Can I use Siri to add tasks to Todoist on Mac?

Yes, but it requires setup. You must enable the Apple Reminders integration or use Siri Shortcuts. The most common method is creating a Shortcut via the macOS Shortcuts app that accepts dictation and passes it to Todoist. Alternatively, you can use the 'Import from Reminders' feature, where you tell Siri 'Remind me to call John,' and Todoist automatically scrapes that task from the Apple Reminders database and imports it into your Todoist Inbox.

Is my data secure and private with Doist?

Doist is known for a strong privacy stance. They are GDPR compliant and use bank-standard TLS 1.2+ encryption for data in transit and AES-256 for data at rest on AWS servers. Unlike some free tools, they do not sell user data to advertisers. However, they do not currently offer End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) for task contents, meaning technically, engineers could access data if compelled by law, which is a distinction from apps like Standard Notes.

How does the 'Quick Add' shortcut handle project assignment?

The Quick Add window allows you to use symbol shortcuts. Typing `#` followed by a project name (e.g., `#Work`) instantly assigns the task to that project. Typing `@` followed by a label name (e.g., `@urgent`) applies that label. You can also type `p1`, `p2`, `p3`, or `p4` to set priority levels. This creates a keyboard-only workflow where you can define the 'What, When, Where, and Who' of a task in a single sentence.

Can I view my Todoist tasks in my Apple Calendar?

Yes. Todoist offers a real-time 2-way sync with Google Calendar, which can then be subscribed to in Apple Calendar. Alternatively, you can subscribe to a project-specific 'Calendar Feed' (read-only) directly in Apple Calendar. For 2026, the in-app Calendar View is the preferred method for many, but for a unified view of your day alongside meetings, the 2-way Google Calendar integration remains the most robust solution.

Is the 'Pro' subscription worth it for a student?

For students, the answer is usually yes, primarily for the 'Reminders' feature. The Free plan does not send push notifications or alerts at specific times—it only lists the task. If you need your Mac to ping you at 10:00 AM to 'Submit Assignment,' you need Pro. Additionally, the limit of 5 projects on the Free plan is very restrictive for a student juggling 4-5 classes plus personal life. Doist often offers educational discounts.

Does Todoist support Markdown on macOS?

Yes, Todoist fully supports Markdown in task names and comments. You can use `**bold**`, `*italic*`, `[hyperlinks](url)`, and `` `code` ``. This is particularly useful for developers who want to paste code snippets into task comments or users who want to link directly to local files (using `file://` protocols) or other apps (using URL schemes like `obsidian://`) directly within a task description.

How do I backup my Todoist data on Mac?

If you are a Pro user, Todoist creates automatic daily backups of your data. You can access these via the web interface settings, download a ZIP file containing CSV/JSON representations of your projects, and store them locally on your Mac. For Free users, there is no automatic backup; you would need to manually use the 'Export as Template' feature for each project or use a Python script via the API to scrape and save your data locally.

BUNDL

AI Builder

JavaScript is disabled. Some interactive features require JavaScript. Core content is still available below.

Loading…

Todoist

Name: Todoist
Availability: InStock

To-do list and task manager

ProductivityFree

Todoist screenshot — Todoist — Official Website

Quick Take: Todoist

4.7

In 2026, Todoist remains the undisputed champion of cross-platform task management. While it lacks the native elegance of Things 3, it obliterates the competition with its functional versatility, API ecosystem, and collaboration features. It is the perfect tool for the modern Mac user who lives in a hybrid world—using a MacBook for work, an Android or iPhone on the go, and perhaps a Windows PC for gaming. The Natural Language Processing is a productivity superpower that, once mastered, makes other apps feel clumsy. The subscription model may deter purists who prefer one-time purchases, but the reliability of the sync and the continuous feature updates (like the AI Assistant and Calendar Views) justify the cost. If you need a digital brain that is everywhere you are, Todoist is the best choice.

Best For

•Freelancers & Remote Workers
•Students with mixed device ecosystems
•GTD (Getting Things Done) practitioners

Install with Homebrew

brew install --cask todoist

What is Todoist?

