Colon Before a List
A colon can introduce a list when the lead-in strongly points forward to the items, but it is not automatic before every list. Microsoft’s style guidance varies the punctuation according to whether the introduction is a complete sentence, a fragment, or a heading.
Use a colon when the introductory wording properly sets up the list; do not add one mechanically after every heading or lead-in.
Key details
Important caveats
Complete Sentence Boundary
A complete sentence that directly announces the list can often take a colon; otherwise a period may be better.
Fragment Boundary
A fragment can take a colon when list items complete its grammar; a heading normally takes no colon.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Colons — Microsoft Style Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft Style Guide · House-style guidance for colons before bulleted and numbered lists
- Lists (opens in a new tab)Microsoft Style Guide · Bulleted lists for unordered related items and numbered lists for sequences or priorities