Create a list from the Lists app

What is a list?

Lists are versatile tools within Microsoft 365 and SharePoint that help your team efficiently manage and share data. You can create lists from scratch or use templates in various platforms, including:

• The Lists app in Microsoft 365

• Microsoft SharePoint

• Microsoft Teams

Lists can include multiple types of data, such as text, dates, and files, making them ideal for tracking tasks, issues, and other essential information. Customization options are robust, allowing you to create different views, change metadata, and establish relationships between lists. This flexibility aids you in creating sophisticated business solutions.

When to use lists?

With lists, you can track versions, require approvals, and set specific permissions for list items. You can also organize content into folders and improve performance with indexing. Organizations use lists for a variety of purposes. The following are some of the use cases:

• Tracking projects and tasks, helping your team stay organized and meet deadlines.

• Managing inventory, ensuring that you monitor and update stock levels in real-time.

• Collecting and analyzing customer feedback, which helps you improve products and services.

• Recording issues and incidents, allowing for timely resolution and better risk management.

• Maintaining contact lists and employee directories, facilitating efficient communication within your organization.

Lists are useful for creating custom views, updating items, and preserving data integrity through unique columns and relationship enforcement. This functionality ensures that lists remain a powerful and adaptable resource for managing a wide range of your organization's needs. 

To learn more about Microsoft Lists, visit here. 

Create a list from the Lists app

You can create a list from scratch, from an existing list, from Excel or CSV, or from a template. From Microsoft 365:

1. Go to microsoft365.com, and sign in to your work or school account. To switch accounts, select your name or picture at the top right of the browser window.

2. Select App launcher > More apps > All apps > Lists.

   Tip: If you don't see the Lists app here, use the Search box to search for Lists.

3. Select +New list.

4. Choose how you want to create the list:

   • Blank list: Start from scratch

   • From existing list: Start with the formatting from another list

   • From Excel: Bring in table data from Excel

   • From CSV: Start with a CSV file from your device or OneDrive

5. Choose the options for your list, then select Create.

6. To add items, select +Add new item, fill in the form, and select Save. 

Want more?

Add or edit list items