Dotpoint

Dotpoint is a term used to describe a typographic symbol used to introduce items in a list. In Australian and British usage, the phrase dot point (often plural as dot points) refers to a list item marked by a bullet, dot, or similar symbol. The more general term in American English is bullet point.

Dot points organize information by presenting concise, discrete items. They are common in documents, presentations, forms, and notes. When used, items are often sentence fragments, though full sentences are acceptable if the same grammatical form is maintained and punctuation is consistent.

Formatting dot points in digital media is straightforward: HTML uses unordered lists (ul and li), word processors automate bullet styling, and slide tools offer styles like discs, circles, or squares. Accessibility requires semantic markup and sensible nesting so screen readers can convey structure to users.

Variations include different bullet shapes (disc, circle, square), icons, colors, and nesting levels to convey hierarchy. The practice traces back to typographic bullets in printed materials; with digital media, dot points remain a primary device for clarity and skimmability.