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How to Create Lettered Lists Without Periods in Word for the Web
Question details
The user wants to format a lettered list (e.g., A, B, C) without periods trailing each letter.
- Product
- Word for the Web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing document list styles while working in the browser version of Microsoft Word.
- Observed behavior
- Word for the web only offers built-in numbering formats that automatically append a period after the letters, lacking advanced customization options.
Check if you have access to the desktop version of Microsoft Word, as the web version currently does not support advanced custom list formatting.
Use the Desktop Version of Word to Customize the List
Since Word for the web has limited formatting features, opening your document in the desktop app allows you to remove periods from lettered lists.
Microsoft Word for the web relies on predefined styles for lists. To gain full control over how your list appears, you need to transition to the desktop application where the 'Define New Number Format' feature is fully available.
Click the 'Viewing' or 'Editing' button at the top of the Word for the web ribbon, and select 'Open in Desktop App'.
Once the document opens in desktop Word, highlight the lettered list you want to modify.
Go to the 'Home' tab, click the drop-down arrow next to the 'Numbering' icon, and select 'Define New Number Format'.
In the 'Number format' field, locate the shaded letter. Carefully delete the period directly after the letter, being cautious not to delete the shaded letter itself, then click 'OK'.
Manually Type the Lettered List
If you do not have access to the desktop application, you can bypass automatic formatting by typing the letters manually.
Get Full Formatting Control with WPS Office
Word for the web restricts basic document formatting tasks like customizing lists. Switch to WPS Office, a free, lightweight desktop alternative that provides complete control over your document styles without requiring an expensive subscription.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free and install it on your PC or Mac.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document.
- 3. Customize Formatting: Highlight your list, click the Numbering dropdown on the Home tab, and choose 'More Numbering' to easily remove periods from your list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word for the web automatically add periods to my lettered lists?
Word for the web is designed to be a streamlined browser experience. To optimize performance, it uses fixed, predefined list styles that universally include periods for lettered formats.
Can I define a new number format directly in Word online?
No, the 'Define New Number Format' feature is exclusive to the desktop version of Microsoft Word and is not currently supported in Word for the web.
Will my custom list formatting from the desktop app show up correctly in the web version?
Yes. If you customize a list to remove periods using the desktop application, Word for the web will preserve and display that formatting correctly, even though you cannot edit the specific style rules within the browser.
Is there a shortcut to stop Word from auto-formatting my manual lists?
Yes. If Word automatically transforms your manually typed letter into a formal list, hitting backspace immediately or using the Undo shortcut (Ctrl + Z or Cmd + Z) will revert it to plain text.
