# Customize the period close checklist

Add or edit checklist templates and choose which items block a monthly period from closing.

Canonical: https://demo.qixcount.com/help/period-close-and-audit/customize-period-close-checklist

Who can do this: Owners, or people with *Manage business settings, roles & permissions*

Where: Settings, then Period close

You'll need: Period close turned on in Features

Checklist templates define the items copied into a period's first checklist. Use them to change the wording or required status for checklists that have not been initialized yet.

## Add an item

1. Open **Settings**.
2. Select **Period close**.
3. Select **Add item**.
4. Enter **Item name**, up to 200 characters.
5. Enter **Description**, up to 1,000 characters, if needed.
6. Set **Required to close period**.
7. Select Create Item. You return to the template list.

![Period close settings with checklist items and the Add item button](https://demo.qixcount.com/images/help/period-close-templates.webp)

The required switch starts on for a new item. A required item blocks a period from closing until someone marks that copied item complete. The description explains the task; it does not automate it.

## Edit or delete an item

1. Select **Edit** beside a template.
2. Change its name, description or required setting.
3. Select Update Item. You return to the template list.

For an item that allows deletion, select **Delete item** and confirm. System items cannot be deleted. You can change their names, descriptions or required settings.

## What happens next

New items appear after existing items. Periods that already have checklist items keep their own copies. Opening a period with no items initializes its checklist from the current templates.

Next, [complete a period close checklist](https://demo.qixcount.com/help/period-close-and-audit/period-close-checklists).

## Who can do this and what you need

You need **Manage business settings, roles & permissions** permission. If **Period close** is hidden in **Settings**, turn on **Period close** under **Features** first. Template changes do not update existing period checklists, including checklists already initialized by opening the fiscal-period list.