Things
culturedcode.com/thingsBuild Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
The award-winning personal task manager that helps you plan your day, manage your projects, and make real progress toward your goals
How to Replace ThingsOverview
Features
45 features across 21 categories
Accessibility(1)
Support for system-wide dynamic type settings for customized text sizes
Appearance(1)
Dark theme option for reduced eye strain and improved visibility in low-light conditions
Automation(1)
Native support for Apple Shortcuts automation framework
Content(1)
Support for Markdown formatting in project and task notes
Core Functionality(1)
Create and manage to-dos with a clean, distraction-free interface that opens like a piece of paper when selected
Design(1)
Custom-built animation toolkit with purposeful, smooth animations throughout the app
Input(2)
Full keyboard and trackpad support on iPad for desktop-like experience
Extensive collection of keyboard shortcuts for power users
Integration(4)
Display calendar events alongside to-dos, with ability to choose which calendars to show (Personal, Family, Work, etc.)
Convert emails into tasks by sending them to Things
Custom URL scheme for deep linking and automation
Integration with system writing tools for text editing
Interface(12)
Swipe away sidebar on iPad in portrait and landscape modes to focus on single list
Quick actions available from iOS Control Center and lock screen
Tap and hold multi-selected items to drag them as a group to any location on the list
Haptic feedback on interactions for tactile confirmation
Quick action shortcuts available from app icon on home screen
Intelligent plus button that creates new to-dos with ability to drag it to insert tasks in specific locations, create headings by dragging to left margin, or drop to inbox
Select multiple items at once by swiping up or down on circles in selection mode for batch operations
Open multiple projects in separate panes, drag to-dos between them, use on multiple displays and desktop spaces with split view support on macOS
Collapse sidebar with two-finger swipe to eliminate distractions and focus on current tasks, with continued navigation via window title or Type Travel
Use Things in split view on iOS and macOS
Convenient access to frequently used commands via Mac Touch Bar
Home screen and lock screen widgets for quick access to tasks and lists
Mobile(1)
Apple Watch app that displays tasks, checklists, and project headings for on-the-go task management
Notifications(1)
Set reminders for specific times through clicking, typing, or voice commands via Siri with instant cross-device synchronization
Organization(7)
Break up large projects into smaller parts using categorized headings, with ability to drag and drop entire groups and archive headings with associated tasks
Organize related tasks into projects with structure and hierarchy
Easily move to-dos across projects with type-to-filter functionality for selecting destination
Organized sidebar that groups projects underneath their areas for improved clarity
Add tags to tasks for categorization and filtering across the app
Separate list for tasks that can only be done later in the day or at home
Daily task list that shows all tasks scheduled for today along with integrated calendar events
Planning(1)
Weekly planning view showing scheduled to-dos, repeating to-dos, deadlines, and calendar events for the coming days
Scheduling(1)
Quick scheduling popover for setting dates with natural language recognition (e.g., 'Tomorrow', 'Saturday', 'in four days', 'August 1')
Search(2)
Search all to-dos with a specific tag across the entire app in milliseconds
Fast search and navigation by typing project names, to-dos, or tags with instant results and real-time filtering
Sync(3)
Quick synchronization of data across devices
Enhanced cloud synchronization that instantly pushes newly set reminders to all devices rather than waiting for routine syncs
Seamless continuity between Mac and iOS devices to continue tasks across devices
Task Details(1)
Break down task details into step-by-step checklists, with ability to paste in bulleted lists from other apps for conversion
Visualization(1)
Visual progress indicators showing completion percentage of projects at a glance
Voice(1)
Voice control via Siri to create tasks and set reminders
Widget(1)
Widget showing today's tasks and upcoming items
Cost Calculator
Pricing data not available for Things. Check their website for current pricing.
Build vs Buy
Should you build a Things alternative or buy the subscription? Estimate based on 45 features.
Buy Things
Better ValueBuild Your Own
Buying Things saves ~$36,960 over 3 years vs building.
Estimates based on 45 features and a BuildScore of 5/5. Actual costs vary.
Integrations
5 known integrations