How to Add Small Bullet Points in Google Docs

Google Docs is a fantastic tool for creating documents, but sometimes the default bullet points just don't cut it. Whether you're drafting a presentation, working on a report, or even just making a simple list, you might find that using smaller bullet points can give your document a cleaner, more polished look. Let's explore how you can add these small bullet points, and some other tricks, to make your documents stand out.

Why Choose Smaller Bullet Points?

You might be wondering why you'd want to bother with smaller bullet points in the first place. Here's the scoop: smaller bullet points can make your lists appear neater and less cluttered. They're especially handy if you're working with limited space or if you just want a more subtle look. They can help give your document a more refined and professional appearance, which is always a win in my book.

Imagine you're preparing a report for your team. Using smaller bullet points can make your lists more elegant, avoiding the overwhelming presence of large bullet points that might distract from the actual content. Plus, who doesn't love a little extra flair in their document design?

Creating Smaller Bullet Points Manually

Let's get into the nuts and bolts of actually creating these smaller bullet points. Google Docs doesn't have a built-in option for smaller bullet points, but with a few simple tricks, you can achieve the look you want.

Here's a step-by-step guide to making it happen:

• Open your Google Doc and navigate to the section where you want to add bullet points.
• Select the text you want to turn into a list.
• Click on the "Format" menu at the top of the screen.
• Hover over "Bullets & numbering," then select "List options."
• Choose "More bullets." A special characters box will appear.
• In the search box within this special characters box, type "bullet" to find a range of options.
• Scroll through the results until you find a smaller bullet point that you like. Click on it to select it.
• Your selected text should now have smaller bullet points.

Voilla! You've now manually added smaller bullet points to your document. It's a bit of a workaround, but it gets the job done.

Using Unicode for Smaller Bullet Points

If you're feeling a bit tech-savvy, Unicode can be your best friend. Unicode is a universal character set that includes all sorts of symbols, including smaller bullet points.

Here's how you can use Unicode to add these to your document:

• First, decide where you want to insert your bullet points.
• Press "Ctrl + Shift + U" on your keyboard to activate Unicode entry mode.
• Type the Unicode for a bullet, like "2022" for a smaller bullet, and press "Enter."
• Repeat this for each line where you want a bullet point.

Using Unicode is a bit more technical, but it's a great trick to have up your sleeve if you want more control over the appearance of your bullet points.

Customizing Bullet Points with Images

If you're looking to add a personal touch, consider using images as bullet points. This can be particularly useful if you're creating a document with a specific theme or branding.

Here's how to do it:

• First, find or create the small image you want to use as a bullet point.
• Upload the image to your Google Drive.
• In your Google Doc, go to the list you want to customize.
• Click on the bullet point you want to change.
• Select "Format" from the menu, then "Bullets & numbering."
• Choose "List options," then "More bullets."
• Click "Insert" and select "Image" from the pop-up window.
• Choose your uploaded image from Google Drive.

Using images allows for endless customization possibilities, making your document truly unique.

Adjusting Bullet Point Indentation

Another way to change the appearance of your bullet points is by adjusting the indentation. This won't make the bullet points themselves smaller, but it can create the visual effect of smaller, more compact lists.

• Select the list you want to adjust.
• Go to the "Format" menu, then "Align & indent."
• Choose "Indentation options."
• In the dialog box that appears, adjust the "Indentation" settings.
• Play around with these settings until you achieve the desired look.

Adjusting indentation is a subtle way to tweak the appearance of your bullet points without changing their actual size.

Using Spell for Streamlined Document Creation

If you're often creating documents and looking for ways to save time, consider using Spell. Spell is like having Google Docs with AI capabilities built right in. It can help you draft, edit, and refine your documents with ease, turning hours of work into minutes. Imagine going from a blank page to a polished document in no time at all.

With Spell, you can simply describe what you want, and it will generate a high-quality first draft for you. If you need to make edits, just tell Spell what to change, and it will do the heavy lifting. It's a real game-changer for anyone who's tired of the back-and-forth between different tools.

Formatting Lists with Styles

Google Docs also allows you to apply different styles to your lists, which can include using smaller bullet points as part of a custom style.

Here's how:

• Create your list as usual.
• Highlight the list, then go to the "Format" menu.
• Select "Paragraph styles," then "Normal Text."
• Click "Update 'Normal Text' to match."
• Now, whenever you apply this style, your list will have the smaller bullet points you've set up.

This method allows you to keep your document consistent and makes it easier to apply the same formatting throughout.

Keeping Your Document Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to document design. You don't want your bullet points to draw attention for the wrong reasons. So, once you've decided on a style, stick to it throughout your document. This makes your work look more professional and easier to read.

For example, if you're using smaller bullet points, ensure they're the same size and style across all your lists. This simple step can make a big difference in the overall feel of your document.

Final Touches with Spell

After you've crafted your lists and customized your bullet points, you might think you're done. But don't forget the final polish! With Spell, you can quickly refine your document, ensuring it's not just formatted well but also free of any awkward phrasing or errors. The AI capabilities in Spell make it easy to achieve that polished, professional finish.

Final Thoughts

Using smaller bullet points in Google Docs can really elevate the appearance of your documents. Whether you're manually adjusting them, using Unicode, or even customizing with images, there's a method to fit your needs. And if you want to speed up your document creation process, Spell is here to help. With Spell, you can craft high-quality documents quickly and efficiently, taking your writing from good to great.