Bullet Points Apple Notes: Full Guide
This article explains how to create, format, and manage bullet points in Apple Notes on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. You’ll learn the exact keyboard shortcuts and gestures for each device, plus how to fix common formatting issues and use nested lists effectively.
How to Create Bullet Points in Apple Notes
Apple Notes uses the same list system across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, but the way you start a list differs slightly by device.
On iPhone and iPad
- Open a note and place the cursor where you want the list.
- Tap the Format button (the “Aa� icon) above the keyboard.
- Choose the Bulleted List option (the icon with three horizontal lines and dots).
- Type your first item, then press Return to add the next bullet.
You can also start a list by typing a hyphen or asterisk followed by a space – Notes will automatically convert it to a bullet.
On Mac
- Place the cursor in the note.
- Click the Format menu at the top of the screen.
- Select Lists and then Bulleted List.
- Or use the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + 8.
Alternatively, type a hyphen or asterisk and a space – Notes converts it on the fly.
How to Make Nested Bullet Points (Sub-bullets)
Nested lists let you create sub-points under a main bullet – useful for outlines or detailed notes.
- On iPhone/iPad: Tap the bullet, then tap the indent icon (the arrow pointing right) in the format bar. To go back, tap the left arrow.
- On Mac: Place the cursor on the bullet, then press Tab to indent, or Shift + Tab to outdent.
- Keyboard on iPhone: With the cursor on a bullet, tap the “123� key and then the “#+=� key to find the Tab key on the keyboard, or use the format bar’s indent buttons.
How to Turn Off Bullet Points
To remove bullets, select the text and choose the Format button (iPhone/iPad) or the Format menu (Mac) and select No List. On Mac, you can also press Command + Shift + 8 again to toggle off.
Common Problems and Fixes
Bullets not appearing when I type a hyphen
This happens when the “Auto-format� setting is off. Go to Settings > Notes (on iPhone/iPad) or Notes > Settings (on Mac) and enable “Auto-format� or “Smart Lists.�
Indenting doesn’t work
On iPhone/iPad, make sure the cursor is on the bullet itself, not after the text. On Mac, use Tab only when the cursor is at the start of the line.
Can’t change bullet style
Apple Notes only offers a single bullet style (a filled circle) – there’s no option for squares or dashes. To get different styles, you’d need a third-party app.
Tips for Using Bullet Points Effectively
- Keep each bullet to one idea – if you find yourself adding multiple sentences, split it.
- Use sub-bullets for details, but don’t go deeper than two levels – it becomes hard to read.
- Combine bullets with checklists (the checkmark icon) for to-do items.
- Use the “Add Link� feature (Command+K on Mac) to turn a bullet into a clickable link.
Alternatives to Apple Notes for Bullet Lists
If you need more list features, consider these built-in options:
- Microsoft Word – offers multiple bullet styles and custom symbols.
- Google Docs – similar to Word, with more control over list formatting.
- Bear or Notion – allow custom bullet styles and more advanced outlining.
For most users, Apple Notes is sufficient, but if you need numbered sub-bullets or custom bullet symbols, you’ll need another app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bullet points in Apple Notes on Windows?
Apple Notes is not available on Windows, but you can access your notes through the iCloud web app (icloud.com) in a browser, which supports bullet points.
Why do my bullet points turn into checkboxes?
That happens if you accidentally tap the checklist icon instead of the bullet icon. Tap the format button and choose “Bulleted List� to switch back.
How do I create a bullet point without using the keyboard?
On iPhone/iPad, tap the “Aa� icon and then the bullet list icon. On Mac, click the Format menu and select Lists > Bulleted List.
Can I copy a bulleted list from Apple Notes to another app?
Yes, select the list, copy it, and paste it into most apps – the bullets will usually be preserved. If they aren’t, paste as plain text and reformat.
Is there a way to make sub-bullets with different symbols?
No, Apple Notes only uses the same dot for all levels. You can use indentation and text symbols like “–� manually, but that breaks the list formatting.
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