Meaning
The bullet point symbol • (Unicode U+2022) is the standard round list marker you see in documents, slides, and notes. It is not the same as a period, a middle dot ·, or a filled circle ● — though people often use those as bullet lookalikes when they cannot find the real character.
Most keyboards do not print • directly. On Windows you can type Alt+0149 (numeric keypad). On Mac, Option+8 often works. The fastest fix on any device is to copy the bullet point symbol from this page and paste it into Word, Google Docs, Notion, Instagram bios, Discord, or chat apps that do not auto-format lists.
Related bullets on Symbolstacks include the triangular bullet ‣, hyphen bullet ⁃, white (hollow) bullet ◦, and solid circle ●. Use • for classic lists, ◦ for sub-bullets, and ● when you want a heavier filled dot. Fancy options like ⁌ ⁍ appear in typography sets but are less common in everyday writing.
A bullet point is a formatting tool, not a brand logo. Keep lists short, start each line with the same mark, and leave a space after the symbol so the text stays readable.
Origin
Typography and typesetting. The bullet as a list marker became standard in print and digital word processors; Unicode encodes the common form as U+2022 BULLET.
Cultural variations
Office documents prefer •. Designers sometimes use ■ ▪ ◆ ● for custom lists. Social bios often mix • with | or ▸ as separators. In some locales the middle dot · is more familiar for catalogs. Screen readers announce bullets as list items when true list HTML is used; in plain text they may read the character name.
Frequently asked questions
What is the bullet point symbol?+
The classic bullet point symbol is • (U+2022). It marks items in a list. Copy it from this page when your keyboard cannot type it.
How do I copy and paste a bullet point symbol?+
Click • above to copy it, then paste with Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac). It works in Word, Docs, bios, and most chat apps.
How do I type a bullet point on Windows or Mac?+
Windows: hold Alt and type 0149 on the numeric keypad. Mac: try Option+8. Copy-paste is still the most reliable method across apps.
What is the difference between •, ·, and ●?+
• is the standard bullet. · is a middle dot (interpunct), often used between words. ● is a filled geometric circle — heavier and better for status dots or bold custom lists.
What other bullet symbols can I use?+
Common alternatives include ◦ (hollow bullet), ‣ (triangular), ⁃ (hyphen bullet), ▪ (small square), and ◆ (diamond). Match the weight of the bullet to your design.