How to use the checklist maker
- Give the checklist a title and an optional subtitle, such as a date or name.
- Type your items, one per line. Start a line with # to make a section heading. Add x3 at the end of an item for a quantity, or | and a short note.
- Choose how many empty lines to add under each section, if you want room to write more by hand.
- Check the preview, then download the PDF or print. Tick the box to remember your list in this browser.
What the layout does
The page is laid out in two columns with a tick box in front of every item, a heading above every section and a faint rule under each line. Long items wrap onto a second line instead of being cut off, and a heading is kept together with the first items under it. A list that does not fit on one page flows onto the next, and the section name is repeated when a section carries over.
Typing shortcuts
Items can be written in several ways, and the tool reads them all.
- # Kitchen starts a section called Kitchen.
- Paper towels x3 shows a quantity of 3 on the right.
- Renew passport | before June adds a note on the right in smaller type.
- Lines that start with a dash, a star or [ ] have that mark removed, so you can paste a list from notes.
Ideas for checklists
Checklists suit anything with steps you do not want to forget, such as a trip, an event, a move, opening and closing a shop, a safety inspection or a weekly cleaning round. For ready made lists with suggestions see the packing list generator and the moving checklist generator.
Assumptions and limits
- Each non empty line becomes one item, up to 300 items in all.
- Only the first quantity or the note is shown on the right of an item, and a quantity takes priority over a note.
- Characters the PDF font cannot show are replaced with a question mark, and the page tells you when that happens.
- Everything is made in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a checklist with sections?
Start a line with a hash mark and type the section name, then list the items below it. Each new hash line begins a new section.
Can I print it with empty lines to write more?
Yes. Use the empty lines option to add one to five blank tick box lines at the end of each section.
Can I paste a list from my notes?
Yes. Paste it into the items box. Leading dashes, stars and empty checkbox marks are removed and each line becomes an item.
Does it save my list?
Only if you tick the box to remember it, and then only in this browser. Untick it to delete the saved copy.