Lists

Which do you find easier to read – a grouping of related items strung out within a sentence or the same grouping presented as a vertical list? Most readers prefer the readability of a vertical list. Microsoft Word, Outlook, and D2L Brightspace can create vertical lists that are bulleted, numbered, or multi-level. To make a list that can be easily read on a mobile device or with assistive technology, follow these simple rules:

The Bulleted List – (located in the Word tool bar just above Paragraph)

The bullet list tool creates an unordered list where the list items are not in any specific sequence.

  • Apple
  • Onion
  • Soup
  • Eggs

Use standard bullets when making a bulleted list – unusually shaped or decorative bullets can confuse the reader by suggesting meaning where there is none.

The Numbered List – (located in the Word tool bar just above Paragraph)

The numbered list tool creates a list in which each item is numbered. This tool should be used when the list items must appear in a certain order or sequence, as when providing directions.

  1. Turn left on 8th Street.
  2. After one mile, turn right on Oak Street.
  3. The house is the third house on the left.

The Multi-level List – (located in the Word tool bar just above Paragraph)

The multi-level list tool creates a numbered list in which the items have a parent-child relationship. A multi-level list has a built-in indent. It is most useful as an outlining tool.

  1. Apples
    1. Granny Smith
    2. Fuji
    3. Honey Crisp
  2. Onions
    1. White
    2. Vidalia