Creating Killer Bullet Points in Google Slides: A Pro’s Guide

So, you want to unleash the power of bullet points in your Google Slides presentations? Excellent choice! Bullet points, when wielded correctly, can transform a wall of text into digestible, engaging information. Let’s cut to the chase:

How do I make a bullet point in Google Slides?

There are several straightforward ways to insert bullet points in Google Slides:

1. Using the Toolbar: The most intuitive method. Select the text box where you want to add bullet points. Look for the bullet point icon (usually a small circle or square) on the formatting toolbar at the top of your screen. Click it to start a bulleted list. Press Enter to add more bullet points.
2. Using the Numbered List Icon and Changing the Format: Click the numbered list icon on the toolbar. Google Slides will automatically create a numbered list. Right-click on any number in the list and select ‘Bullets and numbering’. Choose your desired bullet point style from the presented options.
3. Using Keyboard Shortcuts: Efficiency is key! After you have clicked into the text box, hold down the ‘Shift’ key and press ‘8’ (Shift+8) to insert the default bullet point (usually a filled circle) on a new line. This method works in almost every text editor.
4. Copy and Paste: If you have bullet points already formatted in another document (like a Word document or email), simply copy them and paste them into your Google Slides text box. Google Slides usually preserves the formatting.
5. Formatting Existing Text: Select the text you want to convert into a bulleted list. Then, click the bullet point icon in the toolbar. Each paragraph will become a separate bullet point.

Now that you know the basics, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions to elevate your bullet point game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bullet Points in Google Slides

How do I change the bullet point style in Google Slides?

Changing the bullet point style is a piece of cake. Select the bulleted list you want to modify. Right-click on any bullet point. Choose ‘Bullets and numbering’ from the menu. A sidebar will appear offering a variety of bullet styles – from filled circles and squares to checkmarks and arrows. You can also choose ‘More bullets’ for an even wider selection, including special characters and custom shapes.

How do I change the color of the bullet points?

To change the color of your bullet points, select the bulleted list. Go to the ‘Format’ menu in the toolbar. Select ‘Bullets and numbering’. In the sidebar, you’ll see an option to change the ‘Color’ of the bullets. Choose your desired color from the color palette or use the custom color picker for more precise control.

How do I increase or decrease the indent of my bullet points?

Indentation is crucial for visual hierarchy. Select the bullet points you want to adjust. You can use the ‘Increase indent’ and ‘Decrease indent’ icons in the toolbar. Alternatively, you can drag the indentation markers on the ruler at the top of the slide. The top marker controls the position of the bullet itself, while the bottom marker controls the position of the text.

How do I add more space between bullet points?

Spacing enhances readability. Select the entire text box containing the bulleted list. Go to ‘Format’ -> ‘Line Spacing’. Choose from the predefined spacing options (e.g., 1.15, 1.5, Double) or select ‘Custom spacing’ to enter a specific value. Experiment until you find a spacing that looks clean and uncluttered.

How do I remove bullet points from a list?

Removing bullet points is as simple as adding them. Select the bulleted list. Click the bullet point icon on the toolbar again. This toggles the bullet points on and off. Alternatively, you can select the text and press ‘Backspace’ or ‘Delete’ to remove the bullets manually.

Can I use images as bullet points?

Absolutely! This is a great way to add visual interest. Go to ‘Format’ -> ‘Bullets and numbering’. In the sidebar, click on ‘More bullets’. Instead of selecting a character, choose the ‘Picture’ option. You can then upload an image from your computer, search for one on the web using Google Images, or use an image from your Google Drive. Choose images that are small, simple, and relevant to your content.

How do I create a multi-level bulleted list?

Multi-level lists (also known as nested lists) help organize complex information. To create one, start with a regular bulleted list. After typing the text for a bullet point that you want to have sub-bullets, press ‘Enter’ to create a new line. Then, press the ‘Tab’ key to indent the new line and automatically create a sub-bullet. You can continue to press ‘Tab’ to create further levels of indentation. To go back up a level, press ‘Shift + Tab’.

My bullet points are misaligned. How do I fix this?

Misalignment can be frustrating, but it’s usually an easy fix. Select the text box containing the bulleted list. Check the indentation markers on the ruler at the top of the slide. Make sure they are properly aligned. You can drag them to adjust the position of the bullets and the text. Also, ensure that the ‘Text alignment’ (left, center, right, justified) is set correctly in the toolbar. Often, a simple adjustment of the left indent marker will solve the problem.

How do I use keyboard shortcuts more effectively with bullet points?

Keyboard shortcuts are your best friend for efficient presentation creation.

• Start a bulleted list on a new line: Shift + 8 (creates a default bullet point)
• Indent a bullet point (create a sub-bullet): Tab
• Unindent a bullet point (go back up a level): Shift + Tab

Mastering these shortcuts will save you time and effort.

Can I customize the size of the bullet points?

Yes, you can customize the size, although the options are somewhat limited within the bullet menu itself. The best approach is to change the font size of the entire text box. The bullet size will generally scale with the font size. You can also use the ‘Custom spacing’ option in the ‘Line spacing’ menu to fine-tune the visual balance between the bullets and the text.

How do I create a checklist with bullet points in Google Slides?

While Google Slides doesn’t have a dedicated checklist feature, you can easily simulate one. Insert a bulleted list. Then, instead of using standard bullet points, choose a square or a circle from the ‘More bullets’ options. Next, insert a small square or circle graphic in the same text box, and line it up with each text item. During your presentation, you can then copy and paste an “X” character into those boxes to mark them as completed, or change the graphic to a checked version.

How do I make sure my bullet points are accessible to everyone?

Accessibility is paramount.

• Use clear and concise language: Each bullet point should convey a single, easily understandable idea.
• Use sufficient contrast: Ensure that the color of the bullet points and the text has enough contrast with the background color.
• Use appropriate font sizes: Make sure the text is large enough to be easily read by people with visual impairments.
• Provide alternative text: If you are using images as bullet points, provide alternative text descriptions for screen readers.
• Consider using semantic structure: For more complex presentations, consider using heading styles to create a logical document structure that screen readers can interpret.

By following these guidelines, you can create presentations that are inclusive and accessible to everyone.