How to Put Bullet Points Side by Side in Word
Want to make your Word documents look more organized by placing bullet points side by side? It’s easier than you think! You can achieve this by using tables or columns to arrange your bullet points. This guide will walk you through the steps to do just that in Microsoft Word.
How to Put Bullet Points Side by Side in Word
Here’s the lowdown: we’ll use either a table or columns to get those bullet points right next to each other. This makes your lists look neat and saves space. Follow these steps, and you’ll be a pro in no time!
Step 1: Insert a Table
First, go to the ‘Insert’ tab and click on ‘Table.’ Choose the number of columns you need.
A table is a great way to keep things lined up. If you need two columns of bullet points, create a table with two columns. You can always adjust the number of rows later.
Step 2: Add Bullet Points
Click inside a cell in the table, then go to the ‘Home’ tab and select the bullet points button.
This will allow you to start typing your bullet points inside the cell. You can add as many bullet points as needed. Repeat this process for the other cells.
Step 3: Adjust Table Borders
Right-click on the table and select ‘Table Properties.’ Under the ‘Borders and Shading’ section, choose ‘None’ for borders.
Removing the borders makes your table invisible, so it just looks like neatly arranged bullet points. It keeps your document looking clean and professional.
Step 4: Resize Columns
Click and drag the borders of the table to resize the columns as needed.
Adjusting the columns ensures that your bullet points fit well within the space. Make sure each column is wide enough for your content but not too wide to waste space.
Step 5: Alternative Method Using Columns
Go to the ‘Layout’ tab, click ‘Columns,’ and choose the number of columns you need.
This method is useful if you prefer not to use tables. It automatically divides your text area into columns, and you can insert bullet points in each column.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your bullet points will be neatly arranged side by side, making your document look organized and professional.
Tips for Putting Bullet Points Side by Side in Word
- Use a table if you need more control over the spacing and alignment of your bullet points.
- Remove table borders to give a cleaner appearance.
- Resize columns to ensure your bullet points fit nicely.
- If using columns, ensure your text fits well within each column to avoid overflow.
- Preview your document to check that everything looks as expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add bullet points side by side without using tables?
Yes, you can use the ‘Columns’ feature in the ‘Layout’ tab to arrange bullet points side by side.
How do I remove the borders in a table?
Right-click on the table, select ‘Table Properties,’ and then choose ‘None’ under the ‘Borders and Shading’ section.
What if I need more than two columns of bullet points?
You can create a table with more columns or use the ‘Columns’ feature and choose the appropriate number of columns.
Can I adjust the width of the columns in the table?
Yes, click and drag the borders of the table to resize the columns as needed.
Is there a way to see a preview of my document before finalizing it?
Yes, use the ‘Print Preview’ feature under the ‘File’ tab to see a preview of your document.
Steps Summary
- Insert a table.
- Add bullet points.
- Adjust table borders.
- Resize columns.
- Alternative method using columns.
Conclusion
And there you have it! You now know how to put bullet points side by side in Word. This small but powerful trick can make your documents look more organized and professional. Whether you use a table or columns, it’s all about finding what works best for your specific needs.
Feel free to experiment with both methods to see which one you prefer. Tables offer more control over spacing, while columns provide a quick and easy solution. Either way, your bullet points will be perfectly aligned, making your lists easy to read and visually appealing.
For further reading, you might want to explore other formatting tips and tricks in Word to enhance your document design. Thanks for reading, and happy formatting!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.