Checklists provide an effective way to keep track of things. They are mostly found in task management applications, but sometimes they are needed in other applications as well. Take the Google Docs example. Many users also like to add checkboxes to Google Docs. However, Docs does not provide appropriate checkboxes. So what does man do? You can create checklists in Google Docs on Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows and Mac, as illustrated here with a simple trick.
However, checkboxes will not be functional or interactive. That is, you cannot control them directly. You will need to do an additional step to complete them. Do not worry. Once you get the hang of the trick, creating checkboxes in Google Docs will be an easy game.
So let’s start with PC first, then let’s start with mobile.
Note: We used checklists, checkboxes, and checkmarks interchangeably in the post.
How to Add Checkboxes in Google Docs on PC
There are four methods of creating checklists from a computer in Google Docs.
Method 1: Create Checklist Using Bullet Lists
In this method, we will take the help of different types of bulleted lists to create checklists. Here are the steps:
Stage 1: Open the Google Docs document.
Step 2: Select the text you want to create checkboxes for. Click the small down arrow next to the Bullet list option in the toolbar. Select the checkboxes from the list
Here’s what your text will look like.
Stage 3: Left-click any of the checkboxes once to mark individual items. This will select all checkboxes.
Step 4: Click once more on the checkbox next to the item you want to strikethrough. You will notice that only this box will be selected.
Step 5: Right click on the selected box and select the checkmark icon from the popup window,
Repeat steps 3-5 for all items you want to complete.
Fly: Check out 3 ways to use Google Docs in Dark mode in Chrome.
Method 2: Using Special Characters
Another way to add checkboxes in Google Docs is to use special characters. This method may involve several steps compared to the previous one. You can use this method if you can’t see the bulleted lists mentioned in the lists above.
Here are the steps:
Stage 1: In a Google Docs document, place your cursor in front of the text to add a checkbox. Then go to Insert > Special Characters.
Step 2: A popup will open to add special characters. Search for the frame and click on the frame type you want to add it to your text.
This will add the box next to an item. You can repeat the above steps or copy and paste the box next to your list item to add the box to more items.
Stage 3: To complete a list item, select the box in front of the item and go to Insert > Special Characters.
Step 4: Look for a checkmark. Several items will appear. Select your favorite checkmark icon to change the checkbox.
Similarly, you can repeat the steps for other items or copy and paste the checkmark icon.
Pro Tip: Check out 5 tips to make adding special characters easier in Google Docs.
Method 3: Using strikethrough
You can create to-do lists in Google Docs with simple bulleted lists and strikethrough text formatting.
Select the text and click the Bullet list icon to add bullet lists. You can use simple bullet points or add boxes.
To strikethrough an item, select its text and go to Format > Text > Strikethrough.
Method 4: Using Emoji
Finally, if you’re an emoji fan, you can get help from them to create custom checklists in Google Docs. In Windows, use the Windows key +. (dot symbol) and on Mac press Control + Command + Space to open the emoji panel.
Look for a checkmark to find and add the checkmark icon next to your list item. Similarly, you can choose another character for unfinished missions like square boxes. You can even create color-coded lists by choosing a different emoji style.
How to Add Checkbox in Google Docs on Mobile
The first two methods mentioned above do not work on mobile devices. So we’re left with the other two. Let’s check them out.
Method 1: Use Strikethrough to Create Checklists
Stage 1: Open the Google Docs document in the mobile app. Select your text and tap the bullet list icon to create bullet points.
Step 2: Select it to strikethrough your text. Tap the format icon. Select the Strikethrough symbol to insert it into your text. On iPad, you will find the strikethrough symbol directly on the top toolbar.
Note: To remove strikethrough formatting, select the text and tap the Strikethrough symbol. Check out our detailed guide on how to add or remove strikethrough from your text.
Method 2: Add Emoji
Emojis can be used to create custom checkboxes on your Android phone, iPhone or iPad. Open the emoji keyboard on your device and add a box or similar emoji for list items and checkmark icon to complete a task.
Try Other Apps
These were some of the ways to add checkboxes in Google Docs. Of course, they are not as simple as having a convenient checklist feature to add or remove a task with one click. But if you want something like this, you should look into Google Keep or Google Tasks, Google’s note-taking and task management apps.
Next: Struggling with Google Docs settings? Learn how to reset various Google Docs settings to their default values from the next link.
