How to Build Your Own Things
Replace Things with a custom build. The award-winning personal task manager that helps you plan your day, manage your projects, and make real progress toward your goals
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 45 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Type-safe ORM for complex relational data models
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 45 features
Interface(12 features)
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
+7 more in this category
Organization(7 features)
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
+2 more in this category
Integration(4 features)
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
Sync(3 features)
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
Input(2 features)
Full keyboard and trackpad support on iPad for desktop-like experience
Extensive collection of keyboard shortcuts for power users
Search(2 features)
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
Accessibility(1 features)
Support for system-wide dynamic type settings for customized text sizes
Appearance(1 features)
Dark theme option for reduced eye strain and improved visibility in low-light conditions
Cost Calculator
Pricing data not available for Things. Check their website for current pricing.