how to make a bullet point on google slides
How to Make a Bullet Point on Google Slides in 2026

There’s a quiet moment we’ve all experienced.

You’re building a Google Slides presentation late at night. The design looks clean. The title slide feels confident. Then you reach the content slide—the one that actually explains something—and suddenly you pause.

“How do I make this readable without overwhelming people?”

That’s where bullet points step in. And in 2026, knowing How to Make a Bullet Point on Google Slides isn’t just a basic skill—it’s part of communicating clearly in a world drowning in information.

This guide walks you through the how, the why, and the when of bullet points in Google Slides, using real-world scenarios, updated interface behavior, and practical tips that professionals actually use.

Why Bullet Points Still Matter in 2026

Design trends come and go. AI-generated slides are everywhere. Minimalism dominates templates. Yet bullet points refuse to disappear—and for good reason.

Bullet points:

  • Help audiences scan ideas quickly

  • Reduce cognitive overload

  • Create visual rhythm on slides

  • Guide the speaker instead of replacing them

In 2026, attention spans are shorter, but expectations are higher. Bullet points, when used correctly, are still one of the most effective presentation tools.

How to Make a Bullet Point on Google Slides (Step-by-Step)

Let’s start with the simplest and most reliable method.

Method 1: Using the Toolbar (Fastest Way)

  1. Open your Google Slides presentation

  2. Click on the slide where you want bullet points

  3. Select a text box or insert one by clicking Insert → Text box

  4. Place your cursor inside the text box

  5. In the top toolbar, click the Bulleted list icon (• • •)

Instantly, your text becomes a bullet point.

If you start typing after clicking the icon, every new line will automatically appear as a bullet.

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcuts (Pro-Level Speed)

If you work on slides often, shortcuts save real time.

  • Windows / Chromebook:
    Ctrl + Shift + 8

  • Mac:
    Cmd + Shift + 8

This shortcut toggles bullet points on and off. It’s fast, clean, and surprisingly underused.

Once you memorize it, you’ll never reach for the toolbar again.

Creating Sub-Bullets (Indented Bullet Points)

Complex ideas sometimes need structure. That’s where sub-bullets come in.

How to Add Sub-Bullets

  1. Create a normal bullet point

  2. Press Enter to start a new bullet

  3. Press Tab to indent

You’ll now see a sub-bullet under the main point.

To move it back:

  • Press Shift + Tab

This hierarchy is perfect for:

  • Explaining processes

  • Showing cause and effect

  • Breaking down features

Changing Bullet Styles in Google Slides (2026 Interface)

Google Slides in 2026 offers more visual flexibility than most people realize.

Customize Your Bullets

  1. Highlight the bullet points

  2. Click Format in the top menu

  3. Select Bullets & numbering

  4. Choose:

    • Bullet symbols

    • Numbered lists

    • Roman numerals

    • Custom characters

You can even paste emojis or symbols as bullets for informal or creative presentations.

Just remember: clarity beats decoration.

How to Make Bullet Points Look Better (Design Tips)

Knowing How to Make a Bullet Point on Google Slides is only half the job. Making them look right is where professionals stand out.

1. One Idea Per Bullet

If a bullet feels like a paragraph, it’s too long. Your slides should support your voice—not compete with it.

Bad:

  • Explaining full concepts in one bullet

Better:

  • Short phrases

  • Keywords

  • Visual prompts

2. Keep Bullet Count Low

Three to five bullets per slide is the sweet spot. Anything more turns your slide into a document—and nobody wants to read during a presentation.

3. Use Consistent Formatting

If one slide uses sentence case, don’t switch to title case on the next. Consistency creates subconscious trust.

4. Align Bullets with Visual Flow

Place bullets where the eye naturally travels. Pair them with icons, charts, or images—but don’t crowd the slide.

Whitespace is not wasted space. It’s breathing room.

Common Mistakes People Still Make

Even in 2026, these errors refuse to die:

  • Using bullet points as a script

  • Mixing numbered lists and bullets randomly

  • Overusing sub-bullets

  • Ignoring line spacing

  • Making text too small to read

Bullet points should guide, not overwhelm.

Real-Life Example: A Simple Slide That Works

Imagine a slide titled “Why Users Leave Our App”

Instead of paragraphs, you use bullets:

  • Slow loading time

  • Confusing onboarding

  • Too many notifications

  • Lack of personalization

Each bullet opens a conversation. The slide supports your story instead of telling it for you.

That’s the real power of bullet points.

When NOT to Use Bullet Points

Here’s a truth most guides won’t tell you.

Sometimes, bullet points are the wrong choice.

Avoid them when:

  • You’re telling a story

  • Showing a single powerful quote

  • Displaying data visually

  • Creating emotional impact

A blank slide with one strong sentence can outperform ten bullet points—when used intentionally.

Final Thoughts

Learning How to Make a Bullet Point on Google Slides might sound basic, but mastery lives in the details. In 2026, presentations are no longer about dumping information—they’re about guiding attention.

Bullet points are still one of the cleanest, most human ways to do that.

Used thoughtfully, they bring clarity.
Used carelessly, they create noise.

The difference isn’t the tool—it’s the intention behind it.