List Item Capitalization
List-item capitalization is a style decision that should be consistent within a list. Microsoft’s house style normally starts each item with a capital letter unless a specific reason calls for lowercase.
Keep list-item capitalization consistent. Microsoft normally begins each item with a capital letter, but other house styles may differ.
Key details
Important caveats
Consistency Boundary
Items in the same list should use a consistent capitalization pattern.
House Style Boundary
Microsoft generally starts list items with capitals; this is house-style guidance, not a universal grammar law.
Further guidance
Practical Application
Choose one capitalization pattern for a list based on house style and item grammar, then apply it consistently. Microsoft-style lists often begin items with capitals, but that preference should not be presented as universal grammar.
Reader Check
Do parallel items begin with the same capitalization logic, including fragments and full sentences?
Worked Example
If the first bullet begins “Submit the form,” keep the following parallel bullets as “Attach the receipt” and “Save the confirmation,” not a mixture of initial caps and lowercase.
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.
- Lists (opens in a new tab)Microsoft Style Guide · Bulleted lists for unordered related items and numbered lists for sequences or priorities