Google Docs

How to Make Two Rows of Bullets in Google Docs

Spencer LanoueSpencer Lanoue
Google Docs

Google Docs is a fantastic tool for all sorts of writing tasks, from drafting reports to collaborating on projects. But sometimes, you want to mix things up a bit. Like making two rows of bullets side by side. If you're scratching your head wondering how to do that, you're in the right place. This guide walks you through creating dual bullet columns in Google Docs, making your documents not only informative but also visually appealing.

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Why Two Rows of Bullets?

Before we jump into the technical details, let's consider why you'd want to create two rows of bullets in Google Docs. Well, there are several reasons:

  • Organization: Dual columns can make your information more organized and easier to read.
  • Space-saving: If you're working with limited space, two columns can help you fit more information on a page.
  • Design: It just looks cool. A two-column layout can give your document a more professional and polished appearance.

Now that we've covered the why, let's move on to the how.

Setting Up Your Document

First things first, you want to make sure your document is ready for some formatting magic. Open your Google Doc and let's get started. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

  • Create a New Document: If you haven't already, open Google Docs and create a new document.
  • Title Your Document: Give your document a meaningful name. This helps keep your Google Drive organized.
  • Initial Content: Type out a few bullet points. This will give us something to work with as we set up the columns.

Once you have your document set up with some initial content, you're ready to start creating those two rows of bullets.

Using Tables for Two Columns

The simplest way to make two rows of bullets is by using a table. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Insert a Table: Go to the menu bar, click on Insert, then select Table. Choose a 2x1 table.
  2. Adjust Table Size: If your bullets are long, you might want to resize the columns. Hover over the table borders to adjust.
  3. Move Your Bullets: Copy your existing bullets and paste them into the first column of the table.
  4. Format Second Column: Add bullets to the second column by clicking inside it and then clicking on the bullet list icon in the toolbar.

Voilla! You've got two rows of bullets. Easy, right?

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Creating Columns with Page Layout

Another method is to use Google Docs' column feature. This doesn't allow for direct bullet insertion, but it's handy for comparing lists side-by-side. Here's how:

  1. Highlight Your Text: Select the text you want to split into columns.
  2. Access Columns: Click on Format in the menu bar, hover over Columns, and choose two columns.
  3. Add Bullets: Manually add bullet points to each column. This step requires a bit of manual formatting, but it works well for short lists.

This method is a bit more manual, but it offers more flexibility with formatting.

Using Text Boxes for Flexible Layouts

If you're feeling adventurous, you can use text boxes to achieve the same effect. This approach is particularly useful if you want to position your bullets in a specific area of the page.

  1. Insert a Drawing: Click on Insert, then Drawing, and select + New.
  2. Add Text Boxes: In the drawing window, click on the Text Box icon and draw a text box. Repeat for a second text box.
  3. Place Your Bullets: Add your bullet points to each text box.
  4. Save and Close: Click Save and Close to insert the drawing into your document.

This method offers the most flexibility but can be a bit more time-consuming. That said, it allows for precise positioning of your bullet points.

Customizing Bullet Styles

Once you've got your bullet columns, you might want to customize their appearance. Google Docs offers several options for customizing bullet styles:

  • Bullet Type: Click on the bullet list icon and select More bullets to choose from different bullet styles.
  • Color and Size: Highlight your bullets and use the font color and size options to customize them.
  • Indentation: Adjust the indentation by dragging the indent markers on the ruler.

Customizing your bullets can help make them stand out and match the rest of your document's style.

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Aligning Bullets Perfectly

Sometimes, you might notice that your bullets aren't perfectly aligned. Here's a quick fix:

  • Use the Ruler: Google Docs has a ruler at the top of the page. Use it to adjust the indentation and alignment of your bullets.
  • Check Indents: Make sure all your bullets have the same indent settings. Highlight them and check the indent markers on the ruler.

With these adjustments, your bullets should line up perfectly.

Collaborating on Bullet Documents

Collaboration is one of Google Docs' strong suits. If you're working with a team, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Share Your Document: Click the Share button to invite team members.
  • Commenting: Use the Comment feature to discuss changes and suggestions.
  • Track Changes: Use Suggesting mode to track changes made by collaborators.

These collaboration features are invaluable when working on shared documents.

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Utilizing Spell for Efficiency

If you're looking to save time and effort, Spell can be a game-changer. It's like Google Docs but with AI built right in. Imagine writing documents in minutes with the help of AI. You can generate drafts, edit them using natural language prompts, and collaborate in real-time, all in one place. This means you can focus more on your content and less on formatting and editing.

Final Thoughts

Creating two rows of bullets in Google Docs is a handy trick for organizing your information in a neat and space-efficient way. Whether you use tables, columns, or text boxes, each method has its strengths. And remember, Spell can help streamline the process, saving you time and effort. So go ahead, give it a try, and make your documents stand out!

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer has been working in product and growth for the last 10 years. He's currently Head of Growth at Sugardoh. Before that he worked at Bump Boxes, Buffer, UserTesting, and a few other early-stage startups.