Todoist is the gold standard for cross-platform task management, developed by the fully remote company Doist. Founded in 2007 by Amir Salihefendic, it has evolved from a simple student project into a productivity powerhouse used by over 40 million people globally. By 2026, Todoist (currently v12.x on macOS) has solidified its position as the 'ubiquitous capture' tool, distinguishing itself with its unrivaled Natural Language Processing (NLP) engine. Unlike competitors that lock users into the Apple ecosystem, Todoist’s core value proposition is seamless synchronization across every device imaginable—Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, and wearables—making it the ideal choice for users working in hybrid tech environments. Technically, the macOS client is a sophisticated wrapper (utilizing Electron-based technologies optimized with native Swift hooks) that ensures feature parity across platforms while integrating deeply with macOS specificities like Spotlight, Quick Look, and Menu Bar commands. In the 2026 productivity landscape, Todoist bridges the gap between simple checklist apps (like Apple Reminders) and complex project management suites (like Asana). It adheres to the 'Getting Things Done' (GTD) methodology but remains flexible enough for Kanban workflows or simple grocery lists. Its relevance today stems from its mature API ecosystem, robust AI integration (Todoist AI), and a proven track record of 99.99% sync reliability, making it the reliable 'second brain' for professionals, students, and developers alike.

Deep Dive: The Technical Backbone of Todoist

Understanding Todoist requires looking past the interface to the robust engineering culture at Doist that sustains this productivity giant.

History & Background

Founded in 2007 by Amir Salihefendic, Doist was a pioneer in the 'remote-first' corporate structure, operating without a physical headquarters long before the post-2020 shift. The app began as a personal tool built during Salihefendic's university days. Over nearly two decades, it transitioned from a simple HTML5 web list to a comprehensive suite. Version 10 (the 'Intelligence' update) and subsequent AI-focused updates in the mid-2020s marked major milestones, shifting from passive listing to active productivity assistance.

How It Works

Todoist's macOS client is a hybrid. It utilizes a highly optimized Electron shell to render the UI, ensuring feature parity with the web version. However, unlike bloated Electron apps, Doist engineers have written custom native bridges in Swift/Objective-C to handle macOS-specific features like global keyboard shortcuts, Spotlight indexing, and Touch Bar support. The sync engine (based on a custom implementation similar to Operational Transformation) handles millions of requests, allowing offline-first capability where local changes are queued and reconciled seamlessly upon reconnection.

Ecosystem & Integrations

The Todoist API (REST and Sync API) is a gold standard in the productivity space. It allows for deep two-way integrations. Tools like Raycast, Alfred, and Spark Mail treat Todoist as a first-class citizen. There is a rich library of 'Doist Experimental' extensions and community-built tools (like 'Todoist-Habitica' bridges). This extensibility ensures that even if Todoist lacks a niche feature natively, a plugin or script likely exists to fill the gap.

Future Development

Looking ahead through 2026, Doist is heavily investing in 'local-first' AI agents. The roadmap points toward features where the AI doesn't just suggest tasks but actively schedules them by analyzing your calendar and energy levels (via HealthKit data). We also expect tighter integration with team communication tools (Slack/Teams) to turn Todoist into a competitive lightweight project management tool for B2B markets.

Key Features

Natural Language Input (Quick Add)

Todoist’s crown jewel is its Quick Add mechanism powered by a proprietary natural language processing engine. It allows users to type tasks exactly as they would speak them—e.g., 'Submit quarterly report every last Friday at 4pm #Work @urgent p1'—and the system instantly parses the due date, recurrence, project location, labels, and priority level. Technically, this relies on sophisticated regex and machine learning models that understand context, allowing for 'smart' date recognition (like 'in 3 days' or 'ev mon, wed'). This feature matters because it reduces friction; capturing a task takes milliseconds without touching a mouse. Usage example: Pressing the global hotkey `Cmd+Control+A` anywhere in macOS and typing 'Call Mom tomorrow' to instantly schedule a reminder.

Flexible Views: List, Board & Calendar

Todoist offers three distinct visualization modes for task management, catering to different cognitive styles. The traditional 'List' view is linear and compact, ideal for GTD processing. The 'Board' view mimics Kanban styling (Trello-like), allowing users to drag tasks between sections, which is crucial for visual thinkers tracking project stages. By 2026, the fully integrated 'Calendar' view allows for time-blocking directly within the app, syncing bi-directionally with Apple Calendar and Google Calendar. Technically, this renders task objects as draggable DOM elements that update metadata (dates/sections) in real-time upon dropping. Usage example: A content creator switches a video project from List view to Board view to drag a script idea from 'To Do' to 'In Production'.

