Document Editing Problems

How to Enable Bulleted Lists in Word Content Controls

Adam Davis Oct 15, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to format text with continuous bulleted lists inside a document form's content control but encounters issues when creating new lines.

How to Enable Bulleted Lists in a Word Content Control

Product: Microsoft Word / WPS Writer
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating or filling out a document form or template that requires structured lists within a designated content control box.
Observed behavior: Pressing Enter inside a Plain Text content control inserts manual line breaks instead of paragraph marks, preventing the bulleted list from continuing.

Before you start

Ensure the Developer tab is enabled in your word processor's ribbon, as you will need it to modify the properties and types of your document's content controls.

Solution 1Recommended

Replace Plain Text Control with a Rich Text Control

Plain text controls do not support multiple paragraphs. Replacing it with a Rich Text control allows proper paragraph marks and continuous bulleted lists.

Rich Text content controls allow full paragraph formatting, making them the standard choice when you need users to input structured lists, multiple paragraphs, or stylized text.

Delete the existing control

Select the existing Plain Text content control in your document and delete it.

Insert a Rich Text control

Navigate to the Developer tab on the ribbon and click on the 'Rich Text Content Control' icon to insert a new control.

Apply list formatting

Click inside the new Rich Text control, go to the Home tab, and apply your desired bullet or numbering format to the paragraph.

Test the list continuation

Type your first list item and press Enter. The new paragraph will now correctly generate a new bullet point.

Replace Plain Text Control with a Rich Text Control

Formatting Retained: Rich Text controls fully support standard paragraph formatting, including custom bullets, numbering, and styles. These will persist when users fill out the form.

Solution 2

Convert Existing Controls via VBA Macro

If you have a large document with multiple plain text controls, use a VBA macro to convert them to rich text and replace line breaks with paragraph marks.

Efficient Document Formatting

Easily Manage Forms and Content Controls with WPS Writer

WPS Writer provides robust support for document forms, including Rich Text Content Controls, allowing you to easily build interactive templates with fully functional bulleted lists.

1. Open the Developer Tab: Open your document in WPS Writer and navigate to the Developer tab on the top ribbon.
2. Insert a Rich Text Control: Click on 'Rich Text Content Control' to insert it into your form template.
3. Format with Bullets: Go to the Home tab and select the Bullets icon to format the text inside the control.
4. Generate Lists Seamlessly: Type your list, pressing Enter to generate new bullet points effortlessly without line-break issues.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx).Comprehensive Developer tab for inserting and managing content controls.Seamless formatting of bulleted lists, numbering, and paragraphs inside templates.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to use for everyday document processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does pressing Enter in my content control not create a new bullet point?

If you are using a Plain Text content control, it only supports a single paragraph. By default, pressing Enter inside it creates a manual line break rather than a paragraph mark, which stops the bulleted list from continuing to the next line.

What is the difference between Rich Text and Plain Text content controls?

Rich Text content controls allow users to apply formatting, insert multiple paragraphs, create lists, and even insert images. Plain Text controls restrict the inputted content to a single paragraph with uniform text formatting that matches the surrounding document.

How do I enable the Developer tab to insert content controls?

Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. In the right-hand pane, check the box next to 'Developer' and click OK. The Developer tab will now appear on your ribbon, granting you access to content controls.

Can I lock a Rich Text content control so it cannot be accidentally deleted?

Yes. Select the content control, click 'Properties' in the Developer tab, and check the box that says 'Content control cannot be deleted' under the Locking section.

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