Turn a list into next steps.
Write ordinary lists, ordered steps and checkable tasks.
Read the descriptive transcript
Follow the complete narration and the changes shown in the video. Each example can be copied.
1. Turn intentions into visible actions
These two lines describe actions. Let's group them into a list, then record which task is finished.
Source shown
Sketch the layout
Bring a measuring tapeOn screen
The document stays visible while the narration explains the idea.
2. 01 / Add a hyphen and a space
Click before Sketch. Type a hyphen and a space. Repeat before Bring. Each line becomes a separate list item.
Source shown
- Sketch the layout
- Bring a measuring tapeOn screen
The cursor moves to the edit point. Each character is inserted or removed in the source, and the preview updates from that text.
3. Use numbers when sequence matters
An ordinary list groups related items. If the order matters, use numbered steps instead. Measuring first and choosing a layout second is an ordered process.
Source shown
- Sketch the layout
- Bring a measuring tapeOn screen
The document stays visible while the narration explains the idea.
4. 02 / Add a task marker
After the first hyphen and space, type an opening bracket, a space, a closing bracket, and another space. The empty box means the task is open.
Source shown
- [ ] Sketch the layout
- Bring a measuring tapeOn screen
The cursor moves to the edit point. Each character is inserted or removed in the source, and the preview updates from that text.
5. Give the second task the same structure
Add the same empty task marker before Bring. Both tasks now have an explicit completion state.
Source shown
- [ ] Sketch the layout
- [ ] Bring a measuring tapeOn screen
The cursor moves to the edit point. Each character is inserted or removed in the source, and the preview updates from that text.
6. Task lists are a GFM extension
Task boxes are an extension used by GitHub Flavored Markdown. A renderer needs support for that extension to show the boxes.
Source shown
- [ ] Sketch the layout
- [ ] Bring a measuring tapeOn screen
The document stays visible while the narration explains the idea.
7. 03 / Replace the inner space with x
Suppose the sketch is finished. Click inside its brackets, remove the space, and type x. Only the first task becomes complete.
Source shown
- [x] Sketch the layout
- [ ] Bring a measuring tapeOn screen
The cursor moves to the edit point. Each character is inserted or removed in the source, and the preview updates from that text.
8. A marker records a decision
The second box stays open. The marker records your decision; it cannot establish whether the real work happened.
Source shown
- [x] Sketch the layout
- [ ] Bring a measuring tapeOn screen
The document stays visible while the narration explains the idea.
9. Your turn / Add one concrete action
Pause and add another useful action below this video. Keep one task open and another complete. Start each action with a clear verb.
Source shown
- [x] Sketch the layout
- [ ] Bring a measuring tapeOn screen
The document stays visible while the narration explains the idea.
10. One possible action
For example, add Check the bench dimensions as an open task. Specific actions make the list easier to use.
Source shown
- [x] Sketch the layout
- [ ] Bring a measuring tape
- [ ] Check the bench dimensionsOn screen
The cursor moves to the edit point. Each character is inserted or removed in the source, and the preview updates from that text.
Use a list when items belong together
Start each item with a hyphen and a space. An ordinary list can hold supplies, questions or ideas. Use a numbered list when the order is part of the meaning. CommonMark lists.
- A measuring tape
- A notebook
- Two layout sketches1. Measure the space.
2. Compare the sketches.
3. Choose a layout.Add a completion state
A task list adds [ ] for an open task or [x] for a completed task after the list marker. Include a space before the task text. Task lists are a GFM extension, so support depends on the renderer. GFM task list items.
- [x] Sketch the layout
- [ ] Bring a measuring tapeThe practice preview shows the state as a symbol. Change the source to update it. In editmd’s Mac preview, supported task checkboxes can update the corresponding source marker; the writing guide explains that behaviour.
Write tasks someone can act on
“Bench” names a subject. “Measure the bench before choosing a layout” describes an action. Add an owner or date when the facts are known. If they are unknown, leave a question rather than inventing an assignment.
Try an open task and a finished one
Mark one supplied task complete and add another action. The check confirms that the source contains both states. It cannot know whether the work actually happened.
YOUR TURN
Make the idea your own.
Keep at least one open task and one completed task. Add a useful action of your own and decide whether it is done.
Readable result
- ☐ Sketch the layout
- ☐ Bring a measuring tape
Compare with one possible answer
- [x] Sketch the layout
- [ ] Bring a measuring tape
- [ ] Check the bench dimensionsThis is one approach. Your writing can differ while meeting the same structural goal.
TAKE IT WITH YOU
Lists group information. Tasks also record whether work is complete.
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