How-to

How to Make Bullet Points and Numbered Lists in LaTeX

The fix

To make a bulleted list in LaTeX use the itemize environment; for a numbered list use enumerate. Start each entry with \item. You can nest one inside another for sub-points — LaTeX adjusts the bullet/number style automatically.

Example

\begin{itemize}
  \item First point
  \item Second point
  \begin{itemize}
    \item A sub-point
  \end{itemize}
\end{itemize}

\begin{enumerate}
  \item Step one
  \item Step two
\end{enumerate}

Frequently asked questions

How do I change the bullet symbol?

Pass an optional argument to \item, e.g. \item[--] Dash, or use the enumitem package: \begin{itemize}[label=$\bullet$].

How do I control numbering style?

With the enumitem package: \begin{enumerate}[label=\alph*)] gives a), b), c). Options include \arabic*, \roman*, \Alph*.

How do I reduce the space between list items?

Load enumitem and use \begin{itemize}[noitemsep] for tight lists, or [itemsep=2pt, topsep=4pt] for exact control over item and surrounding spacing.

How do I continue numbering across two lists?

With enumitem: end the first list, then start the next with \begin{enumerate}[resume]. Numbering picks up where the previous enumerate stopped.

How deep can I nest lists?

Four levels per list type by default. Deeper nesting throws "Too deeply nested" — restructure, or redefine list depth with enumitem if you genuinely need more.

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