Google Docs allows you to easily customize numbered and bulleted lists by adding prefixes or suffixes. This can help you organize your lists by adding context, like numbering steps or indicating priority.
Here’s how to add prefixes and suffixes to your lists in Google Docs:
Add a Prefix
A prefix appears before the number or bullet point. Common examples include “Step”, “Phase”, or “Item”.
To add a prefix:
- Highlight the list you want to edit
- Click Format > Bullets & Numbering > List Options
- Select Edit Prefix and Suffix
- Enter your desired prefix text in the “Prefix” field
- Check the box for Apply to entire list
- Click OK
For example, adding the prefix “Step” would transform your list from:
- Do this first
- Do this second
To:
Step 1. Do this first
Step 2. Do this second
You can add spaces between the prefix and number if desired for separation.
Add a Suffix
A suffix appears after the number or bullet point. Common examples include a period or closing parenthesis.
To add a suffix:
- Highlight the list you want to edit
- Click Format > Bullets & Numbering > List Options
- Select Edit Prefix and Suffix
- Enter your desired suffix text in the “Suffix” field
- Check the box for Apply to entire list
- Click OK
For example, adding the suffix “)” would transform your list from:
- Do this first
- Do this second
To:
1) Do this first
2) Do this second
Remove Prefixes and Suffixes
If you want to remove a prefix or suffix later, simply highlight the list and select a new list format. This will automatically remove any customizations.
Considerations
- Prefixes and suffixes apply to entire lists. To have a mix, separate your lists.
- Multi-level lists can also have customized prefixes/suffixes.
- Only available for bulleted and numbered lists.
- Changing indent levels will remove customizations.
Use Cases
Here are some examples of when you may want to use a custom prefix or suffix:
- Numbered steps: Add the prefix “Step” and suffix “)” to indicate sequential steps.
- Multiple choice: Add suffixes like “a)”, “b)”, “c)” to differentiate choice options.
- Legal documents: Add the prefix “Article” and suffix “.” to numbered sections.
- To-do lists: Add the suffix “[ ]” for checkboxes to make a task list.
- Priorities: Add prefixes like “High:”, “Medium:”, “Low:” to indicate priority.
- Phases: Add prefixes like “Phase 1:”, “Phase 2:” to show project stages.
- Items: Add the prefix “Item” to catalog products, ingredients, parts, etc.
Formatting Lists in Google Docs
In addition to prefixes and suffixes, Google Docs provides powerful tools for formatting lists:
- Change bullet style and color
- Increase/decrease indent level
- Restart numbering at any point
- Start list numbering from specific number
- Convert between numbered and bulleted lists
- Right-click to access common list options quickly
- Use keyboard shortcuts to indent (tab/shift+tab)
- Mix numbered and bulleted lists
- Show checkboxes to make task lists (Docs only)
Summary
Adding custom prefixes and suffixes can take your lists to the next level. This simple formatting hack gives you more context and organization options.
Whether you’re writing steps, structuring data, or cataloging information, prefixes and suffixes help reinforce the purpose of your lists. Give them a try the next time you need a bit more from your Google Docs lists!
