What are Microsoft Lists, and how can I download and use them on iOS, Android, and the web?

In today’s age, where staying organized is key, there is always a need for a dedicated space where we can manage our day. I am sure some of you are thinking of it as a day organizer or something similar. But here, I am talking about spaces that help manage large projects. In the past few years, freelancing has received a massive response, and the need for task organizers has increased significantly.

Note that in the last few years, we have seen numerous project spaces ranging from Trello to Taskpad. However, they all lack certain parameters, such as conditional formatting, rules, and automation. Seizing this opportunity, Microsoft has developed a project management service that includes all the features users have been demanding. So, let’s discuss all of that.

Getting Started with Microsoft Lists: A Comprehensive Guide

Even though Microsoft mostly releases every development publicly, there are still some users who don’t know what exactly this service is. Microsoft Lists is a part of the Microsoft 365 app that helps you track information and organize your tasks. Some of you might be wondering what Microsoft To-Do offers if we already have Microsoft Lists. You should understand that there is a subtle difference between the two that makes a huge impact.

In Microsoft To-Do, you manage only day-to-day tasks, which is especially useful for individual users and start-up businesses. Many things make Microsoft To-Dos different from Microsoft Lists. With Microsoft To-Do, you can’t use templates, track project progress, manage customer leads, and much more. On the other hand, you can use Microsoft Lists for planning large projects, as it is more versatile than To-Do.

Why choose Microsoft Lists? Exploring Its Unique Advantages

Now that you know the subtle difference between Microsoft To-Do and Microsoft Lists, let’s explore what makes Microsoft Lists special and sets it apart from other similar services. Although Microsoft Lists has a plethora of features, we have identified some special reasons that make it stand out. Let’s take a look at all of them.

Integration with Other Microsoft Apps

There are many information management apps available, but the ecosystem Microsoft provides cannot be replaced by anyone. As Microsoft List is a part of the 365 app, it means you have complete integration with Microsoft 365, which includes all your Excel sheets, documents, presentations, or any other important notes. You can easily import these files for your tasks, but for others, you need some more effort.

Conditional formatting

With Microsoft List, you can customize the list with special colors and highlight important items so that you won’t forget them. I agree that some other similar services have this capability, but Microsoft List has something more advanced than others. The advanced feature is that you can customize things based on values rather than as a whole.

Advanced automation

Rules and automation are necessary with information management tools, but no one can imagine how advanced they can be until they see Microsoft List. When you use it, you will find that the rules and automation are so impressive that you don’t need to remember anything. One of my favorite automations is sending email notifications and creating new lists, which helps me save time.

Predefined templates

There are other options available, like Trello and Notion, which have predefined templates. But with Microsoft List, we have a different way of using it. When you look for templates in those services, you will find that they lack variety. However, with Microsoft List, you will see that it offers a wide range of options, such as tracking inventory and managing projects. In other words, they have predefined templates for almost every purpose.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Harnessing the Power of Microsoft Lists

After reading these things, I am sure you have come to know exactly what Microsoft Lists is. Additionally, any myths people had about Microsoft To-Dos and Microsoft Lists being the same have now been cleared up. Surely, after noting these special features of Microsoft Lists, you might want to download and use this service. We would like to inform you that there is an app available on the Google Play Store (Android), App Store (iOS), and the Web. So, let’s learn how to use it on each of these platforms.

Note: The steps below are standard and applicable to every beginner. However, if you wish, after understanding your purpose, you can choose any template and customize it as you want. Since the Microsoft Lists app has the same user interface on Android, iOS, and Windows, you can use the same steps on iOS and Windows as well.

1. Open the Google Play Store, App Store, or Microsoft Store.
2. Search for Microsoft Lists and tap on the top result.
3. Download it and install it on your device.
4. Launch the app and sign in to your Microsoft account.
5. Create a new list and choose the desired customization.
6. Finally, share your list with others to collaborate.

However, when you use Microsoft Lists on the web, you need to visit the Microsoft Lists website, sign in to your Microsoft Account, select the “+ New List” option, make customizations, and share the list with collaborators. This way, you can easily use Microsoft Lists. For a better kick-start, always use the highlight feature, colors and icons, and version history to track changes to your list. By considering these factors, you will have a better grip on it. But above all, you will become familiar with it once you start using it. So, without any delay, switch to the new space that is Microsoft Lists.

Frequently asked questions