List

A list organizes multiple related items in an easy-to-read format. Use when you have a text list of two or more items.

Review the Web Editorial Style Guide's "Lists" section. It explains how to format content prior to, and within, a list.

Types of lists

Ordered lists (numbered)

Use when list items have an inherent order. For example, a list of steps to follow.

Unordered lists (bulleted)

Use when the list items have no inherent order. However, you may wish to display them in a particular order, such as alphabetical or chronological, for ease of reading.

We base bullet decoration on level.

• The first level is a filled circle
• The second level is a hollow circle
• The third level is a square

The system applies the bullet style automatically, based on the content hierarchy.

Descriptive lists

Descriptive lists are sometimes called definition lists. Each list item has two parts: a term and a definition. This type of list is useful for content like glossaries.

Usability and accessibility notes

Start each list item with the most relevant word or words, to make a list easier to scan.

Example