How to Insert a Checkbox in Google Sheets

Google Sheets has recently introduced a new feature – checkbox. You can insert it into any cell with just a few clicks. But that’s not the best thing. The thing that impresses us the most is the way you can use it. This feature allows you to create to-do-lists or track your team’s progress. Moreover, you can also create charts and dynamic lists that are easy to update.

In this article, we’ll show you how to insert a checkbox in Google Sheets, and also share some of our favorite tricks as well.

How to Insert a Checkbox on Desktop?

First things first, we’ll show you how to do this from your laptop or computer. Although Google Sheets has a phone app, we believe it’s better to do some things from a desktop. Simply because you have a better view, and there’s less scope for mistakes. So, here’s what you have to do:

1. Open a spreadsheet.
   
2. Select the cells where you want to insert checkboxes.
   
3. Click on the Insert button.
   
4. Select “Checkbox”.
   

That’s it! You can use this method to insert either one or multiple checkboxes – there aren’t any limits.

If you want to remove a checkbox, that’s even easier. All you have to do is select the checkboxes you want to remove and press the Delete button on your keyboard.

Note: If you add a checkbox in a cell that already contains some numbers or text, they’ll be removed. Or, to put it a better way, the checkbox will simply replace them, and you’ll lose that content. Therefore, we suggest you insert checkboxes only to empty cells.

Can I Insert a Checkbox on Android?

If you’re an Android user, today is your lucky day. There’s no need to turn on your computer if you’re reading this from your phone. You can insert a checkbox from your phone, just like you’d do from a desktop device. However, you need to have the Google Sheets app, so go ahead and download it.

Here’s what you have to do:

1. Open a spreadsheet.
   
2. Select the cells where you want to insert checkboxes.
   
3. Tap on the three-dot button in the top menu.
   
4. Select “Data validation”.
   
5. Select “Criteria”.
   
6. Select “Checkbox”.
   

There you have it! If you want to remove a checkbox from the cell, just select it and tap on Delete.

Can I Insert a Checkbox on iPhone?

We have bad news for all iOS users. Unfortunately, it’s not currently possible to insert new checkboxes from the Google Sheets app on your iPhone or iPad. That said, we believe that Google is working on fixing this issue and that this option will be available with the next update.

Until then, you can add a checkbox only from your computer or laptop. However, once you add a new checkbox, you can check and uncheck a cell from your iOS app. This is very important because it means that team members with iOS devices aren’t left out, and they can also participate.

Formatting the Checkbox

Did you know that you can format your checkbox just like you’d format a regular cell? That’s right. You don’t have to settle for ordinary checkboxes if you don’t like them. It’s time to get creative and surprise your coworkers.

If you want to change the color of a checkbox, apply the color to the entire cell. The default color is gray, but we’re sure you can find a more eye-catching color in the palette. If you want your checkbox to be bigger, all you have to do is select the cell and change the size of the font.

Once you’ve formatted a checkbox the way you like it, you can copy and paste it, just as you’d do with any other content. There’s no need to format each checkbox separately.

Add Custom Checkbox Values

A more advanced option would be to create a checkbox with a custom-made value. This is a fantastic option for tracking the progress of your team or creating surveys. In this case, checking the box would mean “Yes”, while leaving the box unchecked would mean “No”. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the spreadsheet you want to change.
   
2. Choose the cells where you would like to insert checkboxes.
   
3. Click on “Data” from the upper menu.
   
4. Select “Data Validation”.
   
5. Select “Checkbox”.
   
6. Click on “Use custom cell values”.
   
7. Now, write a meaning next to the “Checked” option.
   
8. You can also enter a value next to the “Unchecked” option, but it’s optional.
   
9. Click on “Save”.
   

Of course, you can do this with the checkboxes that you’ve added before, as well. All you have to do is edit and format them again.

Creating Interactive To-Do Lists

One of the coolest things about checkboxes is that they allow you to create interactive to-do lists. It means that when you tap on the checkbox, it’ll mark the task as completed. And we all know how satisfying that feels! Here’s how you can do it:

1. First, you have to create two columns: one for your tasks, and the other for checkboxes.
   
2. Follow the procedure above to insert checkboxes in column B. Write your tasks in the first column and then select all cells containing said tasks.
   
3. Click on the Format button.
   
4. Select “Conditional Formatting”.
   
5. Select the “Format cells if” option.
   
6. Select “Custom formula is…”
   
7. Enter this formula: =$B2
   
8. Click on “Done”.
   

That’s it! For even more fun, you can customize it the way you want. You can change their fill colors, add strike-through lines and more.

Check It Off

Did you know that the simple act of checking off tasks from your to-do list releases endorphins from your body? In fact, it can be one of the most satisfying moments at the end of a long workday. You don’t have to create your to-do lists manually anymore, as we have the technology to help us!

What kind of lists do you usually create in Google Sheets? What are you going to use the checkbox feature for? Let us know in the comments section below.