How to Create and Edit Lists in Google Docs

Lists are a great way to organize and present information in your Google Docs documents. Using numbered or bulleted lists improves readability and helps highlight important points.

Fortunately, Google Docs makes it easy to create and customize lists. This guide will teach you how to:

Create numbered and bulleted lists

Change list styles and formatting
Add multiple levels and nesting
Restart and continue numbered lists

Indent list items
Use checkboxes for task lists

We’ll also cover some tips for effectively using lists in your documents.

Creating Lists in Google Docs

To create a basic numbered or bulleted list:

Place your cursor where you want the list to start
Click the Numbered list or Bulleted list button in the toolbar
- Or press Ctrl + Shift + L (Win/Linux) or ⌘ + Shift + L (Mac) to toggle between list types
Type your first list item and press Enter to start the next item

That’s all there is to it! Google Docs automatically applies the correct numbering or bullets when you press Enter.

To create a nested list:

Tab indents the new item as a sub-point under the previous one
Shift + Tab outdents list items back to the main level

Changing List Styles and Formatting

The default list formats are pretty basic. Let’s look at ways to customize things:

Numbered List Options

Change number style: Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, letters, etc.
Customize prefix/suffix: Add text before/after numbers

Start value: Choose starting number other than 1

Bulleted List Options

Change bullet symbol: Circles, squares, arrows, checkboxes, etc.
Custom symbol: Add emoji or special characters

Customize color: Match brand colors or document theme

To access advanced list formatting options:

Right-click the list item

Or go to Format > Bullets & Numbering

Restarting and Continuing Numbered Lists

Sometimes you want to restart numbering from 1 instead of having one continuous list. Other times you might want separate lists to continue the same numbering sequence.

To restart numbering:

Right-click the first item
Choose Restart numbering
Enter new starting number

To continue previous numbering:

Right-click the first item
Choose Continue previous numbering

This will skip the number based on the sequence from the preceding list.

Structuring Lists

Lists naturally draw the reader’s attention. Use them intentionally to reinforce key points, not just present random bits of information.

Tips for effective lists:

Break long paragraphs into shorter list items
Use lists to highlight most important ideas upfront
Nest related points under main ideas

Start parallel lists at the same text indent level
Limit nesting depth (3-4 levels max)
Use consistent capitalization and punctuation within each list

Checkboxes for Task Lists

Google Docs has a special checklist format to track tasks:

Click Checkboxes in the toolbar
Or press Ctrl + Shift + C (Win/Linux) or ⌘ + Shift + C (Mac)

Checkboxes work just like regular bulleted lists, plus you can:

Mark items complete by checking the box
Reorder tasks by dragging and dropping

See progress at a glance

Use checkboxes for things like:

Project to-do lists

Weekly goals
Presentation prep checklist
Packing lists

Meeting agendas

With a few clicks, you can transform boring blocks of text into organized, scannable, and visually engaging lists. So put these Google Docs skills to work in your next document!