pressing **Enter** once to end a list | An empty bullet is left behind | Press **Enter** a second time, or click **Bullets** to switch it off |
| Using spaces to indent a sub-item | The item stays at level 1 | Press **Tab** at the start of the item |
| A new list starts at 4 instead of 1 | Word continued the previous list | Right-click and choose **Restart at 1** |
| Selecting only part of the list to restyle | Some items look different | Select every item first |

## Exercise

Now it's time to build some lists yourself.

Click **New** in the sandbox title bar. Then type these paragraphs, each on its own line:

- `Packing List`
- `Passport`
- `Tickets`
- `Charger`
- `Travel Plan`
- `Pack the bag`
- `Lock the house`
- `Go to the airport`

Now do each task and press **Check**.

## What to remember

- **Bullets** when order doesn't matter, **numbers** when it does.
- Click **Bullets** or **Numbering** on the **Home** tab, or select lines first to convert them.
- Press **Enter** for the next item, and **Enter** twice to end the list.
- **Tab** moves an item one level in; **Shift + Tab** moves it back out.
- Change the symbol or number style with the arrows next to **Bullets** and **Numbering**.
- Right-click a numbered item to **Restart at 1** or **Continue Numbering**.

That's the end of Chapter 2. In Chapter 3, you'll set up the page itself: margins, orientation, paper size, breaks, and columns.