- Taskpaper 3 2 – Simple To Do Lists
- Taskpaper 3 2 – Simple To Do Listening
- Taskpaper 3 2 – Simple To Do Listen
Appendix C
Mac OS X only: To-do lists are a great way to keep your mind and projects organized, but messing with your program or web-based list's features defeats the purpose. Enter TaskPaper, a seriously.
TaskPaper is a simple to-do list that's surprisingly adept. Unlike today's complex organizers, TaskPaper is just about you and your tasks. Best VPN Services for 2020. Most aspects of an OmniFocus item can be represented as tags in the plain text syntax used by Hog Bay Software's to-do list app TaskPaper. The Edit Copy as TaskPaper menu item provides an easy way to bring items and their properties (such as due date, tag, or repeat type) from OmniFocus to any other app that supports the TaskPaper tag syntax. TaskPaper 3 - Plain text to-do lists for Mac. (Mac, Task Management, and Tech) Read the opinion of 15 influencers. Discover 55 alternatives like Todoist and Wunderlist. TaskPaper now has more tricks, but at its core it's a simple system for list making in a plain text file.
OmniFocus as a standalone app is an incredibly powerful tool. Beyond what you can do with OmniFocus alone, the app interacts with other apps and services to help you get stuff done with even greater convenience and efficiency.
This appendix lists ways that OmniFocus can be used in tandem with other software to help you achieve your goals.
Today Extension
OmniFocus brings a status summary to your desktop with the OmniFocus Today extension, which you'll find listed in the Extensions section of macOS System Preferences.
With the Today extension turned on, you can view items that are due soon and overdue in Notification Center, and when they're complete, check them off right there — the items' status updates in the app along with any changes you make.
Choose which items appear in Today notifications with OmniFocus's Badges preferences.
To change the position of the OmniFocus widget in Notification Center, click Edit at the bottom of the Today pane.
Interactive Notifications
If you use notifications for OmniFocus on your Mac, you can add a bit more oomph to things that really need your attention by requiring an interaction when they appear.
To set up interactive notifications, first visit Notifications preferences and be sure that Notify on this Mac is checked. Next, open Notifications in macOS System Preferences and choose OmniFocus in the list of apps. Select Alerts as the type of notification you'd like to receive.
From now on, OmniFocus notifications you receive on your Mac will remain on screen until dismissed. You'll have the following options when dismissing an alert:
Close—Dismiss the notification from your screen without affecting it in any other way.
Actions—Open a submenu with the option to either mark the item Complete in OmniFocus, or Snooze the notification for 15 minutes. Postponing the notification in this way doesn't affect dates assigned to the item; it just reschedules the notification to occur again later.
Item Title—Click the item title to open OmniFocus and show the item in the Forecast perspective in your currently active window. OmniFocus will launch if it was closed at the time.
Copy as TaskPaper
Most aspects of an OmniFocus item can be represented as tags in the plain text syntax used by Hog Bay Software's to-do list app TaskPaper. The Edit > Copy as TaskPaper menu item provides an easy way to bring items and their properties (such as due date, tag, or repeat type) from OmniFocus to any other app that supports the TaskPaper tag syntax.
OmniFocus also supports pasting plain text lists formatted in TaskPaper syntax into the open window of an OmniFocus database. So while Copy as TaskPaper can be used to share OmniFocus items with TaskPaper itself, its primary use is as an intermediary between OmniFocus and other apps that support TaskPaper's tag system.
This can be used to (for example) batch process dozens or hundreds of OmniFocus items at once, round-tripping them out from OmniFocus in the TaskPaper syntax, performing the batch processing actions, and bringing them back to OmniFocus without loss of important metadata.
See this support article for more details on TaskPaper syntax and a list of supported TaskPaper tags.
Archiving and Backup
When your database grows large, unwieldy, or full of obsolete items, or when you need to refer back to versions of your data from days gone by, the archiving and backup features of OmniFocus for Mac here here to lend a hand.
Creating an Archive
After a while of using OmniFocus every day, your database may become quite large, and especially if you synchronize with a mobile device, things could get quite slow. Most of the items are probably completed or dropped items that you rarely or never need to review, so OmniFocus includes a command to archive those old items to a different file, keeping your main database sprightly and nimble.
To archive your old data, choose Move Old Data to Archive from the File menu. A sheet appears with a date field; any items completed before that date, or dropped items that haven't been changed since that date, will be moved to the archive.
OmniFocus saves your archive file in the same place as your main database.
- Omni store version:
~/Library/Containers/com.omnigroup.OmniFocus3/Data/Library/Application Support/OmniFocus/
- Mac App Store version:
~/Library/Containers/com.omnigroup.OmniFocus3.MacAppStore/Data/Library/Application Support/OmniFocus/
Where ~ is your home folder. If you ever want to look at your archived data, choose Open Archive from the File menu; your archive opens in its own window.
