How are checklists different from tasks?

We all have tasks, small and big. And some big tasks have a lot of steps or subtasks. Using regular tasks as subtasks will quickly crowd up your filters and overdue count. As a result, reviewing open or overdue task lists could show an endless list of to-do items with all of the subtasks included. Checklists are the perfect solution for the feeling of task overload.

How to create a checklist?

The easiest way to create a checklist item is to type "+ " (plus and space) and then type the title. They have a square icon instead of a round icon. For example:

+ review the presentation

On iOS, you can tap on the list icon in the toolbar next to the task icon. It will show a menu, select the checkbox icon to creat a checklist item:
On Mac you can click on the + button when hovering with the mouse over a line and select "Checklist":

How do checklists behave differently?

1. They don't increment the overdue task counter on iOS beside the calendar title at the top:

2. Don't appear in your overdue list (filters):

3. They won't contribute to calendar heat maps:

Use Cases

If you found yourself creating bullet points before and checking them off later or adding a check emoji, then you can use checklists for that now. Here are a couple of ideas on how you can use them:

1. Packing List (when traveling)
2. Grocery Lists
3. Goals
4. Timeblocks
5. Actual subtasks. You have one main task and a list of possible subtasks, ideas, etc.