Todo.txt review
A portable, file-based task system for people who prefer plain text over hosted databases.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Todo.txt pros and cons
- 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
Todo.txt fact sheet, pricing and score →
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