How to create a SharePoint list
On a SharePoint site, select + New and then List from the site home page or the Site contents page. In the Microsoft Lists app, select + New list. Then choose Blank list, From Excel, From CSV, From existing list or a template, give the list a name and create it. A description is optional.
This page covers the two places to start, what each creation option does, and the settings you choose along the way.
Two ways to start
- From a SharePoint site: open the site home page or the Site contents page and select + New, then List.
- From the Lists app: in Microsoft 365, open the app launcher, select More apps, then Lists, and select + New list.
The creation options
| Option | What Microsoft says it does |
|---|---|
| Blank list | Starts a list from scratch |
| From existing list | Saves time by creating a new list based on the columns in another list |
| From Excel | Creates a list based on an Excel spreadsheet |
| From CSV | Creates a list based on a comma-separated values file |
| Templates | Shows what columns a template contains, for example Issue tracker, along with sample data |
Steps and settings
- Choose the option you want on the Create a list page. For a template, select it to preview its columns first.
- Enter a name for the list, and a description if you want one.
- Choose where to save it. From the Lists app you can save to My lists or to a SharePoint site. From a site, the list is saved to that site.
- From a SharePoint site, tick Show in site navigation if you want the list to appear in the site's navigation.
- Select Create.
On the iOS and Android apps you can also choose a color and an icon.
Microsoft is rolling out visual updates to lists gradually, so the screens you see may differ a little from the steps above.
Choosing an option
- Tracking something new: a template such as Issue tracker gives you ready-made columns, and a blank list gives you full control.
- You already have the data in a spreadsheet: From Excel or From CSV builds the list from your file.
- You want a second list that looks like an existing one: From existing list copies the columns.
Lists and libraries
A list holds rows of information, such as issues, contacts or tasks. A document library holds files. If you need files with versions, check-out and permissions, see SharePoint document libraries. The limits that apply to large lists and libraries, including the list view threshold, are in SharePoint Online limits.
Frequently asked questions
How do I create a list in SharePoint?
On the site home page or Site contents page, select + New, then List, choose Blank list or another option, name it and select Create.
How do I create a SharePoint list from Excel?
Choose From Excel on the Create a list page, select your spreadsheet, then name the list and create it.
How do I create a SharePoint list from a CSV file?
Choose From CSV on the Create a list page and select your comma-separated values file.
Can I base a new list on an existing one?
Yes. Choose From existing list to create a new list with the columns of another list.
Where is a new list saved?
In the Lists app you choose My lists or a SharePoint site. If you start from a SharePoint site, the list is saved to that site.
How do I make a list appear in the site navigation?
When you create it from a SharePoint site, tick Show in site navigation.
What templates are available?
Microsoft's page gives Issue tracker as an example. Select a template on the Create a list page to see the columns and sample data it contains.
Related reading
- SharePoint document libraries - structure and management for files.
- How to create a SharePoint site - the site your list will live in.
- How to create and edit a SharePoint page - show a list on a page.
- SharePoint Online limits - list and library limits.
- SharePoint permission levels - who can add, edit and delete list items.
Mark Smith co-founded SmiKar Software in 2015 and has spent the past decade helping organisations solve Microsoft 365 data management challenges. He works with the SmiKar team to build solutions for SharePoint archiving, storage optimisation, governance and compliance, supporting customers from growing businesses through to Fortune 500 enterprises.
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