The "Mako Protocol" : How to Train Your AI to Write the Perfect Checklist

January 14. 2026 | Documentation | AI, Features, Smart Paste

The Problem: AI Loves to Talk, Talk, Talk!

We all do it. We ask ChatGPT or Gemini to "Generate a packing list for a 3-day bikepacking trip," and it gives us a novel. It gives us bold headers, bullet points, introductory paragraphs, and "Here is a list I made for you" chatter.

If you are using Mako List, you don't want fluff. You want a checklist.

The Solution: The Mako Protocol

Mako List features a unique engine called Smart Paste. It is designed to take raw text and instantly organize it into Categories and Tasks.

While Mako List is smart enough to clean up most messes, for the best results, you can make it flawless by teaching your AI exactly how to speak "Mako."

You can set up a special prompt in your Personal Context (or "Custom Instructions") and teach the AI to generate a Mako List that works especially well.

Step 1: Copy The Protocol

First, copy the text block below. This is the universal instruction set that tells the AI to strip the formatting, and cut to the chase, and give you exactly what the app needs.

When I ask you to generate or make a mako list, put the entire result inside a single code block. Within that code block, adhere to this specific plain-text format: First Line: The list title (plain text). Categories: Write category headers as plain text on their own lines (do not use bold, colons, or bullets). Items: Start every actionable item with [ ] (bracket space bracket). No Markdown: Do not use bolding (**) or markdown headers (###) inside the block. Keep it clean.

Step 2: Tell Your AI What to Do

Every major AI platform has a way to save your preferences so you don't have to repeat them. Here is how to do it for the big three:

🟢 For ChatGPT Users

OpenAI offers a feature called "Custom Instructions" (sometimes located under "Personalization"). This applies your rules to every new chat.

  1. Click your Name/Icon in the bottom left.

  2. Select "Custom Instructions".

  3. In the bottom box ("How would you like ChatGPT to respond?"), paste the Mako Protocol text from Step 1.

  4. Make sure "Enable for new chats" is toggled ON.

🔵 For Gemini Users

Google Gemini uses a feature often called "Saved Info" or simply allows you to teach it via memory.

  1. Open a new chat with Gemini.

  2. Type: "Please remember the following formatting rule for all future requests:"

  3. Paste the Mako Protocol text. 

  4. Gemini will save this to its memory. You can verify this by checking your "Saved Info" tab.

đźź  For Claude Users

If you are using Claude (Pro), you can set this up in a Project.

  1. Create a Project called "Mako Planning".

  2. In "Project Instructions," paste the Mako Protocol.

  3. Any chat inside this project will now auto-format your lists.

(If you are on the free version of Claude, you can keep the protocol in notepad and paste it before your request!)

Step 3: Test It Out

Now, try it. Open your AI of choice and type: "Generate a Mako List for everything I need for a weekend camping trip."

The Result: Instead of a messy document, you will get something like this:

Weekend Camping Trip Shelter & Sleeping [ ] Tent body, rainfly, and poles [ ] Groundsheet or footprint [ ] Tent stakes (plus extras) [ ] Sleeping bag [ ] Sleeping pad [ ] Camping pillow Kitchen & Water [ ] Stove and fuel canister [ ] Lighter or matches [ ] Cook pot and lid [ ] Mug or cup [ ] Spork or utensils [ ] Water bottles or hydration bladder [ ] Water filter or purification tablets [ ] Trash bag (Leave No Trace)

Now for the Magic:

  1. Look for the 'Copy' icon or 'Copy Code' button attached to the code block.  (It will probably look different depending on where 

  2. Open Mako List.

  3. Tap + at the bottom of the screen and hit "Paste from Clipboard" in the pop-up. 

    Mako List will instantly title the task, and recognize "Shelter" and "Kitchen" as headers  (along with a cool accordion drop-down) and everything with a [ ] as a task. It's perfectly formatted and easy to follow, with none of the extra junk the AI tends to add.

Fast. Focused. Done.

MASTERING MINIMALISM :
The Hidden Gestures of 
MAKO LIST

Tags: HOW-TO, GESTURES, FEATURES

Mako List was built with a specific philosophy: If it’s not essential, get it off the screen. Most to-do apps are covered in buttons: edit pencils, trash cans, drag handles, and priority flags. They look less like a checklist and more like an airplane cockpit. ...

Read More...

YOUR DATA, YOUR DEVICE:
The "Offline-First" Promise

Tags:  FEATURES, PRIVACY

These days, it seems like even your calculator app wants your email address and location data. But Mako List offers a different approach. We believe that your to-do list is private. It’s a record of where you are going, what you are buying, and what you are planning. That isn't data we need ...

Read More...

EATING THE ELEPHANT :
Breaking Down Huge Tasks

Tags: WORKFLOW, STRATEGIES, HOW-TO 

There is an old saying about productivity: “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer is simple: “One bite at a time.” When facing a massive, complex project... whether launching a new startup, renovating a home, or learning a new...  

Read More ...