Whether you're managing a project, organizing data, or creating a presentation, Google Sheets is an invaluable tool for users on any platform, including Mac. One of the most common formatting tasks users face is adding bullets to their spreadsheets. This guide will walk you through the steps to add bullets in Google Sheets on a Mac, making your data more visually appealing and easier to read.
Why Use Bullets in Google Sheets?
Bullets help to:
- Organize lists for better readability
- Highlight key points or steps
- Create visually appealing presentations
- Make long texts more digestible
How to Add Bullets in Google Sheets on a Mac
1. Using Keyboard Shortcuts
The simplest way to add bullets in Google Sheets on a Mac is by using the keyboard:
- Option + 8 - This shortcut will insert a standard round bullet (•).
- Shift + Option + 8 - For a square bullet (◼).
💡 Note: These shortcuts work in the formula bar when editing cells or directly in the cell if you’re in edit mode.
2. Using CHAR Function
If you prefer a more programmatic approach:
- Type
=CHAR(11044)for a standard round bullet (•). - Replace 11044 with 9679 for a filled circle (●).
- Change to 9644 for a square bullet (◼).
You can directly input this function into a cell:
| Function | Output |
|---|---|
=CHAR(11044) |
• |
=CHAR(9679) |
● |
=CHAR(9644) |
◼ |
3. Customizing Bullets
For a personalized touch:
- Insert special characters or symbols from the “Insert” menu → “Special characters.”
- Choose from a variety of bullet styles and forms.
4. Formatting Multiple Cells
Here’s how to format several cells at once:
- Select the cells you want to format.
- Enter the bullet character in the formula bar or directly in a cell.
- Drag the fill handle across the selected range to apply the bullet.
Summary
Bullets in Google Sheets on a Mac add structure and enhance the readability of your data. By mastering keyboard shortcuts, the CHAR function, customizing bullets, and applying them across multiple cells, you can significantly improve the presentation of your information. Remember, these techniques streamline your workflow, making your spreadsheets both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Can I use different bullet styles in one document?
+
Yes, you can use various bullet styles within the same Google Sheets document by changing the CHAR function or using different keyboard shortcuts.
What if the bullet doesn’t appear?
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If the bullet doesn’t show, check if you’re using the correct CHAR code or if your font supports that character. Also, ensure you’re not in a web form or a cell that doesn’t support rich text formatting.
How can I remove bullets?
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To remove bullets, simply highlight the cells with bullets, and delete or overwrite the bullet characters or formulas.
Is there a way to keep the bullets when pasting data into other documents?
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The preservation of formatting, including bullets, depends on the document format you’re pasting into. Often, you might need to paste the text as plain text and then reapply the bullets in the destination document.
