How to Put a Dot Between Words in Word (· and •)

A dot between words, like “Home · About · Contact” or “Name · Title · City”, is a common way to separate items in headers, footers, résumés, and menus. In typography it’s called a middle dot or interpunct (·), and a larger version is the bullet (•). Word doesn’t have a button for them, but there are several quick ways to type them. If you’re instead seeing dots between every word on screen, that’s a display setting, covered at the end.

Quick Answer

Type 00B7 and immediately press Alt + X to turn it into a middle dot (·). For a bigger bullet dot (•), type 2022 then Alt + X. Or use Insert > Symbol > More Symbols and choose Middle Dot.

Method 1: Alt + X Unicode Shortcut (Fastest)

1. Click where you want the dot. Add a space before it if you want spacing.
2. Type 00B7 (for ·) or 2022 (for •).
3. Press Alt + X. The code converts into the dot.
4. Type a space and continue.

If the code merges with a letter before it (for example, “a00B7”), add a space before typing the code.

Method 2: Alt Code on the Number Pad

1. Make sure Num Lock is on.
2. Hold Alt and type 0183 on the numeric keypad for ·, or 0149 for •.
3. Release Alt.

This works in most Windows apps, not just Word, but requires a number pad (the top-row numbers don’t work).

Method 3: Insert > Symbol

1. Go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols.
2. Set Font to (normal text) and Subset to Latin-1 Supplement.
3. Select the Middle Dot (or type 00B7 in Character code).
4. Click Insert, then Close.

After the first use, the dot appears in the quick Symbol menu for one-click access.

Method 4: Mac

• Option + Shift + 9 types a middle dot (·) on a US keyboard.
• Option + 8 types a bullet (•).

Make It Even Faster With AutoCorrect

1. Insert a middle dot once, then select it and copy it.
2. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.
3. In Replace, type a shortcut you won’t use otherwise, such as ..dot. In With, paste the dot.
4. Click Add, then OK.

Now typing ..dot followed by a space inserts the middle dot. You can also assign a keyboard shortcut from the Symbol dialog with Shortcut Key.

Seeing Dots Between Every Word?

If dots suddenly appear between all your words, along with ¶ symbols at the end of paragraphs, Word is showing formatting marks. The dots represent spaces and don’t print.

• Click the ¶ (Show/Hide) button on the Home tab, or press Ctrl + Shift + 8, to hide them.
• If they remain, go to File > Options > Display and uncheck Spaces and Show all formatting marks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a middle dot and a period?

A period sits on the baseline at the end of a sentence. A middle dot is vertically centered and used as a separator.

Can I use the middle dot in Google Docs?

Yes. Use Insert > Special characters and search “middle dot,” or copy and paste it.

Which dot looks better on a résumé?

The middle dot (·) is subtle; the bullet (•) is bolder. Use one consistently with a space on each side.

Summary

1. Type 00B7 + Alt + X for ·, or 2022 + Alt + X for •.
2. Or Alt + 0183 on the number pad.
3. Or Insert > Symbol > Middle Dot.
4. Turn off Show/Hide ¶ if dots appear between every word.