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How to Use HTML List Generator

Turn lines of text into bulleted (ul) or numbered (ol) HTML lists, with nested sub-lists, numbering styles, start numbers and a live preview. Free.

About this tool

The HTML list generator converts plain lines of text into properly nested HTML lists. Put each item on its own line and indent sub-items with spaces or tabs; the generator builds the matching <ul> or <ol> structure with nested lists inside the right <li> elements. Choose numbering styles like 1, a or i, a start number and a CSS class.

How to use HTML List Generator

  1. Type or paste your items, one per line, indenting sub-items with two spaces or a tab.
  2. Choose a bulleted or numbered list and, for numbered lists, the numbering style and start number.
  3. Copy the HTML and check the live preview.

Worked example

Lines "Fruits", " Apples", " Bananas" and "Grains" become a list with Apples and Bananas nested inside the Fruits item.

What is the difference between ul and ol?

<ul> is an unordered, bulleted list; <ol> is an ordered, numbered list for steps or rankings.

How do I nest a list?

Indent the sub-items by two spaces or one tab more than their parent. The generator puts the nested list inside the parent <li>, which is the valid HTML structure.

Should special characters be escaped?

Keep escaping on unless your items already contain HTML such as links, so characters like & and < display correctly.

Put this guide into practice

  • HTML List Generator — Turn lines of text into bulleted or numbered HTML lists, with nesting.

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