Filter Query Language (Filters & Labels)

For power users, Todoist provides a query-based filtering system similar to SQL but user-friendly. Users can create custom views using boolean logic operators like `&` (AND), `|` (OR), and `!` (NOT). This feature enables the creation of 'Perspectives' (to borrow OmniFocus terminology) based on due dates, priorities, assignees, and labels. It functions by indexing all task metadata and allowing dynamic sorting. This matters because it prevents list overwhelm by showing only relevant tasks. Usage example: Creating a filter named 'Deep Work' with the query `(@computer | @writing) & p1 & today` to isolate high-priority computer-based tasks due today.

Todoist AI Assistant

Integrated deeply into the task editor, the Todoist AI Assistant utilizes Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance productivity. It can break down vague tasks into actionable sub-tasks, rewrite task descriptions to be more actionable, or suggest priorities based on your history. Technically, this connects via API to Doist’s secure AI processing layer, sending the task text and receiving structured JSON suggestions back. This matters in 2026 as it reduces the cognitive load of project planning. Usage example: A user right-clicks a task named 'Plan vacation to Japan' and selects 'Break down task,' causing the AI to generate 10 sub-tasks like 'Book flights,' 'Research hotels,' and 'Check visa requirements.'

Team Workspaces & Shared Projects

Todoist bridges personal and professional productivity through 'Team Workspaces.' Unlike personal projects, these are distinct environments with granular permission settings (admin, member, guest). It allows for assigning tasks to others, commenting on tasks, and uploading attachments. The backend uses real-time WebSocket connections to push updates instantly to all collaborators, ensuring no sync conflicts. This is vital for small teams or families who need a shared source of truth without the bloat of enterprise software. Usage example: A freelance developer shares a project with a client, allowing the client to add bug reports as tasks while the developer marks them as complete, with notification logs tracking all activity.

Productivity Visualizations (Karma)

Karma is Todoist's gamification engine designed to build positive habits. It tracks completed tasks, streaks, and adherence to daily/weekly goals, visualizing this data in trend graphs. It awards 'Karma points' for consistency and deducts them for neglect (though this can be toggled off). Technically, this is a local analytics aggregation that syncs to the cloud to maintain your 'level' (e.g., Grandmaster). It matters because it provides dopamine feedback loops that encourage user retention and consistency. Usage example: A user checks their Karma stats on Sunday evening to see they have maintained a 50-day streak, motivating them to plan the week ahead to keep the streak alive.

Who Should Use Todoist?

1The Freelance Developer

Alex, a freelance web developer, juggles three client projects and personal maintenance. He uses Todoist as his central hub. He starts his day reviewing his 'Today' view, which aggregates tasks from different client projects. He uses the global Quick Add shortcut (`Cmd+Shift+A`) to capture bug reports during calls: 'Fix navbar z-index issue on staging #ClientA @bug today'. He relies heavily on the 'Filters' feature, specifically a filter named 'Code Mode' (`@coding & p1`), to block out distractions. When a client emails a request, Alex uses the Todoist integration for Spark Mail to turn the email into a task with a backlink. The outcome is a clear, prioritized list that separates deep work from administrative debris, ensuring no billable hour is lost.

2The University Student

Sarah is a final-year Biology major writing her thesis. She uses Todoist to manage assignment deadlines and study schedules. She creates a project for each course and uses the 'Board View' to track the status of her thesis chapters (Researching -> Drafting -> Editing). She utilizes the 'Calendar Feed' integration to push her assignment due dates directly to her Apple Calendar so she can time-block study sessions. Using the AI Assistant, she breaks down the task 'Study for Finals' into manageable chunks like 'Review Chapter 4 notes' and 'Take practice quiz.' By tagging tasks with context labels like `@library` or `@campus`, she knows exactly what to do when she arrives at specific locations, keeping her academic life structured and reducing exam anxiety.

