Start a Live List
Tap the lightning bolt on a list, choose how it will be used and what members can do, then tap Make List Live and send the invite link.
A Live List is one list shared by everyone on it: changes sync to every member, on every device. To start one, open the list, tap the lightning bolt at the top, make two quick choices, and send the invite link.
Make a list live
- Open the list and tap the lightning bolt next to ⋯.
- On Make this list live, choose how you'll use it:
- One list, completed together: when anyone checks off an item, it's checked off for everyone.
- A list for each person: everyone checks off their own items and tracks their own progress. See Let each person track their own progress.
- Tap Continue.
- On Choose what members can do, switch on what members may do (more below), then tap Make List Live.
- Send the invite link. On iPhone the share sheet opens so you can pick Messages, WhatsApp, email and so on. On a computer, tap Copy invite link and paste it wherever you like.
You only see step 2 on a list you check things off. Other lists go straight to the member switches.
When someone opens the link and joins, they appear under Members when you tap the bolt. On A list for each person, the grid shows up as soon as the invite is out, with a dashed column waiting for the first person to join.
What members can do
Members can always see the list and check items off. The rest is up to you:
- Add items, Edit items and Remove items start off.
- See dates and reminders starts off.
- See notes starts on, so members can read and write notes on items.
Only you can change the list's name, groups and schedule. You can change any of these switches later under Member rules. Locked Lists explains each one.
Completing things together
On One list, completed together, one tick finishes an item for everyone. With two or more people on the list, everyone's faces sit together at the top of one column of ticks, and a finished item shows a single tick under them all, because it was a joint effort. Tap the progress card and open People to see what you've all checked off. Recent activity still notes who tapped what.
After Nelly makes a list
A list Nelly has just made ends with Doing it with someone?, unless you've switched off Suggest Live Lists (gear on My Lists → Customize Display). Tap Invite someone and the invite link is ready to send straight away, or Not now to dismiss it. See Create a list with Nelly.
That shortcut skips the two choices above and makes them for you: members start with the same rules as any new Live List (they can check items off and see notes, nothing more), and a list you check things off is One list, completed together. To let people add or edit, tap the bolt and open Member rules. If you wanted A list for each person, use the bolt instead of the shortcut, since that choice can't be changed once the list is live.
FAQ
Who can join with my link?
Anyone you send it to, until you revoke it or it runs out after 30 days. Share it only with the people you mean. See Manage who's on a Live List to revoke it or remove someone.
Is there a limit on how many people can join?
Yes. If a Live List is full, the person trying to join is told so and asked to check with you.
Can members delete my list?
No. Only you, the owner, can delete it. Members who are done with it leave instead. See Leave a Live List.