Setting a base (default) list

A base list (also called a default list) defines a standard set of list criteria that is automatically applied whenever a new list is created. This keeps lists consistent across your account and speeds up list creation by enforcing a global baseline of criteria that every new list starts from.

Base lists apply only to live lists, and are configured separately for People lists and Organisations lists — one of each.

What you can do

• Set a live list as the base (default) list.
• Automatically apply the base list's criteria whenever a new list is created.
• Maintain consistent list criteria across the account.
• Manage separate base lists for People and Organisations.
• Replace an existing base list with a new one.
• Identify the base list at a glance by the star icon after its name.

Set a base list

1. Open Lists from the left-hand menu.
2. Locate the live list you want to use as the base list.
3. Click the three-dot menu on that list.
4. Select Set as base list.
5. Confirm the selection.
6. A star icon now appears after the list's name on the Lists landing page, marking it as the current base list.

Replace an existing base list

1. Open Lists from the left-hand menu.
2. Locate a different live list.
3. Click the three-dot menu on that list.
4. Select Set as base list.
5. Confirm the change.
6. The previously assigned base list is removed and replaced by the new one. (Each of People and Organisations can have only one base list at a time.)

How the base list is applied to new lists

1. Click Create list.
2. The base list's criteria are automatically applied to the new list.
3. Add or modify additional criteria as needed.
4. Click Save and close, or continue to the Actions stage.

This ensures every new list starts from the same standard set of criteria.

How it fits with the rest of the List Builder

• Base lists only apply to live lists — a fixed list cannot be set as a base list. See Live lists vs fixed lists (and converting) (Document ID: 215).
• People lists and Organisations lists each support one base list.
• Base list criteria are automatically injected into all newly created lists.
• This supports standardisation across campaigns, reporting and segmentation.

Permissions

• Only users with admin access can set or change a base list.
• Non-admin users still inherit the base list criteria when creating new lists, but they cannot change which list is set as the base.

FAQs

What is a base list?

A base list is a live list whose criteria are automatically applied to every new list that is created.

How many base lists can I have?

One base list for People and one base list for Organisations.

Can I change the base list later?

Yes. Setting a new base list replaces the existing one.

How do I know which list is the base list?

The base list is marked with a star icon after its name on the Lists landing page. See The Lists table and controls (search, pin, three-dot menu) (Document ID: 223).

Do base lists apply to fixed lists?

No. Base lists only apply to live lists.

Do I need special permissions to manage base lists?

Yes. Admin access is required to set or change a base list.

Why use a base list?

Base lists ensure consistent segmentation rules and speed up list creation across the account.