Post by David Pierce. Find me on Twitter.

A while ago, I had this idea: create a web site that does literally nothing but make a list. It can be as long or short as you want, it would be incredibly easy to add and edit items, and it would look gorgeous when printed out on paper – it would be a perfect application for online people and offline people.

Well, the people at Printable Checklist officially beat me to the punch, and created exactly that application.

Here’s what you see when you go to the Printable Checklist website:

That’s it. You couldn’t add more to it if you tried. You click in the box, and type your first task. Then, click “Add item” and add your next item on the list.

Your list can be endlessly long- I got to 50 or so and got bored adding new tasks, but presumably you can go as far as you want. Every item works the same. Click “Add item”, click “Click to edit”, type whatever you want, and press Enter. The end.

You can customize the title of the list by clicking “Printable Checklist”, and again, make it anything you want. There’s a trend here…

The lists, keep in mind, are designed to be printed out. You can’t check things off on the Web interface, or set due dates, or reminders, or anything like that. The only things that are editable are the number and names of list items, and the title of the list. You’re supposed to print it out, and check things off that way. Lists can’t be saved, either – it’s all analog except the creation.

Here’s what your list might look like:

This is not an application for tech-heads. It IS, however, an awesome solution for people looking to make quick, simple, attractive and easy-to-read lists to take to the grocery store, or to keep on hand during the day to keep you on task.

Personally, I have terrible handwriting, and type far faster than I write. If you’re like me, but get your jollies from crossing things off with a pen (also like me), you’ll love the Printable Checklist.

And darn them for stealing my idea.

Photo: gorbould