WD: How to Place a Bullet in the Middle of a Sentence

ID: Q142754

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
  • Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 6.0.1a
  • Microsoft Word for Windows NT, version 6.0
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a

SYMPTOMS

You cannot use the Bullets And Numbering command (on the Format menu) to place a bullet in the middle of a sentence or paragraph.


CAUSE

This behavior is by design. Because Bullets and Numbering is a paragraph level format, bullets are always placed at the beginning of a paragraph. Bullets cannot be placed in the middle of paragraphs or words.

This functionality is different from earlier versions of Word, in which bullets were inserted as characters.


RESOLUTION

To work around this problem, use any of the following methods to insert a bullet in the middle of a sentence.

Method 1: Use the Insert Symbol Command

  1. On the Insert menu, click Symbol.


  2. On the Symbols tab, click to select the bullet character.


  3. Click Insert and then click Close.


Method 2: Use the ASCII Key Code

Place the insertion point where you want to insert the bullet, then use the appropriate method for your situation.

In Windows:

  1. Make sure NUM LOCK is on.


  2. Hold down ALT, and then, using the numeric keypad, type 0 (zero) followed by 183, the character code for the bullet.


On the Macintosh:

Use the Key Caps utility to identify the key combination to insert a bullet.

Method 3: Use a Table

Place your text inside a table. For example, if you want to have a bullet approximately three inches from the left margin, create a two column table and make the left column three inches wide. Place the insertion point in the right column, and then use the Bullets and Numbering command to insert a bullet.

Method 4: Use a Macro

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The following WordBasic macro formats the selection in the Symbol font at 10 point, and inserts a bullet (ASCII code 183) at the insertion point. 

   Sub MAIN
      Dim dlg As InsertSymbol
      GetCurValues dlg
      dlg.CharNum = 183
      x = Dialog(dlg)
      If x = - 1 Then InsertSymbol dlg
   End Sub

Additional query words: dot

Keywords : wordnt kbmacroexample winword ntword macword word6 word7 word95 kbformat
Version : MACINTOSH:5.0,5.1,6.0,6.0.1,6.0.1a; WINDOWS:6.0,6.0a,6.0c,7.0,7.0a; winnt:6.0
Platform : MACINTOSH WINDOWS winnt
Issue type :


Last Reviewed: January 3, 2000
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