How to Identify a Bullet Character or Font in Microsoft Word
Question details
The user needs to identify the specific font and character code of an unfamiliar bullet point to duplicate it or recreate a custom list style.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Working with multilevel lists or attempting to recreate a specific custom list style using unfamiliar bullet characters.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants to find the exact font, ASCII, or hexadecimal value of a specific bullet point used in a document.
Ensure you have the document containing the unfamiliar bullet open in a fully editable state, rather than a protected view or read-only mode.
Identify the Bullet using the Multilevel List or Bullet Dialog
The most straightforward way to find the font and character code of an existing bullet is through the built-in list definition settings.
This built-in method allows you to directly inspect the properties of the bullet currently applied to a paragraph, revealing its font family and specific character code.
Place your cursor directly inside the paragraph that contains the bullet you want to identify.
Go to the Home tab on the ribbon. Click the drop-down arrow next to the Multilevel List icon and select 'Define New Multilevel List'. If it is a simple list, select 'Define New Bullet' from the Bullets drop-down.
In the dialog box, click the 'Font' button to see the specific font family (such as Wingdings, Webdings, or Symbol) that is currently applied to the bullet.
Alternatively, click the 'Symbol' button. The currently used character will usually be highlighted in the grid. Look at the bottom of the dialog window to find its exact Character code (ASCII or Hex) for future duplication.
Examine the Document XML to Find List Structures
For advanced users, inspecting the underlying XML code of the Word document can reveal exactly how custom bullets and list levels are defined.
Easily Manage and Customize Bullets in WPS Writer
If you frequently work with custom list styles or multilevel lists, WPS Writer provides an intuitive and highly compatible interface to define, identify, and apply custom bullet characters effortlessly.
- 1. Open your document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open the document containing the list you want to edit or identify.
- 2. Access the Bullets settings: Highlight the bulleted text, navigate to the Home tab, and click the drop-down arrow next to the Bullets icon.
- 3. Open the Bullets and Numbering dialog: Select 'More Bullets' from the drop-down menu to open the comprehensive customization dialog box.
- 4. Identify or customize the character: Click 'Customize' and then select 'Character' to view the specific font and character code used for the selected list level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my bullet point showing as a blank square or a question mark?
This usually happens when the specific font used for the bullet character (such as Wingdings or Webdings) is not installed on your current device. Installing the missing symbol font will restore the bullet's correct appearance.
How do I find the character code (ASCII or Hex) for a bullet?
In the 'Define New Bullet' or 'Define New Multilevel List' dialog, click the 'Symbol' button. The character code is displayed at the bottom of the Symbol window, along with the standard font name used for that symbol.
Can I use a custom image as a bullet point?
Yes. When defining a new bullet through the list settings, choose the 'Picture' option instead of 'Symbol' or 'Font'. You can then browse your computer or online storage for a custom image file to use as the bullet marker.
