How to list child pages with a macro in Confluence
Add a dynamic child-page list with Confluence’s Child items macro, selecting a parent and the depth to display.
Current Cloud naming includes folders and other nested content, not only pages. For a launch hub, list direct workstreams first and reveal deeper checklists only when readers need that detail.
Step-by-step guide
Pick the navigation boundary
Choose the parent whose children should appear. For example, use the “Autumn launch” hub rather than the space root so readers see launch workstreams instead of every product document. Check that the expected child items actually sit under that parent.
Insert the native macro
Edit the hub and type /childitems. The initial list uses the current page as its parent. Select the macro and its Edit icon to set another Parent item through the configuration panel if necessary.
Set depth and presentation
Keep Show all levels off for direct children, or choose a limited number of levels. Use Title sorting for a predictable alphabetical directory or Content tree to respect the sidebar’s curated order. Choose previews only when they help readers distinguish similar titles.
Verify as a reader
Publish and inspect the list with a representative user. It dynamically reflects added children and changed titles, but each reader sees only items they can view. A missing restricted child can be correct behavior, not a broken macro.
Common mistakes
Exposing the full tree unnecessarily
A deep list can overwhelm the hub. Prefer a deliberate depth and let readers open a workstream for its detailed navigation.
Sources and verification
Based on product documentation checked on 2026-11-04. This is a documentation-based guide, not a hands-on benchmark. Features and availability can change.