Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups
Register | Login

TaskPaper VS Things

Compare TaskPaper VS Things and see what are their differences

Insightful.io
The #1 monitoring employee software for clear insights into how your team works. Get real-time and historical data. Understand productivity at every level. featured
Contents:
  1. » Base Details
  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

TaskPaper logo TaskPaper

Plain text to-do lists for Mac

Things logo Things

Things is an easy to use task manager.
  • TaskPaper Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-18
  • Things Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-17

TaskPaper features and specs

  • Simple Interface
    TaskPaper offers a clean, minimalistic interface that is easy to use, making it straightforward to manage tasks without unnecessary complexity.
  • Plain Text Format
    Tasks are stored in a plain text format which makes the files lightweight and easily editable with any text editor.
  • Tagging System
    TaskPaper supports tagging, allowing users to easily categorize and filter tasks by different tags.
  • Flexible Structure
    You can freely structure your to-do lists and projects, allowing for a high degree of customization and personalization.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Since files are stored as plain text, they can be accessed and edited on various platforms without the need for special applications.
  • Fast and Lightweight
    The application is lightweight and runs quickly, which enhances user experience by eliminating lag and delays.

Possible disadvantages of TaskPaper

  • Limited Features
    Compared to other task management applications, TaskPaper may lack advanced features such as calendar integration, notifications, and time tracking.
  • Learning Curve for Formatting
    Users may need to spend time learning the specific syntax and formatting rules to take full advantage of the application's capabilities.
  • No Built-in Cloud Sync
    TaskPaper does not offer built-in cloud syncing, so users need to rely on external services such as Dropbox or iCloud for multi-device synchronization.
  • Mac-Only Desktop App
    The official desktop application is only available for macOS, which limits its accessibility for users on Windows or Linux.
  • Less Visual
    Due to its plain text nature, TaskPaper lacks the visual appeal and advanced graphical interfaces found in other task management tools.
  • Paid Software
    TaskPaper is a paid application, which might be a deterrent for users looking for free alternatives.

Things features and specs

  • User Experience
    Things is known for its clean, intuitive, and beautifully designed user interface, making it easy to use.
  • Integration with Apple Ecosystem
    Seamlessly integrates with macOS and iOS devices, offering features like Handoff and deep Apple Calendar integration.
  • Powerful Task Management
    Supports projects, areas, headings, and tags, providing a robust system for managing complex tasks and workflows.
  • Quick Entry
    Provides a quick entry function allowing users to capture tasks efficiently, which can later be categorized and detailed.
  • Updates and Support
    Regularly updated with new features and enhancements, backed by reliable customer support.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts
    Offers extensive keyboard shortcuts for power users to navigate and manage tasks quickly.
  • Natural Language Processing
    Allows users to input tasks using natural language, which is then intelligently parsed and scheduled.

Possible disadvantages of Things

  • Cost
    Things requires a one-time purchase for each platform (macOS, iOS), making it relatively expensive compared to some subscription-based competitors.
  • Platform Limitation
    Only available on Apple devices (macOS and iOS), making it inaccessible for users on Windows, Android, or other platforms.
  • No Collaboration Features
    Lacks built-in collaboration tools, which can be a drawback for teams looking to share and manage tasks collectively.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, fully utilizing advanced features can require time and a deeper understanding.
  • Limited Automation
    Offers fewer automation options and integrations compared to some competitors like Todoist or Microsoft To Do.

Analysis of TaskPaper

Overall verdict

  • TaskPaper is a great tool for those who appreciate a lightweight, distraction-free environment for managing their tasks. It's particularly suitable for users who prefer to use their own methods of organizing tasks without being constrained by a predetermined workflow.

Why this product is good

  • TaskPaper is known for its simplicity and flexibility. It provides a plaintext format for tasks, allowing users to easily manage and organize tasks without the complexity often found in more feature-rich task management applications. Its minimalist design and quick keyboard shortcuts facilitate fast task entry and management. Additionally, TaskPaper's plaintext files are easy to integrate with other tools and can be version-controlled using Git.

Recommended for

  • minimalists
  • productivity enthusiasts
  • people who prefer plaintext editing
  • users who value simplicity over feature richness
  • those who work well with keyboard shortcuts
  • individuals who integrate task management with tools like Dropbox or version control systems

Analysis of Things

Overall verdict

  • Things is widely regarded as an excellent productivity tool, especially for Apple ecosystem users. It combines elegance with functionality, making it a top choice for those who prefer a minimalist but powerful task manager.

