How to Insert a Checkbox in Google Sheets

Why is a simple checklist such a useful tool when it comes to organising? You can use it as a step-by-step guide or even as a random to-do list.

Either way, it lets you keep track of anything. In addition to this, it is really easy to make. If you are a fan of checklists, then you will be pleased to learn that it is just as simple to incorporate a checkbox (sometimes known as a “tick box”) into Google Sheets.

How to Insert a Checkbox in Google Sheets

Previously, you had to utilise the CHAR function and a number connected with the special character resembling a checkbox to enter a checkbox in Google Sheets. Due to the complexity of the previous approach for something as basic as a checkbox, it’s a good thing that you can now insert a checkbox from the toolbar.

1. Log into Google Drive and open a spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
2. Select the cells you want to have checkboxes in. You can also create your list first and then insert the checkbox by selecting the adjoining empty column of cells.
3. From the menu, click Insert > Tick box.
4. To remove checkboxes, select the checkboxes you want to remove and press Delete.

You can increase or decrease the size of the checkboxes by changing the font size from the toolbar. Google Sheets also allows you to pass custom values with the checkboxes. For instance, a checked box could signal a “TRUE” while an unchecked box could be a “FALSE”. For instance, you could use this with a multiple-choice Q&A.

Follow these steps to validate the checkboxes with the custom values you want.

1. Select the cells with the checkboxes.
2. From the toolbar, go to Data > Data validation.
3. In the data validation dialogue, choose Tick box as the Criteria.
   
4. Select Use custom cell values. Enter your custom value in the Ticked and Unticked fields.
5. Click Save.

In a spreadsheet, a tick box can be a straightforward mechanism for keeping track of routine chores, or it can be transformed into a potent instrument for the collection of data and used as a filter for charts and pivot tables.