Skip to content
Todo.txt
Tool

Edited by Alex Surfaced·Productivity·2 min read
Share:

Todo.txt is a minimalist, command-line-based to-do list manager that emphasizes simplicity and portability. It allows users to manage tasks using a plain text file, making it accessible from virtually any device or operating system. Tasks can be organized using contexts (e.g., @work) and projects (e.g., +home), with support for due dates, priorities, and recurring tasks. The tool is free and open-source, with a philosophy of keeping the core functionality lightweight and easy to understand.

Official site linkedUse-case reviewedProductivity

Editorial check

How this page is checked

Official site:github.com

Source trail

github.com

External links are separated from Surfaced commentary.

Reader safety

Context before clicks

Product links and external services are not presented as guarantees.

Monetization

No affiliate flag

Ads and commerce links are kept distinct from editorial text.

Surfaced take

Why It’s Useful

Todo.txt offers a refreshing alternative to feature-heavy to-do apps by providing a highly efficient and flexible way to manage tasks for those who are comfortable with the command line. Its strength lies in its simplicity and the fact that all your tasks are stored in a single, human-readable text file. This means your data is incredibly portable and future-proof; you can open your to-do list with any text editor or use various companion apps and plugins that interface with the .txt file. For developers, system administrators, or anyone who spends a lot of time in a terminal, Todo.txt seamlessly integrates into their existing workflow without requiring a separate GUI application. It saves time by allowing rapid task entry and manipulation via keyboard commands, and its open-source nature ensures it remains free and adaptable.

Enjoyed this? Get five picks like this every morning.

Free daily newsletter — zero spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Get the day's top tech discoveries delivered at 6 PM.

Free, source-linked, and easy to unsubscribe from.