Why this product is good

  • Things by Cultured Code is highly acclaimed for its clean, intuitive design and effective task management features. It provides a seamless user experience with its natural language input, powerful integration with macOS and iOS, and features like projects, areas, deadlines, and reminders that help users organize their tasks efficiently. The app is particularly praised for its focus on simplicity and ease of use, which allows users to focus on their tasks without being overwhelmed by features.

Recommended for

    Things is ideal for individuals who are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and appreciate a minimalist design approach. It's perfect for users who prefer a straightforward, no-frills task management system that emphasizes ease of use, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.

TaskPaper videos

+ Add

SCOM0823 - TaskPaper for macOS - Preview

More videos:

  • Review - TaskPaper 2 One-Minute Review
  • Review - TaskPaper for Mac

Things videos

+ Add

Brandon's Cult Movie Reviews: THINGS

More videos:

  • Review - Things 3: Full Review (2019)
  • Review - OmniFocus vs. Things 3 review: which is best for you?

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to TaskPaper and Things)

TaskPaper

Things

Task Management
18 18%
Task Management
82% 82
Productivity
22 22%
Productivity
78% 78
Project Management
12 12%
Project Management
88% 88
Todos
18 18%
Todos
82% 82

User comments

Share your experience with using TaskPaper and Things. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare TaskPaper and Things

TaskPaper Reviews

We have no reviews of TaskPaper yet.
Be the first one to post

Things Reviews

11 Ayanza Alternatives
Things 3 is a multi-award-winning personal task manager that assists you in keeping track of your tasks. The environment of the application is attractive with a fresh new look, delightful integrations, and powerful features. It has been completely effective to boost efficiency with easy to use and is attractive to the eye. The themes are a creative and powerful feature that...
Source: www.justalternativeto.com
Five of the Best To-Do Apps for iOS
Things 3 is one of the few to-do apps that's not subscription based, and it costs $9.99 to purchase. Things 3 is also available for Mac and iPad, though each app must be purchased individually.
Source: www.macrumors.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Things seems to be a lot more popular than TaskPaper. While we know about 58 links to Things, we've tracked only 1 mention of TaskPaper. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

TaskPaper mentions (1)

  • Outliner + UpNote
    I've been using TaskPaper for a year now, and it is great for list-making and is all in plain text. As a side-tangent, TaskPaper may look simple and like another note-taking-to-do-list app, but it really is intuitive and amazing, especially when it comes to its powerful shortcuts and the ability to seamlessly move around lines of text. Source: about 2 years ago

Things mentions (58)

  • We don't need startups, we need Digital-Mittelstand
    Correct: https://culturedcode.com/things/ Looks like the different apps (desktop, mobile, iPad) have different prices, but all are one-time payments of $10-$50. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Essential Software for Mac Users: Three Recommended Efficient Tools
    Things 3is an award-winning task management application known for its clean, elegant interface and intuitive usability. It employs a minimalist design style, allowing users to easily add, organize, and view tasks, helping individuals efficiently manage daily affairs. While Things 3 does not support team collaboration features, it provides a smooth user experience on macOS as a personal task management tool. - Source: dev.to / 7 months ago
  • Show HN: I built a task manager that separates "Do" & "Due" dates
    How badly do Twos want to SEO rank on searches for Things? https://culturedcode.com/things/. - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • Ask HN: What macOS apps/programs do you use daily and recommend?
    Alfred - Productivity App for macOS [1] iTerm2 - macOS Terminal Replacement [2] Dropshare App - upload anything anywhere on macOS [3] Mimestream - A native macOS email client for Gmail [4] Things - To-Do List for Mac & iOS [5] [1] https://www.alfredapp.com [2] https://iterm2.com [3] https://dropshare.app [4] https://mimestream.com [5] https://culturedcode.com/things. - Source: Hacker News / 12 months ago
  • Ready to advance from Evernote, looking at Obsidian
    Currently, I use Things (https://culturedcode.com/things/) for tasks and Evernote for notes, and experimented with Freeform (I love the visual aspect and simplicity). At work, I've used Notion, Mural, Miro, LucidChart, Quip, and many other collaboration-based knowledge systems. I never researched the best of personal knowledge systems until now. Source: over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing TaskPaper and Things, you can also consider the following products

Todoist - Todoist is a to-do list that helps you get organized, at work and in life.

Microsoft To-Do - Task management tool

Asana - Asana project management is an effort to re-imagine how we work together, through modern productivity software. Fast and versatile, Asana helps individuals and groups get more done.

Listy Beta - The things you love, privately saved and beautifully listed

Remember The Milk - Remember The Milk is a task and time management application for mobile devices.

TickTick - TickTickis a cross-platform to-do list app & task manager helps you to get all things done and make life well organized.

Loading...