Build a Notes checklist with subitems and line breaks
Use Shift-Command-L for a checklist. Command-] increases a list level, Command-[ decreases it, and Shift-Return adds a line break within an item.
Notes · Reviewed 2026-11-05 · Review method
Platform, keyboard and verification notes
- Scope
- Notes · macOS app; Apple Mac documentation source checks on 4 November 2026 and editorial review on 5 November 2026. No running-app compatibility test is claimed.
- Keyboard and customization
- English-language Apple documentation. Modifier and punctuation keys may differ on other keyboard layouts.. Documented defaults, not a reading of your current menu. Check the app menu and custom App Shortcuts if a binding differs; focus and selected content can change its effect.
- Review basis
- Documentation reviewed 2026-11-05 by Codex — primary-documentation and editorial review; no hands-on runtime test. These bindings were not tested in a running app for this guide.
Keyboard shortcuts for this task
| Action | Keys | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Checklist formatting | Shift-Command-L | Applies checklist formatting in the current note. Source ↗ |
| Numbered list formatting | Shift-Command-9 | Choose when order is the meaningful part of the list. Source ↗ |
| Increase list level | Command-] | Nests the current list item; Tab is another documented list-context option. Source ↗ |
| Decrease list level | Command-[ | Moves an item back toward its parent level; Shift-Tab is another documented option. Source ↗ |
| Line break inside item | Shift-Return | Continues the same list or checklist item without using a normal new-item return. Source ↗ |
Decide whether an item is a task or a description
For travel preparation, Pack chargers is a task, while USB-C cable and adapter may be subitems or explanatory text. Choose a checklist for things you intend to mark off, and a numbered list when sequence matters. Mixing task state and descriptive notes on every line can make the list harder to review when you return to it.
Use indentation deliberately
Apple documents both Command-bracket and Tab-based list indentation. Be aware of where the insertion point is: an ordinary text paragraph and a list item are not the same editing context. Increase only the intended item’s level, then inspect its relationship to the parent. Use the outdent command to bring an accidentally nested task back to the main checklist rather than adding spaces at the beginning.
Keep an explanation inside the same item
Use Shift-Return when a task needs another line without becoming another checkbox. Practice with Book tickets, a continuation line containing a booking reminder, and a second task called Check passport. The first two lines should describe one item; the final line should be independently trackable. Then indent and outdent a disposable subitem to learn the visible change before restructuring an important checklist.
Sources and corrections
- Keyboard shortcuts and gestures in Notes on Mac — Apple Support — checked 2026-11-04
Found a mismatch? Email pashaseenainc@gmail.com with your app version, macOS version, keyboard layout and the command. Please leave personal document names out.
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