3The Busy Parent (Family Manager)

Mark manages a household of four. He uses a shared 'Family' project in Todoist synced with his partner’s phone. The workflow revolves primarily around the 'Groceries' and 'Chores' sections. As he notices items running low, he speaks into his Apple Watch (complication integration): 'Add milk and eggs to Groceries.' When Saturday arrives, he checks the 'Weekend Chores' recurring tasks list. He assigns 'Clean Garage' to himself and 'Vacuum' to his partner. Because of the location-based reminders, as soon as Mark drives past the hardware store, Todoist pings him to 'Pick up lightbulbs,' a task he added three days ago. The result is a synchronized household with fewer arguments about forgotten errands.

How to Install Todoist on Mac

Todoist offers a seamless installation experience on macOS. You can choose between the Mac App Store version for automatic updates via Apple or the direct version/Homebrew for potentially faster patch releases.

Install via Homebrew (Recommended for Power Users)

Open your terminal application (e.g., Terminal, iTerm2, or Warp) and execute the following command to install the cask: `brew install --cask todoist`

Alternative: Mac App Store

Visit the Mac App Store, search for 'Todoist,' and click 'Get' or 'Install.' This ensures billing is handled via your Apple ID if you subscribe through the store.

Login and Initial Sync

Launch the app via Spotlight (`Cmd+Space` -> Todoist). Log in using your email, Google, or Apple ID. Allow the app to perform the initial sync to pull down your projects.

Pro Tips

• Enable 'Launch at Login' in Settings > General to ensure your daily notifications fire reliably.
• Grant Todoist permission to access Reminders if you want to use the 2-way sync import feature.
• Pin Todoist to your Menu Bar for quick access to your 'Today' list without opening the full window.

Configuration Tips

Master the Global Quick Add Shortcut

Navigate to `Settings > Advanced > Shortcuts`. The most critical configuration is the 'Quick Add' shortcut. Default is often `Cmd+Shift+A` or `Cmd+Control+A`. Set this to a muscle-memory friendly combo. This allows you to capture tasks from *any* app (Chrome, Slack, VS Code) without bringing Todoist to the foreground.

Optimize Smart Date Recognition

In `Settings > General`, ensure 'Smart Date Recognition' is toggled ON. However, if you frequently type codes or technical terms that look like dates (e.g., 'no date'), you can set a specific removal key (like backspace) or hold `Shift` while entering text to temporarily disable the parsing logic so your text remains literal.

Customize Your Swipe Gestures

Go to `Settings > General > Swipe actions`. On macOS, you can use trackpad gestures on tasks. Configure 'Swipe Right' to 'Schedule' (to quickly bump dates) and 'Swipe Left' to 'Complete' or 'Select'. This mimics the iOS experience and speeds up processing your daily inbox significantly.

Alternatives to Todoist

While Todoist leads in cross-platform compatibility, the macOS ecosystem is rich with competitors. Users dedicated exclusively to Apple hardware often prefer native-code alternatives, while productivity minimalists might look elsewhere.

Things 3 (Cultured Code)

Things 3 is the primary aesthetic rival to Todoist on Mac. Price: ~$49.99 (one-time purchase). Pros: Built with native Swift/AppKit, resulting in unmatched UI fluidity and animations; winner of Apple Design Awards. Cons: Strictly Apple-only (no Windows/Android/Web); rigid structure (cannot nest projects as deeply); no collaboration features. Use Things if you want a beautiful, private, solo experience and never leave the Apple ecosystem.

TickTick

TickTick is Todoist’s fiercest feature-for-feature clone. Price: ~$35.99/year. Pros: Includes built-in Pomodoro timer, Habit Tracker, and Eisenhower Matrix view which Todoist lacks natively; often cheaper. Cons: UI is less polished and feels more cluttered; natural language parsing is slightly inferior to Todoist’s; sync speeds are generally good but Todoist’s are industry-leading. Choose TickTick if you want an 'all-in-one' productivity suite rather than a dedicated list manager.

OmniFocus 4

The heavy lifter for strict GTD adherents. Price: High (Subscription or ~$149 lifetime). Pros: Infinite configurability, 'Review' perspective is best-in-class, robust automation (AppleScript/JavaScript). Cons: extremely steep learning curve; UI can feel industrial and dense; synchronization requires their proprietary server setup. Choose OmniFocus if you are a power user managing hundreds of complex projects and require granular control over sequential vs. parallel task execution.

