Unicode text tricks can come in handy when you need to create checkboxes or other lists with text. Here are a few tips to get you started:

  1. Use the U+2028 LEFTWARDS ARROW character ( ← ) to create a checkbox. This character will turn into a checkmark when clicked, making it easy to create simple checklists.
  2. Use the U+2029 RIGHTWARDS ARROW character ( → ) to create a radio button. This character will turn into either an on or off button, making it easy to create complex lists with multiple options.
  3. Use the U+202A DOWNWARDS ARROW character ( ↓ ) to create a list item that will be automatically selected when clicked. This is great for creating simple drop-down menus or selecting items from a list of options. ..

The Unicode symbols that you’ll want to copy and paste are:

Their meanings can change depending on the context, but for almost any list that we can think of, these symbols convey all the information you need with just one character.

Now, rather than signing up for that new todo list webapp, just open up a text file and copy in this template.

Which results in a nice looking list that took no time at all to set up.

☐ Item ☐ Subitem ☑ Completed item ☒ Postponed item

You can then copy this into an email without having to worry at all about formatting.

Since this is plain text, there are some other neat things that you can do. If your text editor supports it, you can easily highlight all of your “todo” items.

You can even search for one of the Unicode characters to quickly skim through all of a certain type of item.

Another great use for this trick is in tracking attendees for events that don’t warrant the full Facebook event treatment.

We’re sure there are other geeky uses for these handy unicode characters. If you have one, let us know in the comments!