To retrieve items from an archive you're browsing, drag and drop them into the desired location in your main database (copy and paste works too). In either case, a copy remains behind in the archives; the archived copy can be retained as a record or manually deleted to keep things tidy.
Restoring from a Backup
OmniFocus errs on the side of meticulous data preservation, automatically backing up your database once every two hours, in one of the following folders.
- Omni store version:
~/Library/Containers/com.omnigroup.OmniFocus2/Data/Library/Application Support/OmniFocus/Backups/
- Mac App Store version:
~/Library/Containers/com.omnigroup.OmniFocus2.MacAppStore/Data/Library/Application Support/OmniFocus/Backups/
OmniFocus keeps up to 100 backups of your database at a time, which comes to about 2 weeks worth if you run OmniFocus continuously (more for most people, since a backup can't happen if OmniFocus isn't open).
To restore a backed-up version of your database, choose Show Backups from the File menu, then double-click to choose a backup file to view. It'll open in its own separate OmniFocus window so you can browse it and determine if it's the one you want; if so, choose Revert to This Backup in the notice bar and it'll replace your current database.
Printing
To print content from OmniFocus to paper (or save it as a PDF), first set up a window that contains exactly the data you want by focusing , selecting items in the sidebar, or expanding and collapsing rows in the outline. Then choose Print from the File menu. OmniFocus resizes the content to fit horizontally on the paper you've chosen.
Exporting
Your data belongs to you; if you want to send it to other applications, run scripts on it, publish it on the web, or do other exciting stuff with it that we haven't even thought of, you're more than welcome to write it out to the format of your liking.
To export your database, choose File > Export, and then choose a format and a location. The available formats are:
OmniFocus Document — This is an ordinary OmniFocus document, like the one that you use as your database. If you open such a file in OmniFocus, it appears in its own window and you can work with it normally, but settings specific to your database (such as custom perspectives and View options) don't come along with it.
Plain Text — This is a lightweight plain-text representation of your data, able to be opened in the text editor of your choice.
OmniFocus's plain text export is inspired by TaskPaper, the light to-do application from Hog Bay Software. As such the output should be roughly compatible and able to be imported to TaskPaper with a minimum of fuss; see Copy as TaskPaper for more on OmniFocus and TaskPaper compatibility.
Simple HTML — This is a single-file HTML representation of your data; the stylesheet and even the icons are embedded in the HTML. If you are proficient with CSS, you should be able to restyle the result however you like.
Comma Separated Values (CSV and CSV UTF–16) — CSV is a common syntax for applications old and new on all platforms: all of your data in a plain text file with its columns separated by commas. Once you have your data in CSV format, it's easy to run scripts on it, convert it to some other format, or open it in applications that understand it (like OmniPlan). If you're having trouble persuading other applications to read the non-ASCII characters in your CSV file, such as accented letters or non-Roman characters, try exporting with the UTF–16 CSV option.
Backup Document (OmniFocus) — This export option creates a file in a format (.ofocus-backup) that is essentially the same as the standard OmniFocus database format, with one key difference.
Unlike a standard OmniFocus database file, when you open a backup in OmniFocus, the option to Revert to This Backup appears in a notice bar beneath the toolbar. Click this button to replace your local default database with the database contained in the backup.
Applescript Support
With OmniFocus Pro you have access to powerful scripting tools using the built-in AppleScript library. To access the dictionary of scripting commands specific to OmniFocus, open AppleScript Editor and choose File > Open Dictionary (Shift-Command-O), then choose OmniFocus.app from the list that appears.
You can add scripts that live in your OmniFocus toolbar by placing them in the directory accessible from the Help > Open Scripts Folder menu item.
Check out the resources below to get started with ideas, tips, and help for adding automation to your OmniFocus workflow:
AppleScript discussion on the official OmniFocus Forums.
An AppleScript overview, tips, and an extended list of resources can be found at Inside OmniFocus.
Writing to-do lists reduces stress. When you are busy, when you've got a lot going on and a lot that needs doing, it can be easy to forget things or muddle up priorities when you need to focus on something more important.
Conversely, with everything written down, you can see what needs to be done more clearly, plan your time more easily, and stop worrying about things that don't matter. Professionals, students, and knowledge economy workers can't stay 'switched on' and focused on work 24/7. Being effective also means allowing your brain to switch off for a while, certainly when you are trying to sleep, and a to-do list is a great way to do that.
Advantages of writing to-do lists
The best thing about to-do list is the act of writing them in itself. Yes, there are a few tips and tricks, and some to-do apps are just stellar, but overall, once you make writing to-do lists part of your life, advantages will follow right away.
1. Get better sleep
Studies have found that those who write specific to-do lists for the day ahead, either at the end of the working day, or before bed, get to sleep quicker than those who don't. Your brain is liberated from thinking about the tasks it needs to do next because everything is written down, either in an app or on paper.
2. Become more productive
Simply writing down specific actions you are going to perform makes you more effective at doing them. Guessing, or winging it, isn't enough to ensure you accomplish your objectives on time.