Pricing

Freemium (Subscription)

Todoist employs a 3-tier model. **Beginner (Free):** Includes 5 active projects, limited filter views, and standard collaboration. **Pro ($5/mo or $48/yr):** Unlocks 300 active projects, unlimited filters, reminders (crucial), auto-backups, and AI Assistant access. **Business ($8/mo or $72/yr):** Adds team workspaces, centralized billing, and admin roles. Most serious Mac users will require the Pro plan specifically for Reminders and unlimited Filter usage.

Pros

✓**Ubiquitous Capture:** The Natural Language Processing (NLP) is arguably the best in the industry, making task entry faster than any competitor.
✓**True Cross-Platform Sync:** Real-time synchronization that actually works instantly between Mac, iPhone, Windows, and Web without conflict.
✓**Powerful Query Engine:** The filter system supports complex logic (AND/OR/NOT), allowing for highly customized workflows that adapt to your needs.
✓**Extensive Integrations:** Connects with over 80+ apps including Raycast, Slack, Gmail, Outlook, and automation tools like Zapier and IFTTT.
✓**Collaboration Features:** Unlike Things 3, Todoist handles shared projects and task assignments seamlessly, making it viable for couples and small teams.
✓**Reliable History:** The 'Activity Log' and automatic backups (Pro feature) provide a safety net that prevents data loss.
✓**Karma Gamification:** Simple but effective visual feedback on your productivity trends helps maintain user engagement over time.

Cons

✗**Subscription Fatigue:** Essential features like Reminders (alerts) and Backups are locked behind the Pro subscription, which frustrates casual users.
✗**Non-Native UI Feel:** Being an Electron-based app (web technologies wrapper), it lacks the native fluidity, haptics, and polish of Things 3 on macOS.
✗**Strict Due-Date Dependency:** The system is heavily biased toward due dates; managing 'someday/maybe' tasks often requires workarounds or cluttering the backlog.
✗**Limited Subtask Depth:** While subtasks exist, they can feel clunky to manage in the UI compared to the infinite nesting capabilities of OmniFocus or outliners.

Community & Support

Doist boasts one of the most active and positive productivity communities on the web. The user base is massive, meaning answers to almost any workflow question can be found on the r/todoist Subreddit (70k+ members) or the official Doist Twist forums. Documentation is exemplary, with the 'Todoist Help Center' offering detailed guides on query syntax and integrations. While they do not offer live chat support, their email support is responsive, typically resolving technical sync issues within 24 hours. There is also a vibrant ecosystem of third-party developers on GitHub creating Python wrappers and scripts to extend Todoist's API capabilities.

Video Tutorials

Getting Started with Todoist

Peter Akkies142.5K views

Ultimate Todoist Setup For 2025 - Get Organised Now!

Carl Pullein • 77.9K views

How to get thoughts out of your head (and your notes app) and into Todoist

Todoist • 20.7K views

Top 3 free to-do list apps #todolist #todoist #productivity #habits #motivation #inspiration

Andre Nazare • 147.2K views

Frequently Asked Questions about Todoist

Yes, Todoist has robust offline functionality. You can create, complete, edit, and reorganize tasks while disconnected from the internet. The app stores these changes locally in its cache. As soon as your Mac reconnects to Wi-Fi, Todoist performs a 'diff' sync, pushing your changes to the cloud and pulling down any updates from other devices. It handles conflict resolution automatically, usually prioritizing the most recent timestamp.

Our Verdict

4.7/5

Best for:Freelancers & Remote WorkersStudents with mixed device ecosystemsGTD (Getting Things Done) practitioners

About the Author

Jordan Kim

Productivity & Workflow Analyst

Productivity ApplicationsNote-Taking & Knowledge ManagementTask & Project Management

8+ years in operations management · PMP certified

Related Technologies & Concepts

Amir SalihefendicDoistGTD (Getting Things Done)ElectronKanbanNatural Language ProcessingRaycast

Sources & References

Fact-Checked

Last verified: Feb 15, 2026

1
Todoist Official
Accessed Feb 15, 2026

Research queries: Todoist Mac 2026

Compare Todoist

Todoist vs TickTick

task management

More Productivity

Explore More on Bundl

All Apps Comparisons Free Alternatives Collections

Similar Apps