How to make a to-do list online (a free checklist notepad)
Most to-do apps want you to create an account, pick a plan and learn their system before you have written a single task. Sometimes you just want a list with boxes to tick.
A notepad with checklists does that. NoteDraft is a free online to-do list notepad that opens ready to type, saves as you go and keeps everything in your own browser — no sign-up.
Make an online to-do list in three ways
Open the notepad, type a title on the first line (it becomes the note's name, such as This week), then start a checklist with whichever of these suits you:
- Type it: write
[]at the start of a line and press Enter. - Use the toolbar: click the checklist button.
- Use the menu: type / at the start of a line and choose Checklist.
Each press of Enter adds a new item. Click a box to tick it; ticked items are struck through so you can still see what you have done.
Break big tasks into sub-tasks
"Move flat" is not a task, it is a project. Press Tab on a checklist item to indent it under the one above, and Shift+Tab to bring it back out:
- Move flat
- — Book a van
- — Tell the council about the new address
- — Pack the kitchen
Small, specific sub-tasks are easier to start and more satisfying to tick.
One master list or one list per project?
Both work; pick the one you will actually keep up.
| Approach | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| One master list | Daily errands, a single place to look | It grows long; clear out ticked items often |
| One list per project | Work projects, trips, events | Easy to forget a list exists — pin the active ones |
Whichever you choose, pin the list you use most so it stays at the top of the notes list. The search box finds any other list by a word in it.
A simple daily list template
Copy this structure into a note, and start each morning with a fresh copy:
- Today (heading)
- Top three — the tasks that make the day a success
- Quick jobs — things that take under ten minutes
- Waiting on — replies or deliveries you are chasing
- Tomorrow — anything that will not fit today
Use a heading for each section and a checklist underneath. Keeping the top three short stops the list from becoming a wish list.
Share a list with someone
Choose Share to create a link that contains the list itself. Send it to a partner or housemate, and when they open it, it becomes a note on their device. Nothing is stored on a server.
The link is a snapshot: if you edit the list afterwards, share it again. Two people cannot tick off the same list live. How to share notes online goes into more detail.
What this to-do list cannot do
NoteDraft is a notepad with checklists, not a task manager. Be clear about the gaps:
- No reminders, due dates or notifications. Write the date into the task, and put anything time-critical in your calendar, which can alert you.
- No sync between devices. A list made on your laptop does not appear on your phone. Use a share link to move it.
- No shared, live lists. For a list a whole team edits together, an account-based app is the right tool.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a checklist in an online notepad?
Type [] at the start of a line and press Enter, click the checklist button in the toolbar, or type / and choose Checklist.
Is this online to-do list free?
Yes. It is free with no account, and your lists are stored in your own browser.
Can I add sub-tasks?
Yes. Press Tab on a checklist item to indent it under the item above, and Shift+Tab to move it back out.
Can it remind me when a task is due?
No. There are no reminders, due dates or notifications. Use your calendar for anything that needs an alert.
Can I share my to-do list?
Yes. Share creates a link containing the list. Whoever opens it gets their own copy as a new note; later edits need a new link.