Taskpaper 3 2 – Simple To Do Lists
When you have a full schedule, you have a structure, as an expert in productivity David Allen notes, without which people 'struggle to cope.' Scribbled notes on hands, in phones (unless you are using a to-do list app), and Post-It notes are just not enough.
3. Make big tasks more manageable
Insurmountable tasks, such as 'launch our Q4 marketing campaign' or 'write a book,' sound daunting. Often, these are put off till the last moment, even when they're important. It is far easier to break big tasks into smaller ones, and then tick those smaller tasks off the list as you work through them. You will gain a greater sense of accomplishment and achieve your goals more easily.
4. Control your time realistically
One of the worst things people can do when juggling a lot of tasks is have an unrealistic expectation of how long something is going to take. Unexpected interruptions or something taking longer than planned can cause mission creep. Tasks rolling from one day into the next. It can cause stress and delays, even sleepless night, anxiety, and panic.
Writing to-do lists down on paper has limitations. Quantifying and measuring time taken or the time you expect to take on tasks is one of them. With a paper list, you've got no way of that having effect on your agenda, which is another disadvantage. The perfect way out — creating to-do lists using specific apps.
Most effective apps for making lists
Truth to be told, there are tons of to-do apps out there. Some iOS, some web-based, some are for Mac. The choice is endless, and the risk of coming across a bad one is quite high. Below, we've compiled a list of the best to-do apps available, so you can compare them quickly and choose one that's right for you.
Make simple to-do lists with TaskPaper
With TaskPaper, you can make plain text lists of everything important to you, which will also be easily editable anywhere. The interface is distraction-free, so you can concentrate on tasks rather than complex settings.
Taskpaper 3 2 – Simple To Do Listening
The app is really as simple as download, write your lists, and then cross tasks off (using a @done tag) when you've completed something. TaskPaper makes it effortless to get what you need done quickly.
Create tasks the way you want with 2Do
Some people love writing lists, but hate to-do and productivity apps because it means sticking to a certain way of writing down tasks, which doesn't work for everyone.
But with 2Do, there is no wrong way of using it, and unlike other to-do apps, it won't force you into adhering to a particular task management methodology. Tasks can have notes, attachments, and multiple alarms. Focus and Smart Lists let you view tasks in different ways so you've got a clear idea of timelines involved in various projects and steps needed. The app comes with numerous other features and is well worth a look for those considering taking a new approach.
Break large projects down with GoodTask
Integrated with Apple Calendar and Reminders, GoodTask is a smarter way of organizing and prioritizing your tasks and projects, which lets you get big things done easier. Car mechanic simulator 2018 cheats.
Taskpaper 3 2 – Simple To Do Listen
Combine your tools to succeed with NotePlan
To-do lists evolve. A call or email now might rearrange tasks in an instant. Or you might need to write a more detailed note that relates to a task coming up. Paper notes and the default note-taking app in your phone aren't really effective solutions here, leaving everything scattered around and disconnected from your primary list of what needs to be done.
NotePlan, on the other hand, helps you build a productivity machine by offering not just note-taking, but a calendar, bullet journaling, and lists. Most importantly, it makes it easy for you to write down, find, and keep notes.
Get visual with Cloud Outliner
During the early stages of any big project, whether it is academic or business, people who are trying to solve problems find it helpful to write notes and outline their ideas.
Paper notes can be useful as part of this process. But if you want to take these ideas to the next level, especially when it involves creating something on your Mac, you are starting from scratch. Hence the value of a list making app. With Cloud Outliner, you can create, manage, store, and edit visual outlines and notes in a fun, consistent, and smart way.
Map your challenges with iThoughtsX
What happens when you've got a project with multiple moving parts and areas of focus? Or even a team to coordinate and work with? Mind maps are a great way to get started. Mind maps can be put down on paper; but often, that won't get you far when tasks need assigning and to-do lists need to be made.
iThoughtsX is a mind mapping app for macOS (with Windows and iOS versions available as well). Put all of your ideas down quickly and visually. Map out next steps. Make it easy to see what needs to happen, who owns different areas of the project, and the questions that remain unanswered.
Mind maps created in iThoughtsX can be exported and shared on other platforms too. You can import information from multiple other sources and platforms, and synchronize with various other services and platforms, including email and iCloud.
Find time for work with BusyCal
And finally, BusyCal is the most powerful, flexible, and reliable calendar app for macOS. It's packed with innovative, time-saving features, including customizable views, integrated to-do's, travel time, maps, natural language input, weather, moons, graphics, tags, and more.
So when it comes to picking a to-do list app, or more than one, consider what you need. Work out — maybe through trial and error — the most effective way for you to make lists and manage your workload and time. And then pick an app or two that makes it easy for you to juggle projects and work you've got to get done.
Good news is, all the apps mentioned above are available for you to try free with Setapp — a growing subscription to over 150 high-quality macOS apps. Get started with a free 7-day trial today and check out all the list-making apps you might need.
Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.
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