How Do I Add a Dot Point in WordPress?

Adding dot points, also known as bullet points, in WordPress is simple and can be achieved through several intuitive methods, making your content more readable and organized.

Key Methods to Add Bullet Points

WordPress offers multiple ways to insert bullet points, catering to different workflows whether you're starting a new list, quickly typing, or converting existing content.

1. Using the List Block

The most common and robust method for adding dot points is by utilizing the List block in the WordPress editor. This block automatically defaults to a bulleted list, providing a structured way to manage your list items.

How to do it:

• Add the block: In the WordPress editor, click the + icon (Block Inserter) to add a new block. Search for "List" and select it.
• Start typing: Once the List block is added, a bullet point will automatically appear. Begin typing your first list item.
• New items: Press Enter after each item to create a new bullet point.
• End the list: Press Enter twice on a blank list item to exit the list block.

Practical Insight: The List block provides options in its toolbar to switch between bulleted (unordered) and numbered (ordered) lists, indent/outdent items for nested lists, and adjust styling.

2. Using the Markdown Shortcut

For those who prefer a quicker, keyboard-driven approach, WordPress recognizes a simple markdown shortcut to initiate a bulleted list.

How to do it:

• New line: On a blank line in your editor, type an asterisk (*) followed by a space.
• Auto-transform: WordPress will instantly recognize this as the start of a bulleted list and transform the line into a List block with your first bullet point.
• Continue list: Press Enter to add subsequent bullet points.

Example:

* First item
* Second item
* Third item

Typing this directly into a paragraph block will convert it into a List block automatically.

3. Transforming Existing Paragraphs into a List

If you have already written several paragraphs or lines of text that you wish to convert into a bulleted list, WordPress allows for a quick transformation.

How to do it:

• Highlight text: Select one or more paragraphs or lines of text that you want to turn into a list.
• Transform option: In the block toolbar that appears above or next to your selected text, click the "Transform" icon (which looks like a paragraph symbol or a circular arrow icon).
• Select List: From the transformation options, choose "List." Your selected text will instantly be converted into a bulleted list.

Example:

If you have:

This is a point.
This is another point.
And a final point.

Highlighting these lines and transforming them will result in:

• This is a point.
• This is another point.
• And a final point.

Summary of Dot Point Methods

Method	Description	When to Use
List Block	Add the dedicated block and type.	Ideal for new lists, extensive lists, and when needing styling options.
Markdown Shortcut	Type * on a new line.	Quick creation of new lists while typing.
Transform Option	Highlight text and convert using the block toolbar.	Converting existing paragraphs or lines into a list.

Enhancing Your Lists with WordPress

Once you've added your dot points, you can further enhance them for better readability and structure.

Nested Lists

To create sub-points or nested lists:

1. Press Enter after a list item to create a new bullet.
2. Press the Tab key (or click the "Indent" icon in the block toolbar). This will indent the new bullet, creating a sub-list.
3. To revert to the parent list level, press Shift + Tab (or click the "Outdent" icon).

Styling and Customization

The List block typically offers various styling options depending on your WordPress theme and active plugins. These may include:

• Color settings: Change text and background colors for list items.
• Typography: Adjust font size, line height, and letter spacing.
• Advanced options: Add custom CSS classes for unique styling.

For more advanced customization, you might explore the options provided by your theme's customizer or consult WordPress's official documentation for block-specific settings.

Adding dot points is an essential skill for creating clear and engaging content on your WordPress site.