A Minimalist To-Do App for macOS

A new free application called Tasks.txt aims to simplify the often overcomplicated world of productivity software by returning to the fundamentals: a plain text list of things that need to get done. The macOS app was created by Ukrainian programmer Yevhen Kharkivskyi and is based on the todo.txt system originally developed by Gina Trapani. Rather than relying on a cloud-synced database, Tasks.txt stores all of its data in a couple of plain text documents on the user's computer, making it a straightforward alternative to the increasingly complex to-do list applications that dominate the market.

How Tasks.txt Organizes Your Work

When opened, Tasks.txt presents a simple list divided into three categories: Done, Next, and Backlog. The intended workflow is straightforward—users place tasks they want to accomplish today in the "Next" section and defer items they want to address later into "Backlog." As tasks are completed, they move into the "Done" section, which is automatically cleared at the beginning of each day. Beyond the main to-do list, the app includes an Archive tab, which stores every completed task from the Done section at the end of each day, providing a historical record of finished work. There is also a Scratchpad tab that functions as a blank text document for keeping notes alongside the task list. All of this data is stored in a couple of text documents that can be found in the app's settings and opened with any standard text editor, making the information easy to understand and manipulate.

Keyboard-First Design

Tasks.txt is designed to be used entirely from the keyboard. Upon opening the application, the cursor is already active in the text box at the bottom of the window, allowing users to begin typing tasks immediately without needing to navigate menus or click on icons. Pressing Enter adds a task to either Backlog or Next, depending on the selection made in the drop-down menu to the right of the text box. The Tab key switches focus from the text box to the task list, where arrow keys can be used to navigate between individual tasks. Pressing Enter again adds a note below a task's name, while Cmd+Enter marks a task as complete. Tasks can also be moved up and down the list using Cmd+Up and Cmd+Down shortcuts. While the app is built around keyboard efficiency, mouse input is also fully supported for users who prefer a more traditional approach to interaction. The application is available for free from the Tasks.txt website.

Privacy by Design

One of the app's most notable features is its commitment to user privacy. According to the app's website, there is no account, no cloud sync, no telemetry, no analytics, and no crash reporting. "There are no servers. Nothing leaves your machine," the website states. In an era where many software companies rely on data collection to fund subscription-based models, Tasks.txt's approach stands out as a significant exception. The fact that all task data remains entirely on the user's local machine in an open, human-readable format also makes it easy to export and use the data in other applications if desired. This combination of privacy and data portability is a rarity among modern productivity tools, where user data is often treated as a key revenue asset.

Built on an Established Framework

Tasks.txt draws on a well-established tradition of text-based task management. The underlying todo.txt system was created by Gina Trapani, a prominent figure in the productivity software community known for her work on the popular lifehacker blog and other developer tools. By building on this open framework, Kharkivskyi's app provides a polished macOS interface for a method that has long been popular among users who prefer plain text tools for organizing their work. The todo.txt format's simplicity and compatibility with other text-based workflows make it a natural foundation for an application like Tasks.txt, which prioritizes accessibility and ease of use over feature density.

Is Tasks.txt Right for You?

Tasks.txt is a well-implemented application that excels at the fundamentals of to-do list management. It is unlikely to satisfy users who require advanced features such as due dates, recurring tasks, team sharing capabilities, or AI integration. However, for those who want a simple, private, and elegant way to manage their daily tasks without paying for a subscription or surrendering their personal data, it represents a strong option. The app's clean interface, keyboard-driven workflow, and local-only data storage make it a compelling choice for users who have grown frustrated with the complexity of modern productivity software. Tasks.txt is available for free from the Tasks.txt website.

Sources

• WIREDTired of Cluttered Productivity Apps? This One’s Just a Text Document