Markdown Checkbox Syntax and a Copyable Task List
Make Markdown checkboxes with an open or checked marker. Copy a release task list, fix spacing and preview it before sharing a PNG.
Use - [ ] for an open task and - [x] for a completed one. Paste this checklist into a README, issue, or editor that supports GitHub Flavored Markdown.
## Release checklist
- [x] Review the release notes
- [ ] Test the public link
- [ ] Check the mobile layout
Each task starts with a hyphen and a space. Put one space or an x inside the brackets, then leave another space before the task text. Change the character inside the brackets when you complete a task. GitHub Flavored Markdown specification
| What you see | What to check |
|---|---|
| Literal brackets at the start of the line | Check for a list marker before the brackets and a space after them. |
| The whole example appears as code | Paste the lines inside the fence, leaving out the opening and closing backticks. |
| The syntax looks right but the boxes stay as text | Try the same lines in a preview that supports GFM task lists. |
In a GitHub issue, the checklist can track work as it happens. In a README, preview the file and change the Markdown source when a task status changes. For a subtask, indent a new list item under its parent and check that the renderer shows a second level. GitHub's task list guide
The sample shows one completed task and two open tasks. Paste the source into the editor, confirm all three boxes in the preview and export a PNG for a slide or update. Keep the Markdown nearby when readers need to update the tasks. Preview a Markdown checklist