The middle dot · is Alt+0183 on Windows and Option+Shift+9 on a Mac. It separates items in a byline or a breadcrumb, marks a syllable break in a dictionary, and stands for multiplication in some maths traditions. Catalan uses it inside the letter pair l·l.
01 All shortcuts at a glance
| Platform | Shortcut | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows (Alt code) | Hold Alt, type 0183 on the numpad |
|
| Windows (any app) | Win+. or Win+; emoji/symbol picker, or Character Map (Win+R → charmap) |
|
| Mac | Control+Command+Space to open Character Viewer, search "Middle Dot" |
|
| Word / Outlook | Type 00B7, then press Alt+X |
|
| Linux (IBus) | Ctrl+Shift+U, then 00b7, then Enter |
|
| HTML / CSS | · · \00b7 (CSS) |
02 Step by step, per platform
A real, followable procedure for every platform, not a thin restatement of the shortcut.
Windows
- Make sure Num Lock is on.
- Hold Alt and type 0183 on the numeric keypad.
- Release Alt, · appears.
Mac
- Press Control+Command+Space to open the Character Viewer.
- Type "Middle Dot" in the search field.
- Double-click the result to insert it.
Microsoft Word
- Type 00B7.
- Press Alt+X immediately after, it converts the hex code to ·.
03 Characters in this set
04 Troubleshooting & confusables
| Looks like it | But it's actually | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| • (U+2022) | Bullet, a larger filled dot | For list items. It is heavier and reads as a marker rather than a separator. |
| ∙ (U+2219) | Bullet operator, a maths character | For formal mathematics, where it has defined spacing as an operator. |
| . (U+002E) | Full stop, sitting on the baseline | The middle dot is raised to the centre of the line. A full stop is not a substitute. |
05 FAQ
What is the Unicode code point for the middle dot?
It is U+00B7, decimal 183. Alt+0183 types it on Windows.
What is the difference between a middle dot and a bullet?
The middle dot is small and used as an inline separator between words or items. The bullet at U+2022 is larger and marks the start of a list item. They are not interchangeable.
Where do I see it on the web?
Most often between metadata items, as in an author name, a date and a reading time separated by dots. It is also common in breadcrumb trails and footer links.
What does l·l mean in Catalan?
It is the punt volat, a geminate L. The dot shows that both letters are pronounced separately rather than as the Spanish ll sound.
Is it used for multiplication?
Yes, in several European conventions, where 3·4 means three times four. English-language mathematics more often uses × or the dot operator at U+22C5.