`org-autolist` makes org-mode lists behave more like lists in non-programming editors such as Google Docs, MS Word, and OS X Notes. When editing a list item, pressing "Return" will insert a new list item automatically. This works for both bullet points and checkboxes, so there's no need to think about whether to use `M-` or `M-S-`. Similarly, pressing "Backspace" at the beginning of a list item deletes the bullet / checkbox, and moves the cursor to the end of the previous line. To enable org-autolist mode in the current buffer: (org-autolist-mode) To enable it whenever you open an org file, add this to your init.el: (add-hook 'org-mode-hook (lambda () (org-autolist-mode))) To disable backspace deleting the whole list item, add this: (setq org-autolist-enable-delete nil)