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Create & add

Make a list yourself

Tap + on My Lists, then Create a new list. Give it a name, pick a type and a look, tap Create List, and start adding items.

Updated September 30, 2026 · 2 min read

Not every list needs Nelly. Create a new list makes a blank list you fill in yourself. It takes a few seconds, and it doesn't touch your Nelly allowance.

Create the list

  1. On My Lists, tap +, then Create a new list.
  2. Tap the top of the card and type the list's name. It's the only thing you have to fill in.
  3. Choose the rest, or leave the defaults (all explained below).
  4. Tap Create List. The new list opens, ready for its first item.

Then type into the add field and press Return. See Add items quickly.

What each option does

List Type

  • To-dos, things to check off. They get check circles, a progress card, and can carry dates and reminders. This is the default.
  • Items, things to remember: films, gifts, places to go. Shown with a bullet instead of a check circle.
  • Ranked, things in order: a top ten, a reading queue. Items are numbered, and you drag them to change the ranking.

List wording. What the list's entries are called. Leave it blank and they're to-dos, items or picks, or type your own under Call these: "Exercises", "Ingredients", "To buy". The add field then reads "Add an exercise…", and the rest of the list follows suit.

Label. A category such as "Shopping" or "Travel", used to group and filter My Lists. Labels you've already used appear as chips to tap. See Pin, label and archive lists.

Recurring List. To-dos only. The list resets itself on a schedule, which is handy for routines. See Make a list reset itself on a schedule.

Choose Icon. There are plenty to pick from, so use the search above them. "movie" or "dog" finds the right ones.

Accent Color. The list's color, used for its icon, check circles and buttons.

Change it later

Open the list, tap ⋯, then Edit list details. You can change the name, type, wording, label, icon and color at any time. On a Live List, only the list's owner sees this option. See Locked Lists.

FAQ

What's the difference between To-dos and Items?

To-dos are meant to be finished: you check them off and watch the progress fill. Items are a collection you keep, like films to watch, so they skip the check circles.

Can I start a list from something I typed on Create with Nelly?

Yes. Tap Start with a blank list under the field, and what you typed becomes the list's name.

Do I have to choose an icon?

No. Every list starts with a default icon and color, and you can change both later in Edit list details.

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