How to Change Bullet Size in Google Docs

how to change bullet size in google docs
by David Harris // January 17  

Changing bullet size in Google Docs can be challenging for many users. Often, you might find that the default bullet size doesn’t match the needs of your document, making your lists less visually appealing and harder to read. The good news is that it’s possible to change bullet size to enhance your document’s look and feel. Here’s how you can do this effectively.

Quick Answer to Change Bullet Size

To change the bullet size in Google Docs, you must adjust the size of the text associated with the bullet. Follow these steps:

  1. Open your Google Docs document.
  2. Highlight the list where you want to change the bullet size.
  3. Change the font size of the text in the list.
  4. Customize the bullet style if needed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Bullet Size

Let’s break down the steps in detail:

1. Open Your Document

Start by opening your Google Docs document that contains the bullet list you want to adjust.

2. Highlight the List

Using your mouse or keyboard, select the bullet list that you want to modify. Make sure to highlight all the items in the list if you wish to resize bullets for the entire list.

3. Adjust the Font Size

  • With your list highlighted, navigate to the toolbar at the top of the page.
  • Click on the font size dropdown (this usually shows the current size, like ’11’ or ’12’).
  • Choose a larger font size for your text. Increasing the font size will also proportionally increase the size of the bullets.

4. Customize Bullet Style (Optional)

If you want to change the bullet style instead of just resizing it:

  • Click on the “Format” menu at the top.
  • Select “Bullets & numbering,” then choose “Bulleted list.”
  • Opt for different bullet styles, which you can find in the available options.

Examples of Bullet Size Changes

Let’s say you are drafting a presentation on environmental issues. Initially, your bullet sizes were too small and did not highlight your key points adequately, like “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” After increasing the font size to 14, the bullets became significantly more readable, improving the document’s overall impact. Small changes can make a difference in your document’s impression on readers.

Best Practices for Changing Bullet Size

Use Consistency

Using consistent bullet sizes across your document helps in maintaining a neat appearance. If you change bullet sizes, do so across all lists to ensure a uniform look.

Avoid Over-Sizing

While you might be tempted to make your bullets very large to draw attention, this can backfire and lead to a cluttered look. Aim for a balance where bullets stand out but do not overpower the text.

Be Mindful of White Space

Ensure that there’s enough white space around your bullet list. This space can be achieved by adjusting margins or line spacing. Too much content crowding can make even large bullets lose their effectiveness.

Pros and Cons of Changing Bullet Size

Pros

  • Enhanced Readability: Larger bullets can make lists easier to skim.
  • Eye-catching: Custom bullet sizes can help important points stand out.
  • Professional Appearance: A polished document leaves a better impression on your audience.

Cons

  • Overwhelming Appearance: Too large bullets can distract rather than assist readers.
  • Inconsistent Visuals: If not done uniformly, it may make document sections feel disjointed.
  • Editing Challenges: If you later decide to make changes, it can be cumbersome to adjust each bullet size individually.

Potential Pitfalls to Avoid

Ignoring Overall Design

When adjusting bullet size, focus on the document’s overall look. Changing bullet sizes without considering the entire layout can lead to a less cohesive design.

Not Testing Different Sizes

Experimenting with a few bullet sizes before finalizing your choice may be beneficial. Use different sizes to see what complements the overall document design best.

Relying Solely on Default Options

While Google Docs offers standard bullet options, don’t hesitate to use additional customization. For instance, Unicode symbols like stars or checkmarks can add a unique flair to your lists.

Additional Tips for Effective Bullet Lists

  1. Incorporate Symbols: Instead of traditional bullets, try incorporating symbols related to the content. A shopping cart for a list of grocery items or a book icon for reading lists can add a unique touch.
  2. Use Color Wisely: Experimenting with color can also enhance bullet visibility. Ensure the color contrasts sharply with the background to maintain readability.
  3. Use Indentation: Adjusting the indentation can help distinguish between main and sub-points. This indirect method may give the illusion of larger bullets when used thoughtfully.
  4. Combining Bullets and Text: Another effective approach is putting relevant text next to your bullets. Instead of relying solely on sizing, the context can add depth to the bullet points.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Changing Bullet Size in Google Docs

Changing the size of bullets in Google Docs can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges. Here are some real-world scenarios you might encounter and solutions to help you figure it out.

Scenario 1: Bullet Size Doesn’t Change After Adjusting

Problem: You’ve adjusted the bullet size in the “Bullet options” menu, but it doesn’t reflect the changes in your document.

Solution: First, select the entire list before making adjustments. Sometimes, if only a part of the list is highlighted, those changes won’t apply universally. Here’s how to fix it:

  1. Click at the start of your list.
  2. Hold down the mouse button and drag to highlight the entire list.
  3. Go to the “Format” menu, select “Bullets & numbering,” then “List options.”
  4. Choose “Bullet options” and adjust the size again.

