How to Change the Bullet Point Style in Google Docs

Google Docs starts bulleted lists with plain solid dots, but you can switch to arrows, checkmarks, stars, diamonds, or almost any symbol, and change the bullet’s color and size. This guide shows how to pick a preset bullet style, use a custom symbol, style each list level differently, and fix bullets that won’t change.

Quick Answer

Select the list, click the arrow next to the Bulleted list button on the toolbar, and choose a style. For a custom symbol, click a bullet in your list, right-click, and choose More bullets, then pick any character.

Method 1: Choose a Preset Bullet Style

1. Select the bulleted list (or place your cursor where you want to start one).
2. Click the small arrow next to the Bulleted list icon on the toolbar. On narrow windows, it may be under the three-dot overflow menu.
3. Choose a style. Each preset sets symbols for the first three list levels.

You can also use Format > Bullets & numbering > Bulleted list.

Method 2: Use Any Symbol as a Bullet

1. Click once on a bullet in your list. All bullets at that level become highlighted.
2. Right-click and choose More bullets.
3. Browse categories (such as Symbol > Arrows or Emoji), search by keyword, or draw a symbol.
4. Click a symbol to apply it to every bullet at that level.

Change Bullet Color and Size

1. Click once on a bullet so all bullets at that level are selected (the text stays unselected).
2. Use the Text color button to change the color.
3. Change the font size to make bullets larger or smaller, or apply bold.

See our guide to changing bullet point size in Google Docs for more detail.

Style Different List Levels

• Press Tab to indent an item to the next level, Shift + Tab to move it back.
• Click a bullet on a sub-level and use More bullets to give that level its own symbol.
• Adjust indentation with Format > Align & indent > Indentation options or the ruler.

Other Useful List Options

• Checklist: use the Checklist toolbar button to create tickable boxes; checked items can be struck through.
• Restart or continue numbering: right-click a numbered item and choose Restart numbering or Continue previous numbering.
• Remove bullets: select the list and click the Bulleted list button again.

Troubleshooting

• Only some bullets changed: they may be on different levels or in separate lists. Select all the items and apply the style again.
• Bullet style resets when pasting: paste with Ctrl + Shift + V (without formatting), then reapply the list.
• Can’t click the bullet: make sure you’re in Editing mode, not Suggesting or Viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an image as a bullet?

Not directly. Use an emoji or symbol from More bullets instead.

Does this work on mobile?

The Docs app offers basic bulleted and numbered lists; custom symbols are easier on a computer.

Summary

1. Click the arrow next to Bulleted list and pick a preset.
2. Right-click a bullet and choose More bullets for any symbol.
3. Click a bullet to change its color and size.
4. Use Tab to create levels and style each one.