Replace bulleted text with a smart-looking graphical list

Instead of creating a list using plain, bulleted text, you can create eye-catching lists using SmartArt graphics − in just few clicks.

A plain, bulleted list compared to a SmartArt list (Pyramid List).

1. On the Insert tab, click SmartArt.

2. In the Choose a SmartArt Graphic gallery, click List, and then choose a list layout. For example:

   • Vertical Bullet List

   • Horizontal Bullet List

   • Trapezoid List
     

3. Click the layout that you want, and then click OK.

4. Click [Text], and then type your text.

Add another shape to your list

1. Right-click an existing shape in the SmartArt graphic.

2. Click Add Shape.

   Note:  If Add Shape is grayed out, try clicking a different part of the shape.

3. Do one of the following:

   • To insert another shape before the selected shape, click Add Shape Before.

   • To add another shape after the selected shape, click Add Shape After.

     

     For example, I clicked Add Shape After, and a fourth shape was added below the third shape.

     

     Tip:  You can click a shape that you no longer want, and then press Delete.

Apply a 3-D effect or other style to your list

To add flair to your SmartArt list, apply a style by clicking the More button and picking the SmartArt Style that you want.

Do more with your SmartArt graphics list:

• Animate bullets on a PowerPoint slide

• Animate a SmartArt graphic

• Change the color of a shape, shape border, or entire SmartArt graphic

• Change the style and width of lines connecting SmartArt shapes

• Convert slide text to a SmartArt graphic

• Add alternative text to a SmartArt graphic

• Keyboard shortcuts for SmartArt graphics

• List type SmartArt graphics descriptions