Word’s bulleted lists always start each bullet on a new line, which wastes space on resumes, flyers, and reports where short items would fit side by side. Word has no “bullets across” button, but there are four clean ways to put multiple bullet points on one line: a borderless table, typed bullet symbols with tabs, columns, or text boxes. Here’s how to do each, and which to choose.
Quick Answer
For neat, aligned bullets side by side, insert a table (Insert > Table) with one column per group, apply bullets inside each cell, then remove the borders (Table Design > Borders > No Border). For a single line of short items, type a bullet symbol with Alt + 0149 (or Insert > Symbol), then press Tab between items.
Method 1: Borderless Table (Best for Aligned Lists)
- Click where you want the bullets and go to Insert > Table. Choose one row and as many columns as you want side-by-side lists (for example, 3×1).
- Type your items in each cell, pressing Enter between items.
- Select the whole table and click Bullets on the Home tab.
- With the table still selected, go to Table Design > Borders and choose No Border.
- Turn on Table Layout > View Gridlines while editing to see the cells; gridlines don’t print.
Use Table Layout > Distribute Columns to make the columns equal widths.
Method 2: Bullet Symbols and Tabs (Best for One Line)
- Type a bullet symbol: press Alt + 0149 on the numeric keypad (Num Lock on), or go to Insert > Symbol and choose •. On a Mac, press Option + 8.
- Type a space and the first item.
- Press Tab (once or twice), type another bullet, and continue.
- To line items up evenly, set tab stops: click the ruler (turn it on with View > Ruler) at the positions you want.
Tip: Save the bullet as an AutoCorrect entry (for example, type “(b)” to insert •) under File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.
Method 3: Columns (Best for Long Lists)
- Type your bulleted list normally.
- Select the list and go to Layout > Columns, then choose Two or Three.
- Word flows the bullets into columns and adds section breaks around them.
- To control where a column ends, click where you want the break and choose Layout > Breaks > Column.
Method 4: Text Boxes (Best for Designed Layouts)
For flyers, insert text boxes (Insert > Text Box > Draw Text Box), add a bulleted list in each, and place them side by side. Remove the borders with Shape Format > Shape Outline > No Outline. Text boxes are flexible but harder to keep aligned when text changes.
Which Should You Use?
| Goal | Best method |
|---|---|
| Resume skills in neat columns | Borderless table |
| Short items in one line | Bullet symbols with tabs |
| A long list across the page | Columns |
| Flyers and posters | Text boxes |
Note: For resumes sent through online application systems, simple formatting is safest. Some systems read tables and text boxes poorly, so a single-column list may be better there.
Summary
- Use a borderless table with bullets in each cell for aligned groups.
- Type • symbols with Tab between them for one line.
- Use Layout > Columns for long lists.
- Use text boxes for free-form designs.
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.