How to Make a Checklist in Google Slides: A Definitive Guide

So, you want to inject a little interactive oomph into your Google Slides presentation? You’re in the right place! Adding a checklist isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about engaging your audience, tracking progress, and visually organizing information. Creating checklists in Google Slides may appear simple on the surface, but there are nuances and clever workarounds that can elevate your presentation game. Let’s dive in!

The straightforward answer is: Google Slides doesn’t have a built-in, interactive checklist feature like Google Docs or Sheets. However, fear not! We can create effective, visually appealing, and semi-functional checklists using a combination of symbols, text boxes, and strategic formatting. The key is understanding the available tools and adapting them to our checklist needs.

Method 1: The Symbol-Based Checklist

This is the most common and easily implemented method. It relies on readily available symbols and a bit of creative formatting.

Step 1: Inserting the Basic Box

First, insert a text box where you want your checklist to appear. Then, go to Insert > Special Characters. In the Special Characters window, search for “square” or “box”. You’ll find various box symbols, including an empty square (☐) and a filled square (☑). Choose the empty square (☐).

Step 2: Adding Your Checklist Items

Type your first checklist item next to the empty square. Press Enter to start a new line and repeat the process for each item. You should now have a list of items each preceded by an empty box.

Step 3: Formatting for Visual Appeal

This is where you can customize your checklist to match your presentation’s aesthetic. Adjust the font size, color, and spacing to create a visually appealing and easy-to-read checklist. Consider using a bulleted or numbered list in conjunction with the boxes for added clarity.

Step 4: Creating a “Checked” State (Manual Update)

Since Google Slides lacks interactive checkboxes, you’ll need to manually update the boxes to indicate completion. Duplicate the slide to create a “completed” version. In the duplicate, replace the empty square (☐) with the filled square (☑) for completed items. You can also change the text color of the completed items to grey or apply a strikethrough for extra visual indication.

Pro Tip: Use different types of boxes to indicate various states. For example, use an empty square (☐) for incomplete, a filled square (☑) for complete, and a dash inside a square (☐) for “in progress”.

Method 2: Using Icons from the Web

This method allows for more visually engaging checkboxes by incorporating icons from the web.

Step 1: Finding Checkbox Icons

Search for free, high-quality checkbox icons online. Websites like Flaticon, Iconfinder, and The Noun Project offer a wide variety of options. Look for icons in PNG or SVG format. SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is preferred because they can be resized without losing quality.

Step 2: Inserting and Resizing the Icons

Download your chosen icons and insert them into your Google Slides. Go to Insert > Image > Upload from computer. Resize the icons to a suitable size for your checklist.

Step 3: Positioning the Icons

Position the icons to the left of your checklist items, ensuring they are aligned properly. Use Google Slides’ alignment tools (Arrange > Align) to ensure a consistent and professional look.

Step 4: Creating “Checked” and “Unchecked” Versions

Repeat the process for “checked” icons. Download corresponding checked icons and replace the unchecked icons as needed when updating your checklist. Again, duplicating slides for different stages of completion is key.

Method 3: Hyperlinking to Virtual “Check”

While not a traditional checklist, you can use hyperlinks to simulate a checkmark appearance. This requires a bit more setup but can add an interactive element.

Step 1: Create “Check” and “Uncheck” Icons

Create or find small “check” and “uncheck” icons or use shapes in Google Slides to make them.

Step 2: Draw a Rectangle over the Checkbox Area

Draw a transparent rectangle over where you want the user to click. This will be your clickable area.

Step 3: Add Hyperlinks

Hyperlink the transparent rectangle to another slide that shows the “checked” state. This involves duplicating the slide and adding the “check” icon. Create another transparent rectangle with a hyperlink back to the “unchecked” slide for toggling purposes.

Important Considerations:

• Usability: Remember that these checklists aren’t truly interactive in the same way as a web-based checklist. They require manual updates or clicking through slides.
• Audience: Consider your audience. If you’re presenting in person, manually updating the checklist can be engaging. If the presentation is being viewed remotely, clear instructions are essential.
• Accessibility: Ensure your checklists are accessible to everyone. Use sufficient color contrast and provide alternative text descriptions for images.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to creating checklists in Google Slides.

1. Is there a built-in checklist feature in Google Slides?

No, unfortunately, Google Slides does not have a native, interactive checklist feature. We need to use workarounds utilizing symbols, icons, and formatting to create the visual effect of a checklist.

2. Can I make a truly interactive checklist in Google Slides?

Not in the same way as you can with a web application or Google Sheets. The methods described above are semi-functional and require manual updates or clicking through slides to simulate interactivity. Consider using Google Forms for a truly interactive experience and embedding it in your slide, but understand you are leaving the slide presentation at that point.

3. What is the best file format for icons to use in Google Slides?

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is the preferred format because it allows you to resize the icons without losing quality. PNG is also acceptable, but be mindful of resolution, especially if you need to enlarge the icons.

4. How do I ensure the checkboxes are aligned properly?

Use Google Slides’ alignment tools (Arrange > Align). Select all the checkboxes and then align them to the left, top, or middle to ensure a consistent and professional look.

5. Can I use different symbols besides squares for my checklist?

Absolutely! Get creative with your symbols. You can use circles, stars, or any other character that suits your presentation’s style. Just make sure the chosen symbol is clear and easily recognizable.

6. How can I indicate a progress status other than “complete” or “incomplete”?

Use different symbols or icons to represent various stages of progress. For example, an empty square could be “not started,” a square with a dash could be “in progress,” and a filled square could be “complete.”

7. Can I import a checklist from Google Sheets into Google Slides?

While you can’t directly import a checklist, you can take a screenshot of your checklist in Google Sheets and insert it as an image into Google Slides. However, this won’t be interactive.

8. How do I make my checklist accessible to people with disabilities?

Ensure sufficient color contrast between the text and the background. Use alternative text descriptions for images and icons. Avoid using color as the sole means of conveying information.

9. What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating checklists in Google Slides?

• Using low-resolution images or icons: This can make your checklist look unprofessional.
• Poor alignment: Misaligned checkboxes can be distracting and make the presentation look sloppy.
• Insufficient color contrast: This can make the text difficult to read.
• Overusing animation or special effects: This can distract from the content of your checklist.

10. Can I animate the checkboxes when they are “checked”?

While you can’t directly animate the checkbox, you can animate the transition between slides. So when you switch from the unchecked slide to the checked slide, you can add a transition like “fade” or “slide” for a visual effect.

11. Is there a Google Slides add-on that creates interactive checklists?

As of the current date, there are no widely recognized and reliable Google Slides add-ons specifically designed to create truly interactive checklists. It’s always worth checking the Google Workspace Marketplace, but be cautious and review add-ons thoroughly before installing them.

12. How can I easily update my checklist during a presentation?

The simplest method is to duplicate your slide multiple times, each representing a different stage of completion. During your presentation, simply advance to the corresponding slide as items are completed. This avoids the need to edit the slide on the fly, which can be cumbersome.

Creating checklists in Google Slides may require a bit of ingenuity, but the results can significantly enhance your presentations. By understanding the available tools and employing creative workarounds, you can create visually appealing and engaging checklists that captivate your audience and effectively communicate your message. Now go forth and checkmate those presentations!