The Ultimate Guide to Dot Symbols (• · ●)

Dot symbols are versatile typographical elements used across writing, design, mathematics, and user interfaces. From creating organized lists to indicating multiplication in mathematics, these small but powerful symbols serve many purposes in digital communication and design.

· Small Dot
• Medium Dot
● Big Dot

Key Facts About Dot Symbols

  • Bullet Dot (•): U+2022 BULLET
  • Middle Dot (·): U+00B7 MIDDLE DOT
  • Black Circle (●): U+25CF BLACK CIRCLE
  • HTML Entities: •, ·, ●

What Are Dot Symbols?

Dot symbols are small circular or square marks used in typography and design. They come in various sizes and styles, each serving different purposes:

How to Type Dot Symbols on Different Devices

Windows

  • Bullet (•): Alt + 0149
  • Middle Dot (·): Alt + 0183
  • Black Circle (●): Alt + 9679
  • Character Map: Search for dot symbols

Mac

  • Bullet (•): Option + 8
  • Middle Dot (·): Option + Shift + 9
  • Character Viewer: Press Control + Command + Space
  • Search for "bullet" or "dot"

Mobile

  • iPhone/iPad: Use symbols keyboard or long-press period key
  • Android: Use symbols keyboard or special characters
  • Copy and paste from this page

Types of Dot Symbols

Bullet Dots

•

Used for creating unordered lists in documents, presentations, and web content. Perfect for organizing information visually.

Middle Dots

·

Used as multiplication signs (5·3=15), separators in names (John·Doe), or in web addresses.

Big Dots

●

Used for emphasis, design elements, progress indicators, or as prominent bullet points and also use Arrow in presentations.

Square Dots

▪

Used as alternative bullet points, in checklists, or as design elements in modern UI designs.

Quick Reference Guide: Dot Symbol Codes

Symbol Name Unicode HTML Entity Windows Alt Code
• Bullet U+2022 • Alt + 0149
· Middle Dot U+00B7 · Alt + 0183
● Black Circle U+25CF ● Alt + 9679
◦ White Circle U+25E6 ◆ Alt + 9670
▪ Black Square U+25AA ▪ Alt + 9642
∙ Bullet Operator U+2219 ∙ Alt + 8729

Common Uses of Dot Symbols

Document Formatting

• Item 1
• Item 2
• Item 3

Creating organized lists in documents, presentations, and web content with bullet points for better readability.

Mathematics

a · b = c

Used as multiplication operators, decimal points, or in mathematical notation for various operations.

Design Elements

● ○ ● ○

Creating visual patterns, progress indicators, or decorative elements in UI/UX design and graphics.

Linguistics

A · B · C

Separating words or syllables in phonetic transcriptions, dictionaries, and linguistic notations.

Black Dot Symbols

Black dot symbols are commonly used for emphasis and visual hierarchy. Here are the most popular black dot symbols:

Black Dot Variations

  • ● Black Circle (U+25CF) - Large solid circle
  • • Bullet (U+2022) - Medium solid circle
  • ∙ Bullet Operator (U+2219) - Mathematical bullet
  • ▪ Black Small Square (U+25AA) - Square bullet
  • ⬤ Black Large Circle (U+2B24) - Extra large circle

Dot Symbol Shortcuts

Quick keyboard shortcuts for commonly used dot symbols:

Symbol Windows Mac HTML LaTeX
• Alt + 0149 Option + 8 • \textbullet
· Alt + 0183 Option + Shift + 9 · \cdot
● Alt + 9679 Character Viewer ● \bullet
◦ Alt + 9670 Character Viewer ◆ \circ