ListPro allows you to create a type of list we call a "Two-Step" list. Start by creating a new list and choose the Shopping List template. Once you've created your list, choose some of the items in your list and flag them. Then, select the Flag Tool (or use the View -> Hide Unflagged Items, setting). This will cause only the flagged items to be displayed. You can treat this list just like any list and check items as you complete them. When you've completed all the items and you reset the list, all the checks and flags are cleared from any items which have been checked. By default, Flagged items which have not been checked will not be cleared, although you can also configure the list to clear all the flags or none of the flags when you reset it.

The best example of a two-step list is a shopping list. When you first create the shopping list, you enter into the list any of the items you might buy when you do a particular kind of shopping (for example, office supplies, or groceries). Once you've entered your items, whenever you think of something you need on that list, you flag that item. Then, when you go to the store, you select the Flag Tool, and the list you see will contain only those items that you've flagged! You then have a shopping list of just those things you've decided earlier that you need. As you shop, you check each item, and, when you're done, you reset the list. This clears both the checks and the flags so you can again start flagging items to buy as you think of them.

Use Two-Step lists any time you want to do (or pick up, or include) only some of the things on your list. For example, you could make a list of all the places you might need to stop on the way home. As you think of another stop you need to make, you can flag that item in your list. Then, when you"re leaving work, you can easily show just the stops you need to make that day.

Keep in mind that you can add the Flag column to an existing list at any time, or remove it from a list, using List Properties.

You can also use the flag column as the second (rather than first) step of a list, by flagging items for inclusion in another list when you check them. For example, if you create a list of people you've invited to a party or conference, you can check their names as they respond to your invitation. Rather than duplicating the list when you need to see who will be attending, you could use the flag column to designate people who will be there. Then, not only can you easily see who has not yet responded to your invitation (with the checks), you can also easily see a list of who will be there with the Flag Tool.

Combine Two-Step Lists with other ListPro list features and program features to create powerful lists that really make your life simpler!