Formatting Issues

How to Change Bullet Color in PowerPoint for the Web

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to change the color of bullet points independently from the text color while working in PowerPoint for the web.

Product: PowerPoint for the web
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting lists in a presentation slide using the web-based version of PowerPoint.
Observed behavior: PowerPoint for the web does not offer a direct setting or menu option to change bullet colors independently from the text.

Before you start

Keep in mind that PowerPoint for the web features a streamlined interface and lacks some advanced formatting tools found in desktop versions. If precise list formatting is critical, you may ultimately need to open the file in a desktop application.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the First Character Color Workaround

Since there is no direct option, you can trick the web app into changing the bullet color by coloring the first space or character immediately following the bullet.

In PowerPoint for the web, bullets automatically inherit the color of the first character in the list item. By inserting a space and changing its color, the bullet point will adopt that color while leaving your actual text unaffected.

Insert a space after the bullet

Click immediately after the bullet point in your slide text box and press the spacebar to insert a single space before your text.

Highlight the space

Carefully select only that newly inserted space (or the first character of your text if you prefer).

Change the font color

Navigate to the 'Home' tab on the top ribbon, click the 'Font Color' dropdown icon, and select your desired bullet color. The bullet point will now adopt the color of the highlighted space.

Workaround Limitations: Some users report this method can be inconsistent depending on browser rendering. If the bullet color still does not change, you will need to open the presentation in a fully featured desktop app.

Advanced Bullet Formatting

Easily Customise Bullet Colors with WPS Presentation

Unlike web-based tools with limited formatting features, WPS Presentation provides full control over your slide design. You can easily change bullet colors, sizes, and styles independently of your text using its comprehensive desktop interface.

1. Open your presentation: Launch WPS Presentation and open your presentation file.
2. Select the bulleted text: Highlight the text containing the bullet points you wish to modify.
3. Access bullet settings: Right-click the selected text and choose 'Bullets and Numbering' from the context menu, or find it under the Home tab.
4. Change the bullet color: In the Bullets and Numbering dialog box, click on the 'Color' drop-down menu, select your preferred color for the bullets, and click 'OK'.

Direct menu options for custom bullet colors and stylesFully compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt and .pptx) formatsLightweight, fast, and completely free to useOffers advanced paragraph and layout controls missing in web apps

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find the bullet color option in PowerPoint for the web?

PowerPoint for the web is a simplified version of the desktop software designed for quick edits and collaboration. It currently does not support advanced paragraph formatting features, including independent bullet styling.

Will custom bullet colors set in the desktop app show up in the web version?

Yes. If you apply a specific bullet color using a desktop application like WPS Presentation or Microsoft PowerPoint desktop, the formatting is saved in the file and will display correctly when viewed later in PowerPoint for the web.

Does the space-character workaround work on all web browsers?

The workaround relies on how the web application renders text formats, which can occasionally be inconsistent across different browsers. If it fails, using a desktop Office application is the most reliable solution.

Document & File Issues