Todo.txt
Todo.txt: A portable, file-based task system for people who prefer plain text over hosted databases. Ranked #127 of 148 in To-Do List Apps by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Open source; best for minimalists wanting portable plain-text tasks.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forMinimalists wanting portable plain-text tasks
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Human-readable plain-text files remain portable and easy to control
- Supports A–Z priorities, project tags, context tags, and dates
- CLI management plus Dropbox-backed mobile clients cover core workflows
Where it doesn't
- No verified task reminders or recurring tasks
- No subtasks or broad platform integrations
- Android and iOS repositories are archived
Our verdict on Todo.txt
Todo.txt is a plain-text task format and open-source family of tools for managing to-do lists in a file you control. It suits minimalists, command-line users, and anyone who prefers portable, human-readable task data over a hosted database. Tasks can include A–Z priorities, project and context tags, creation dates, and completion dates, while completed items can move to done.txt for archiving.
Its standout strength is the narrow, transparent data model. The command-line tools support task creation and completion, with priority and context tab completion helping people work efficiently in a terminal. Because tasks are stored as plain text, the format is portable and easy to inspect. That focus also defines the trade-off: Todo.txt does not provide verified reminders, recurring tasks, or subtasks, so it is less suited to workflows that depend on scheduling, hierarchy, or automated task follow-up.
The ecosystem spans macOS and Linux through the shell-based CLI, while archived Android and iOS clients manage files stored in Dropbox. Dropbox is the listed integration, and mobile access depends on that file-based approach rather than a broad connected-app ecosystem. Todo.txt is a strong fit for people who value ownership, simple files, and command-line control. Choose another to-do app if you need active mobile development, built-in reminders, recurring tasks, subtasks, or wider platform integrations.
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Todo.txt pricing
Todo.txt fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Recurring tasks | Not verified |
| Task reminders | No |
| Calendar sync | Not verified |
| Subtasks | Not verified |
| Offline access | Not verified |
| Active task limit | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: Dropbox |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | todotxt.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Todo.txt integrations
Todo.txt lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- Dropbox
Alternatives to Todo.txt
- TodoistA complete task manager with broad platform coverage, recurring tasks, and team workspaces.9.2
- TickTickA broad to-do app for users who want tasks, planning, habits, and focus tools together.9.0
- Microsoft To DoA capable free choice for daily planning, shared lists, and Microsoft-connected task management.8.8
See all Todo.txt alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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