By default, every node in Workflowy is a bullet. But any node can be changed into a different type, and you can change it back again just as easily. The content stays intact.

You change a node's type from the node menu, which appears when you hover over a bullet.

List types

Bullet is the default. Good for most things.

Numbered list works the same way as a bullet list but numbers the items automatically. Useful when order or sequence matters.

Todo turns a node into a checkbox. Check it off when it's done. Todos are searchable, so you can easily pull up all open tasks across your document with a single search.

Quote applies a visual style that sets text apart from the surrounding content. Useful for pulling out a reference or a key idea.

Layouts

Where list types change how individual nodes look, layouts change how the children of a node are displayed.

Board shows children as columns you can drag cards between, like a Kanban board. Useful for anything with stages or statuses.

Dashboard arranges children as panels, good for an overview of multiple areas at once.

Code block formats the node's content as monospaced code.

Mixing types

The interesting thing is that you can mix types freely. A heading node can have checkbox children. A board column can contain nested bullets. You don't have to choose one structure for your whole document.

Tip: A quick way to build a lightweight project tracker is a heading with todo children inside a board layout. Everything in one place, no separate tool needed.