Quick Reference

Syntax

- [ ] Unchecked item
- [x] Checked item

Result

Unchecked item
Checked item

📋 GitHub Flavored Markdown Feature

Checkboxes (task lists) are a GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM) extension. They're supported on GitHub, GitLab, Discord, and many modern Markdown parsers, but not in the original CommonMark specification.

Basic Checkbox Usage

Task lists use regular list syntax with special checkbox markers: [ ] for unchecked and [x] for checked items.

Simple Task List

Markdown:

- [ ] Buy groceries - [ ] Walk the dog - [x] Complete project proposal - [x] Review pull request - [ ] Update documentation

Output:

Mixed with Regular Lists

Markdown:

## Project Tasks ### Development - [x] Set up project structure - [x] Install dependencies - [ ] Implement user authentication - [ ] Create dashboard ### Testing - [ ] Write unit tests - [ ] Integration testing - [ ] User acceptance testing ### Documentation - Regular documentation items: - API documentation - User guide - Installation guide

Output:

Project Tasks

Development

Set up project structure
Install dependencies
Implement user authentication
Create dashboard

Testing

Write unit tests
Integration testing
User acceptance testing

Documentation

Regular documentation items:

API documentation
User guide
Installation guide

Advanced Checkbox Techniques

Nested Task Lists

Markdown:

- [x] Phase 1: Planning - [x] Requirements gathering - [x] Create wireframes - [x] Technical specification - [ ] Phase 2: Development - [x] Backend API - [x] User authentication - [x] Database models - [ ] API endpoints - [ ] Frontend - [ ] Login page - [ ] Dashboard - [ ] Phase 3: Testing

Output:

Task Lists with Formatting

Markdown:

- [x] **High Priority**: Fix critical bug - [x] *Medium Priority*: Update dependencies - [ ] **Urgent**: Deploy to production - [ ] Research new `React.Suspense` features - [x] ~~Cancelled task~~ (no longer needed) - [ ] Review [documentation](https://example.com) - [ ] Update `package.json` version

Output:

High Priority: Fix critical bug
Medium Priority: Update dependencies
Urgent: Deploy to production
Research new React.Suspense features
~~Cancelled task~~ (no longer needed)
Review documentation
Update package.json version

Platform Support

Platform	Support	Interactive	Notes
GitHub	✅ Full	✅ Yes	Clickable in issues/PRs
GitLab	✅ Full	✅ Yes	GFM compatible
Discord	✅ Full	❌ No	Visual only
Slack	❌ None	❌ No	Not supported
Reddit	✅ Full	❌ No	Visual only
CommonMark	❌ None	❌ No	Not in base spec

Best Practices

✅ Best Practices

Use for actionable items: Each checkbox should represent a specific task
Keep items concise: One task per checkbox for clarity
Update regularly: Mark items as complete when finished
Group related tasks: Use headers and nesting for organization
Include priorities: Use formatting to indicate importance
Add context: Include links or additional details when helpful

❌ Common Mistakes

Wrong spacing: Using "[x]" or "[ ]" without proper spacing
Mixed markers: Using different list markers inconsistently
Vague tasks: Items that aren't specific or actionable
Too many levels: Over-nesting makes lists hard to read
Not updating: Leaving completed items unchecked

Common Issues and Solutions

❌ Problem: Incorrect Spacing

Wrong:

-[ ] Missing space -[x] Also missing space - [] Missing x

Correct:

- [ ] Proper spacing - [x] Checked with space - [ ] Unchecked with space

Always include spaces: "- [ ]" and "- [x]"

❌ Problem: Case Sensitivity

May not work:

- [X] Capital X - [o] Letter O - [v] Letter V

Reliable:

- [x] Lowercase x - [ ] Space for unchecked - [x] Always lowercase x

Use lowercase "x" for checked items and a space for unchecked.

Try Checkboxes Yourself!

Practice checkbox syntax with our free online converter.

Try Markdown to HTML More Syntax Examples

Markdown Checkbox Syntax

Quick Reference

Syntax

Result

📋 GitHub Flavored Markdown Feature

Basic Checkbox Usage

Simple Task List

Markdown:

Output:

Mixed with Regular Lists

Markdown:

Output:

Project Tasks

Development

Testing

Documentation

Advanced Checkbox Techniques

Nested Task Lists

Markdown:

Output:

Task Lists with Formatting

Markdown:

Output:

Platform Support

Best Practices

✅ Best Practices

❌ Common Mistakes

Common Issues and Solutions

❌ Problem: Incorrect Spacing

Wrong:

Correct:

❌ Problem: Case Sensitivity

May not work:

Reliable:

Try Checkboxes Yourself!

Related Syntax Topics

Bullet Lists

Numbered Lists

Table Syntax

Complete Guide