How to Insert a Checkbox in Google Docs (2026)
Google Docs has interactive checkboxes you can tick right in the document — perfect for to-do lists, packing lists, and project checklists. Here’s how to add them, convert existing text, and create a static (non-clickable) checkbox too.
Add an Interactive Checklist
- Click where you want the list to start.
- On the toolbar, click the Checklist icon (a checkmark beside short lines). If you don’t see it, go to Format > Bullets & numbering > Checklist.
- Type your first item and press Enter — a new checkbox appears on the next line.
- Click any checkbox to mark it done.
By default, checking an item adds a strikethrough. To turn that off, choose the checklist option without strikethrough from Format > Bullets & numbering > Checklist.
Convert Existing Lines into a Checklist
Already typed your list? Turn it into checkboxes in one move:
- Select all the lines.
- Click the Checklist icon on the toolbar.
Each line gets its own clickable checkbox.
Keyboard Shortcut
With your cursor on an empty line, you can start a checklist quickly:
- Windows/Chromebook:
Ctrl + Shift + 9 - Mac:
Cmd + Shift + 9
Insert a Static (Non-Clickable) Checkbox
If you want an empty box for a printed form — one that won’t toggle when clicked — use a special character instead:
- Go to Insert > Special characters.
- Search for “checkbox” or “ballot box”.
- Click the empty box symbol (☐) to insert it, then type your text beside it.
This is a plain character, so it stays unchecked and prints as an empty box.
Troubleshooting
Clicking a checkbox adds a checkmark but no strikethrough (or vice versa)
That’s controlled by which checklist style you picked. Switch via Format > Bullets & numbering > Checklist — there are versions with and without strikethrough.
My checkboxes turned into bullets
Pressing Tab or changing list type can convert them. Select the lines and reapply the Checklist style.
The box won’t toggle when I click it
You likely inserted a special-character checkbox (static) rather than a checklist. Delete it and use the toolbar Checklist tool for clickable boxes.
Related Google Docs guides: How to add a table of contents · How to make columns · How to insert a text box · How to double space · How to add page numbers
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