Re: Bulleted & Numbered Lists: Indented or Flush Left?

[Romay Jean Sitze <rositze -at- NMSU -dot- EDU>]

I handle bulleted and numbered lists in much the same way I would handle
a formal outline.  Whether the list is placed flush left or indented
depends on the relationship to the rest of the text.  For example, if I
have a list within a list, I would place the main list flush left, and
indent the sub-list.

Also, at times, readability suggests indenting.

Most style guides provide some direction relative to lists.  If you are
following a specific one, refer to it.

On Thu, 25 May 1995, Legislative
Serv Ctr wrote:

> Techwhirlers,

> Our organization is debating a style guide issue, and we'd appreciate (1)
> word of how it's done in your office and (2) any leads to relevant
> usability studies. Here's the question--

> In creating bulleted lists, I indent the bullets to look something like:

>   *   Text follows a bullet, normally a filled circle

> A numbered list similarly begins:

>   1.  Do this first.

> A couple of folks feel that bullets and list numbers should always be set
> flush left with body paragraph text.

> I'd appreciate your posting directly to me your experience, your
> standards, and research leads. I'll post a summary within a week.

> Thanks to all!

> Avon Murphy
> Legislative Service Center
> 2404 Chandler Court SW
> Olympia, WA  98502
> 360-786-7052
> amurphy -at- wln -dot- com


        RoMay Sitze,  rositze -at- nmsu -dot- edu