Create an outline from scratch

In Word, outlines are also called multilevel lists. The following steps show how to write a new outline from scratch. If, instead, you want to view an existing document in outline form, read Use Outline view to manage headings and arrange text.

1. Click Home and, in the Paragraph group, click the arrow next to Multilevel List.

   

2. Choose an outline style from the List Library. Point to each outline style in the library to view all the levels for the style.

3. Start typing to begin the list. Press Enter when you finish the line to start a new line.

4. To start a new list level, press the Tab key and begin typing.

5. Press Enter to return to the previous list level.

Tips: 

• When you start a paragraph with an asterisk and a space (* ) or with number 1 and a period (1.), Word displays the AutoCorrect Options button and begins building a bulleted or numbered list. If you don't want a bulleted or numbered list, click the AutoCorrect Options button and then click Stop Automatically Creating Bulleted Lists or Stop Automatically Creating Numbered Lists.

•