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How to convert multiple numbered or bulleted lists to plain text in Word

Author Sun Last modified

When working with numbered or bulleted lists in Word, you may need to convert them into plain text for better formatting or customization. This tutorial provides three simple methods to achieve this:

Convert a numbered or bulleted list to text manually

Convert numbered or bulleted lists to text with Kutools for Word

Convert numbered or bulleted lists to text with VBA

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Convert a numbered or bulleted list to text manually

  1. Select the list you want to convert.
  2. Press Ctrl + C or right-click and select Copy to copy the list.
  3. Place the cursor in a blank area where you want to paste the list. Right-click and choose Keep Text Only from the Paste Options menu.
    Keep Text Only option on the context menu

After pasting, your list will be converted to plain text. See the result below:

Numbered list converted to plain text
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Convert numbered or bulleted lists to text with Kutools for Word

For users who want a more convenient solution, Kutools for Word provides a one-click tool to effortlessly convert all numbered and bulleted lists in their documents to plain text.

Kutools for Word, equipped with AI 🤖, offers over 100 handy features to simplify your tasks.
  1. Click Kutools > Convert > List to Text on the ribbon.
    List to Text button on the Kutools tab on the ribbon
  2. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click Yes to proceed.
    Confirmation dialog saying 'Do you want to convert all bullets and numbering lists to text?'

Once completed, all lists will be converted to plain text. See the example below:

Numbered list converted to plain text

Notes:

  • If you only want to convert a specific part of the list, select that portion before using the List to Text feature. The selected part will be converted to text while the rest remains unchanged.
  • If you want to convert lists within a specific range instead of all lists in the document, select the range first before applying the List to Text feature.
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Convert numbered or bulleted lists to text with VBA

If you frequently need to convert lists to text, using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) can also speed up the process. Follow these steps:

  1. Press Alt + F11 to open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window.
  2. Click Module from the Insert tab, then copy and paste the following code into the module window: 
    Sub ConvertListToText()
ActiveDocument.ConvertNumbersToText
End Sub
  3. Click the Run button Run button to execute the VBA code.

After running the macro, all bulleted and numbered lists will be converted into plain text.

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