How do I use org-mode's checkboxes?

Question

I'm unsure how to use checkboxes in Emacs. I'm using Emacs 24.3.

The documentation suggests the use of org-toggle-checkbox as "With a single prefix argument, add an empty checkbox..."

I've tried starting with an existing list (with org-mode as the major mode), as in:

* shopping list
** eggs
** bread
** Tesla Model S
** bacon

Whether I put point in "shopping list", or in "eggs", pressing C-u C-c C-x C-b (which runs org-toggle-checkbox) results in the error "No item in subtree" being printed to the minibuffer. This behavior happens without my init file (emacs -Q), so it's purely an org-mode issue.

What's the right way to start using checkboxes?

Answer 1

As the manual link states, checkboxes only work in plain lists. Your example uses headlines. You need to use the checkboxes this way:

* shopping list

  - eggs
  - bread
  - Tesla Model S
  - bacon

Now, when you're on "eggs", you can hit C-u C-c C-c (C-u C-c C-x C-b also works) to toggle the checkbox. C-c C-c will then toggle whether the checkbox is checked or not.

If you are already in a checkbox list, then M-S-RET will add a new item with a checkbox.