Bullet points tab issue

[nickg92]

(Background): I have recently had my subscription updated with Microsoft Office. Though I was a bit late and I believe my account subscription may not have been continuous. I don't know if this is relevant to my issue but may be helpful background info.

ISSUE: Normally, when I use Word to take notes, I create a hyphenated list by using the (-) and pressing space which will automatically start a hyphen list. This is working properly. And from there when I press enter it will move down and automatically create another hyphen, continuing the list. However, I used to be able to use the tab button to create a sub-bullet point from the original bullet point. It would look something like this:

•  Point one
  •  Point Two (result of using Enter and then Tab)
    • Point Three (result of using Enter and then Tab)
      • Point Four (you get the point(s)).

All these bullet differences are made simply by pressing Enter and Tab as I go along. It had been very simple to use.

HOWEVER, Now when I try to do the same thing, instead of creating a sub-bullet point, it just tabs the cursor over from the original bullet. It doesn't create a new bullet as it once did.

It looks something like this:

• Point One
•        Point Two
•                   Point Three

So, no new bullet is created, the cursor simply tabs over.

I hope I'm explaining that well enough. I'm not an expert on Word, but I use it to take notes during online lectures, and having this feature work is very important for the organization of my notes.

Can anybody help with this??

[#2 · Accepted solution]

@nickg92 

You need to look at your AutoFormat as you type AutoCorrect options.

The following shows my settings which you would want to change for at least the option in the red boxes. (You want it checked.)

File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options (button) > Autoformat as you type (tab on dialog box)

AutoFormat and AutoCorrect (Tame AutoFormat) by Suzanne Barnhill, MVP

My preference is to set up bullets with styles and use the styles.

How to control bullets in Ribbon Versions of Word by Shauna Kelly 

[#3]

Thank you so much Charles you have no idea how much that helps me!

[#4]

You are welcome. Having been in your spot myself, I do know how much it helps.