Markdown List and Checklist Generator
Free markdown checklist and list generator. Paste lines, choose bullets, numbers or task boxes, nest and renumber, then copy clean markdown.
- [ ] Plan the release - [ ] Write the changelog - [x] Tag the version - [ ] Update the docs - [ ] Screenshots - [ ] API reference - [ ] Announce on the blog - [ ] Announce on the blog
- Plan the release
- Write the changelog
- Tag the version
- Update the docs
- Screenshots
- API reference
- Announce on the blog
- Announce on the blog
What Is a Markdown Checklist?
A markdown checklist, also called a task list, is a bulleted list whose items start with [ ] or [x] and render as checkboxes. It is the GitHub extension most people use daily: issue templates, pull request descriptions, release checklists and personal to-do notes all rely on it. This generator turns any pasted lines into a markdown checklist, a plain bullet list or a numbered list, handles nesting, and offers one-click clean-ups such as sorting and removing duplicates.
The sample on the page shows the common inputs: indented sub-items, a line marked done with an x prefix, and a duplicated item. Processing happens in your browser.
How to Generate a Markdown List
- Paste or type your items, one per line. Existing bullets, numbers and checkboxes are recognised and replaced.
- Indent sub-items with spaces or tabs, or use Indent every Nth item to nest in a pattern.
- Pick the style: bulleted, numbered, task list, or lettered/roman (HTML).
- Set the bullet character, numbering convention and indentation width to match your project's linter.
- Use the transform buttons to sort, dedupe, flatten, add or remove checkboxes, or check everything.
- Copy the output or download it; the counts in the pane header show items and done tasks.
Markdown List Syntax Reference
| List type | Syntax | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet | - item / * item / + item | All three markers are equivalent; be consistent. |
| Numbered | 1. item | Also 1) in CommonMark; renderer numbers automatically. |
| Task | - [ ] todo / - [x] done | GFM extension; space required inside [ ]. |
| Nested | - child | 2-4 spaces or a tab under the parent. |
| Lettered | <ol type="a"> | HTML only. |
| Roman | <ol type="i"> | HTML only. |
Numbered List Generator and Bullet Point Generator Options
As a numbered list generator, the tool writes either sequential numbers (1. 2. 3.) or the all-ones style (1. 1. 1.) that markdownlint's ol-prefix rule accepts and that survives reordering without edits. Nested numbered items restart at 1 under each parent. As a bullet point generator it lets you choose -, * or + and an indentation of two spaces, four spaces or a tab; four spaces is the safest choice when bullets sit under numbered items, because the marker "10." is four characters wide.
Markdown Task List Tips
Keep each markdown task list item to one action so it can be ticked cleanly, and put sub-tasks one level below rather than in the same line. GitHub shows "3 of 8 tasks" progress on issues and pull requests based on the checkboxes, so a markdown checklist doubles as a status indicator. When a list is pasted from a chat or a document with stray bullets and numbers, run it through here first: the generator strips the old markers, removes duplicates and rewrites the list with a single consistent style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a markdown checklist?
Start each line with - [ ] for an open task or - [x] for a completed one, with a space inside the empty brackets. GitHub, GitLab, Obsidian, Notion and most editors render a markdown checklist as real checkboxes; on GitHub issues and pull requests you can tick them without editing the file.
Why do my numbers all show as 1. 2. 3. even when I typed 1. 1. 1.?
Markdown renderers number ordered lists automatically from the first number; the later numbers are ignored. Writing 1. on every line is a deliberate style because inserting an item never forces you to renumber. The Numbering option lets you pick either convention for the source text.
How do I nest a list?
Indent the nested item under its parent. Two spaces is enough for bullets on GitHub; four spaces or a tab works everywhere, including under numbered items whose marker is wider. The generator reads either and rewrites the indentation to the width you choose.
Can I make a lettered or roman-numeral list in markdown?
Not in standard markdown; a. b. c. is treated as plain text. The generator offers lettered and roman styles as an HTML <ol type="a"> or <ol type="i"> fallback, which renders on GitHub and any site that allows inline HTML.
What does the x prefix do?
With the option turned on, a line that starts with x followed by a space is treated as a completed task, so you can mark items done while typing quickly. Turn it off when your items genuinely start with the letter x.