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 and 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" (without the quotation marks), the character code for
   the bullet.

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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   http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/refguide/

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

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

Last Reviewed: April 9, 1999