1

I see that Google Docs has settings for customizing types of numbered lists, such as these settings::

Google Docs numbered list customizers

More Google Docs numbered list customizers

But I’m being asked to make all the numbered lists use the circled-type numbers, known as “circled digits” such as with the UTF "CIRCLED DIGIT ONE”

So my list should look like:

circled digit list

I can’t figure out how to do this. I can add custom bullet points with any character, but those, as bullet points, just repeat the same character for all items in the list.

I would love some way to either set the document’s numbered list to use this format (and then I can save it as a template), or even some way to make the document with a normal numbered list, then convert it somehow.

Right now, I’ve just been using keyboard shortcuts to convert my typed (1) into ①, etc. But of course those don’t follow the nice auto-indentation that a formatted list has.

Thank you

1 Answer 1

0

But I’m being asked to make all the numbered lists use the circled-type numbers, known as “circled digits” such as with the UTF "CIRCLED DIGIT ONE”

Spoiler

I am not aware of a font in Google Docs that allows you to do this although there are ~1500 available so maybe one exists. If you are willing to use MS Word there is a font available that will do what you want.
 

Circled Number Lists in Google Docs

  • you should use a font as opposed to a symbol or Unicode in order to maintain the ordering
  • the font used needs to have circled numbers in place of regular numbers (or letters)
  • the font needs to be one of the fonts already included/supported by Google Docs

I am not aware of a Google Docs font that fits the bill however if you turn up a name of one that might work, you can compare it to the list of ~1500 fonts available in Docs. The free Extensis Fonts Add-On can make font name searching in Google Docs easier.
 

Circled Number Lists in MS Word

Microsoft Word 365 has more built-in functionality around list styles and can additionally leverage fonts installed on your PC which Google Docs does not do.

I found an OpenType (.otf) Windows font called Numberpile that is made up of circled numbers. The font is free and released under a Creative Commons CC0 1.0 license that allows you unfettered use even for commercial work.
 

MS Word: Approach 1

This approach leverages OpenType standard ligatures which enables creating circled numbers with this font by surrounding the number in parentheses. For example, typing (1) (2) (3) will map to

  • While the (#) custom format can be defined, the font cannot be applied as part of that as it seems that within the Define Format tool it is unable to interpret (#) as anything but 3 separate characters
  • Fortunately, it is not a lot of work to apply the font formatting when you insert the first (#) formatted bullet.
  • Word will then remember the font for subsequent lists

     

MS Word: Approach 2

This 2nd approach uses the mappings in the 'Numberpile Guide' included in the downloaded font package (also shown at the bottom). For example, A B C D maps to

  • when using this approach, the custom Number Format you define in Word should be set to start by default at B, since A maps to 
  • so would be mapped from B C D
     

Document Sharing: Doc / Word

If you are sharing the document with Google Doc and MS Word users, remember that they are unlikely to have the Numberpile font installed.

  • Depending on the approach used, they will see (1) (2) (3) or B C D instead of
  • Given that, it is best to use approach 1 as (#) will allow lists to start at (1) instead of B
     

Document Sharing: PDF

If distributing the document via PDF, the circled numbers will always display correctly, regardless of the approach used.
 

Images

Define a Number Format

 

Approach 1 - PDF (Font not Required)

 

Approach 1 - MS Word (Font not Installed)

 

Approach 2 - PDF (Font not Required)

 

Approach 2 - MS Word (Font not Installed)

 

Character Mapping Guide

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.