Three years after launching, free users can now get started with Microsoft Lists online or through the app on Android and iOS.

Microsoft Lists was originally announced in summer 2020 and is expected to be available to all professional users with a Microsoft 365 subscription later this year. Microsoft originally announced that it would also release a free version of Lists, but it remained silent about it for three years. Until now, because from now on everyone can get started with it.

Microsoft Lists is built on SharePoint Lists and extends the functionality to Teams and Outlook. A separate mobile app (Android, iOS) and a web app are also available. The tool includes useful quick list templates, configurable color formatting, and even the ability to create alerts and processes.

Organizations can use Microsoft Lists to track issues, manage inventory, create event calendars, report project status, manage FAQs, and more.

Flexibility on every platform

Lists can be viewed in three ways: in a grid, gallery, or calendar view. The Grid is a classic view with rows and columns, the Gallery is mainly used for lists with images, and the Calendar is suitable for lists with attached dates.

Microsoft is also adding a rule system based on the if-this-then-that principle. You can set up notifications or reminders and even program lists to update values ​​based on changes. Finally, Lists also integrates with Power Platform, including custom list forms with Power Apps and workflows with Power Automate.

If you want to use Microsoft Lists in Microsoft Teams, you have to add the app separately. From there you can create new lists, import existing team lists as new tabs, and take advantage of all standard list features as found on SharePoint web. Teams also supports specific conversations about a list item and all user actions on the list are audited and available in the Security and Compliance tool.