TaskPaper: Simple GTD
If you follow tech blogs, you probably have heard of David Allen’s Getting Things Done or GTD. GTD is a methodology of allowing you to focus on one task at a time in order to complete projects in the most efficient way possible. There are many Mac programs for this system, but many are too complicated and cause the user to spend more time thinking about organizing the tasks and projects rather than just completing them.
TaskPaper from Hog Bay Software aims to provide only the bare necessities for project and task organization (which is the basis of GTD). TaskPaper is based around text-based files for simplicity while providing some formatting and organizational tools. The program makes project titles (denoted by Project:; tasks are denoted by - task) a larger font so they stand out as well as providing strikethrough formatting for completed tasks and the ability to assign contexts to tasks (denoted by @context). TaskPaper also will eventually allow filtering by project or context so you can focus on a specific aspect of your list.
Resembling an ordinary text editor like TextMate or Apple’s very own TextEdit, TaskPaper is built for simplicity. In the famous words of productivity guru Merlin Mann, the application acts as a “scafold” for your tasks.
Despite being a simple text file, TaskPaper is surprisingly powerful. The application automatically understands the entire document and can apply the right fonts depending on whether it’s a title or completed task. It will also filter out everything else should you want to simply concentrate on one task.
As all GTD-junkies will tell you, working in context is one of the powerful aspects of the GTD methodology. Context view shows you the tasks you need to do whether you’re in front of your Mac, at school, at work or sitting on the patio. TaskPaper can assign various contexts to different tasks. You can then generate context-specific lists for later reference.
Hog Bay Software has finally provided a solution for minimalists who want simple lists for their GTD needs. While it is still in beta (so the typical cautions should be exercised), you should give the program a try if you are tired of complicated GTD programs. Jesse says that AppleScripts and Plugins will be supported in the version 1.0 release, but I’d really like to sync with mobile devices like the iPod or a cellphone.
TaskPaper can be downloaded for free from Hog Bay Software. What do you think of TaskPaper?
[...] stored as a plain text file. Think about the possibilities this gives! In August, we brought you a preview of TaskPaper, but boy has it [...]