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How Do I Turn On Automatic Bullets In OneNote?

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Last updated on 4 min read

In OneNote for Windows 10 or later (version 2104 and newer), turn on automatic bullets by going to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type and checking Automatic bulleted lists

What is the shortcut for bullet points in OneNote?

Press Ctrl + . (period) on a new line to start a bulleted list instantly

Hit an asterisk (*), then space, and you’ll get the same result. OneNote for Windows 10 (build 16.0.14326.20176) and newer handles both tricks without breaking a sweat.

How do I turn on automatic bullet points?

Open OneNote > File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type, then check Automatic bulleted lists and click OK

Once you flip that switch, every new note you create will play by the new rules. This toggle lives in OneNote 2016 and OneNote for Microsoft 365 (version 2104 or later).

How do you use bullets in OneNote?

Click Home > Bullets or press Ctrl + Shift + L to start a bulleted list; type your first item, press Enter to add the next bullet

Want a different bullet style? Click the tiny arrow beside the Bullets button. To bail out of the list, just smack Enter twice. Works the same in OneNote 2016 and OneNote for Windows 10.

How do I turn on auto numbering in OneNote?

Type “1.” followed by Tab, or type “a.” followed by Tab to start an auto-numbered list

The numbers keep marching forward on every new line. OneNote for Microsoft 365 (build 16.0.13801.20266) and newer won’t let you down here.

How do you make bullets when typing?

Type an asterisk (*) at the start of a line followed by a space to create a bullet automatically when you press Enter

Feel like mixing it up? Try minus (-) or plus (+) with a space for different bullet flavors. OneNote 2016 and OneNote for Windows 10 keep the vibe consistent.

What is the keyboard shortcut for bullet?

Press Alt + H > U to open the bullets dropdown, then use arrow keys to select a style and press Enter to apply it

That ribbon shortcut is a lifesaver in OneNote 2019 (version 1808) and OneNote for Microsoft 365 (version 2008 or later).

How do I change the layout of OneNote?

Go to File > Options > Display to toggle Page Tabs, Navigation Tabs, Scroll Bar, or page background (lined, grid, or plain)

While you’re there, you can tweak the default paper size and color scheme too. These settings stick in OneNote 2016 and OneNote for Windows 10 (version 2104+).

How do I move bullet points in OneNote?

Click anywhere in the bullet point text, hover over the bullet until the drag handle appears, then drag it up or down to reposition

OneNote will shuffle the entire list around like it’s nothing. This trick works in OneNote 2016 and OneNote for Windows 10.

How do I enter a code in OneNote?

Go to the NoteHighlight tab and select your programming language; paste or type your code into the highlighted block

Syntax highlighting for C#, Java, Python, and others is baked right in. Code blocks survive the trip when you export to PDF. Available in OneNote for Microsoft 365 (version 2008 or later).

How do I add more symbols to OneNote?

Use the built-in Symbol tool: Insert > Symbol > More Symbols, then choose your font and insert the character

Need something custom? Head to Insert > Equation or fire up the Symbol dialog in the OneNote desktop app (Windows). This has been around since OneNote 2016.

How do I type an arrow in OneNote?

Type “RARROW”, “LARROW”, “UARROW”, or “DARROW” followed by a space to insert →, ←, ↑, or ↓ automatically

Prefer a visual route? Use Insert > Symbol and pick the “Arrows” subset. This shortcut plays nice in OneNote 2016 and OneNote for Windows 10.

How do you cross out in OneNote?

Select the text, then click the Strikethrough button in the Basic Text group on the Home tab

The shortcut is Ctrl + T (Windows). Exported PDFs and Word docs keep the crossed-out look. Available in OneNote 2016 and OneNote for Microsoft 365.

Where is the dot on the keyboard?

The middle dot (·) is inserted on Windows by holding Alt and typing 2 5 0 or 0 1 8 3 on the numeric keypad

Mac users can press Option + Shift + 9. This numeric keypad trick works in OneNote 2019 and OneNote for Windows 10 (version 2104+).

What is bullet point format?

Bullet points are short text markers used to organize information in a list when the order doesn’t matter

They usually follow a colon after the intro sentence. Pick one bullet style and stick with it—readers will thank you. That’s the advice you’ll find in most business writing guides used by Microsoft Office.

What is a bullet point examples?

Common bullet styles include filled circles, open circles, squares, arrows, dashes, and checkmarks

Quick examples: • Text, ◦ Subtext, ▪︎ Details, → Action, – Alternative, ✓ Completed. The style you choose should match your document’s tone and audience. All of these symbols live in OneNote’s Bullets dropdown menu.

Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
Charlene Dyck

Charlene is a tech writer specializing in computers, electronics, and gadgets, making complex topics accessible to everyday users.