If the size still doesn’t change, check if there’s any overriding style applied to your text. Sometimes, using a new paragraph style may resolve the issue.

Scenario 2: Unexpected Bullet Shape After Changing Size

Problem: After changing the bullet size, the shape of your bullets changes, too, and now they look different from what you intended.

Solution: This issue usually happens when the bullet style is altered instead of just the size. Here’s how to fix it:

  1. Click on any bullet in your list.
  2. Select the three-dot bullet list icon in the toolbar.
  3. Choose “Bullet options” and then select “Custom.” Here, you can choose your preferred bullet shape.
  4. Once you find the shape, you can adjust the size again to get the desired look.

Double-check that you’re using the same bullet style for the entire list to keep it uniform.

Scenario 3: Bullets Not Appearing After Text Changes

Problem: You’ve made some text adjustments, but the bullets are missing from your list.

Solution: This can happen if the list formatting is removed during editing. To bring those bullets back:

  1. Highlight the text that should have bullets.
  2. Click on the bullet list icon on the toolbar.
  3. If the bullets still don’t appear, check if the text was converted into plain text format. You may need to reapply the bullet list formatting.

Additionally, if you’ve copied text from another document, that formatting might not carry over. Always make sure to apply the bullets again after pasting.

Scenario 4: Troublesome Alignment Issues

Problem: After changing bullet sizes, you notice the alignment of your text looks off, making it hard to read.

Solution: The alignment can often be fixed by adjusting the indent.

  1. Highlight your bulleted list.
  2. Click “Format” in the top bar, then choose “Align & indent.”
  3. Under “Indentation options,” adjust the left indent and the first line indent to create a more appealing layout.

Sometimes, resetting your indentations back to default can help restore the original formatting, so don’t hesitate to try that if nothing else works.

By understanding these scenarios and their solutions, you can more easily troubleshoot bullet size issues in Google Docs, ensuring your documents maintain a professional look.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How To Change Bullet Size In Google Docs

Q. How do I start a bulleted list in Google Docs?
A. Begin a bulleted list by clicking the “Bulleted list” icon in the toolbar. Alternatively, navigate to “Format,” followed by “Bullets & numbering,” and choose “Bulleted list.”

Q. Can I change the bullet size after creating a bulleted list?
A. Yes! You can change the bullet size by adjusting the text size in the bulleted list. The bullet size will change proportionately to the text size.

Q. How do I adjust the text size in Google Docs?
A. To adjust the text size, highlight the text, then click the font size dropdown in the toolbar to select a new size.

Q. Is there a way to customize the bullet character?
A. You can customize the bullet by selecting a new bullet style. Go to “Format,” then “Bullets & numbering,” and choose “Bullet options.”

Q. Can I use different bullet sizes in the same list?
A. No, all bullets in the same list will be the same size. However, you can create separate lists with different sizes.

Q. Will changing the bullet size affect the indentation of the text?
A. Changing the bullet size does not directly affect text indentation, but you may want to adjust the indent settings to keep your list organized.

Q. How do I add a custom bullet point larger than the default?
A. You can create a larger bullet point by changing the text size before the bullet. Use a special character or emoji as a bullet and increase its size.

Q. Can I apply the same bullet size changes to multiple lists simultaneously?
A. Yes, you can select multiple lists and change the text size, which will adjust the bullet sizes simultaneously.

Q. What if I want to remove bullets altogether?
A. Highlight the list you want to change. Click the “Bulleted list” sign/icon in the toolbar once more, or find “Format” in the menu, choose “Bullets & numbering,” and then pick “None.”

Q. Are there any add-ons that can help with bullet customization in Google Docs?
A. Yes, add-ons in the G Suite Marketplace can help you extensively customize bullet points and lists.

Conclusion

Changing the bullet size in Google Docs is a simple yet effective way to enhance your documents. Whether you want to make your lists stand out or improve readability, adjusting bullet size can add that extra touch. Remember to explore the various options within the “Bulleted list” menu and customize the appearance to fit your style or the needs of your document. With these easy steps, you can create documents that are not only informative but also visually appealing. Happy editing!

Disclaimer: This article guides changing bullet size in Google Docs. While we strive to offer accurate information, Google Docs support and Google Workspace learning center recommend understanding the subject matter thoroughly. Our content is a valuable resource, and we encourage readers to explore Google Developers and Google Blog for more insights. Users can effectively adjust bullet sizes and enhance their document formatting skills by following our instructions and consulting official sources.

About the Author

David Harris is a content writer at Adazing with 20 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving worlds of publishing and technology. Equal parts editor, tech enthusiast, and caffeine connoisseur, he’s spent decades turning big ideas into polished prose. As a former Technical Writer for a cloud-based publishing software company and a Ghostwriter of over 60 books, David’s expertise spans technical precision and creative storytelling. At Adazing, he brings a knack for clarity and a love of the written word to every project—while still searching for the keyboard shortcut that refills his coffee.