# A to-do app that's just a text file

> Tasks.txt strips away the bloat of modern productivity apps and returns to what actually works: a simple list.
- Title: A to-do app that's just a text file · WIRED | Shortify
- Summary: Tasks.txt strips away the bloat of modern productivity apps and returns to what actually works: a simple list. Most to-do apps are overcomplicated; a…
- Keywords: tasks.txt, productivity apps, to-do lists, mac app, yevhen kharkivskyi, gina trapani, todo.txt, text-based tools, privacy, simplicity, app design, to-do
- Source: WIRED — https://wired.com/story/productivity-app-tasks-txt-is-just-a-text-document
- Author: Justin Pot
- Published: 2026-09-19T10:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tasks.txt, productivity apps, to-do lists, mac app, yevhen kharkivskyi, gina trapani, todo.txt, text-based tools, privacy, simplicity, app design
## Most to-do apps are bloated
Productivity apps have become overcomplicated with features like due dates, recurring tasks, and AI integration. But a to-do list is just a list, and humans managed fine with paper for thousands of years.
## Enter Tasks.txt
Tasks.txt is a free Mac app from Ukrainian programmer Yevhen Kharkivskyi based on the todo.txt system created by Gina Trapani. It's a complete to-do app built on a single text file.
## Three simple categories
The app organizes tasks into Done, Next, and Backlog. Use Next for today's tasks, Backlog for later, and the Done section clears each day. Everything is keyboard-friendly and intuitive.
## Keyboard shortcuts make it fast
Open the app and start typing immediately. Tab switches to your task list, Enter adds tasks, Cmd+Enter marks them complete. No unnecessary controls clutter the interface.
## Your data stays private
Tasks are stored in plain text files on your computer, not in the cloud. There's no account, no sync, no telemetry, and nothing leaves your machine. You can open the files in any text editor.

> There is no account, no cloud sync, no telemetry, no analytics, no crash reporting.
## Simple design done right
Tasks.txt won't work for everyone, but it gets the basics extremely right. It's a well-implemented app that proves you don't need complexity to build something useful.
## Key takeaway

Most to-do apps are overcomplicated; a well-designed text file might be all you need.