Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
Things is a powerful, easy-to-use task-management app that can help you enter, organize, and act on items in your to-do list. Based on the popular Getting Things Done productivity method, Things gives you an elegant, streamlined interface--a classic, Mac-style multipane setup that doesn't require a lot of additional windows for its work flow.
Its clean interface even dispenses with columns, and you can use the app's flexible tag system for priority, task duration, or any sort of categorization that works for you. You can quickly enter new tasks from anywhere, using a system-wide shortcut, and you can include links to URLs, e-mails, folders, and files, along with due dates and other additional context. "Projects" lets you collect subtasks into a larger endeavor, "Areas" lets you group by areas of responsibility in your life (such as work or family), "People" helps keep an eye on delegated tasks, and the "Logbook" tracks completed tasks.
There are other, similar task-management apps available--including many that are much cheaper--but Things' killer interface, robust capability to scale, plug-ins with popular app launchers, support for AppleScript, and integration with a separate iPhone app combine to make this one of the very best applications of its kind. If you use Get Things Done, you need to check out Things.
Publisher's Description
From Cultured Code:
Organize your tasks in an elegant and intuitive way. Things combines powerful features with simplicity through the use of tags and its intelligent filter bar. A Leopard style source list allows for quick and easy focusing. Together with a beautiful user interface, Things aims at the seemingly impossible: making task management both easy and fun. The big picture. A Leopard style source list lets you easily focus without ever switching view modes or wrapping your head around filter criteria. A magical tag bar automatically appears when needed and adapts to the currently displayed list. It lets you drill down even the longest list of To-Dos. Hierarchical tags? We got you covered. Things offers convenient collaboration features. Easily delegate tasks to members of your team. (This is work in progress.) Whether it's multiple tags, dates or notes, To-Do items display their information on an as needed basis. No more space wasted by empty or irrelevant column cells. Out of your head, out of your way. A quick entry HUD lets you enter any idea the moment it hits you. Never let the thought of an unfinished business distract you again. Things even supports GTD, so if you're familiar and comfortable with GTD concepts, you'll feel right at home.
More Products to Consider
-
Personal task management.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Personal finance and money management for individuals and small...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Enhanced calendar app with iCal and Google Calendar sync/sharin...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Themeable GTD to-do list app with cloud sync.Visit SiteThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
-
Track and monitor all your income and expenses quickly and easi...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
NoteBook boosts your performance at work or school so you get r...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Write, organize, and blog a personal journal.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Powerful general purpose text editor, and Unix and server admin...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Save & organize any text you may want handy.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install - Edit mind maps, XML/HTML documents, and directory trees.Download
Installed
Smart Install -
Organize and share personal & workgroup info.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Countup/countdown chronometer.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install - Spoken-word transcription software.Download
Installed
Smart Install - Screenshot tool with important features for frequent screen sho...Visit Site
This download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
- Alternative to other mileage tracking apps that require recordi...Download
Installed
Smart Install - Video SIP softphone application.Visit Site
This download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
-
Puts your calendar directly on your desktop, so it's always ava...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Quickly create visually appealing mind maps.Visit SiteThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
-
Securely and automatically log into websites and store private ...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Automatically encrypts, saves and syncs notes via Dropbox on th...Visit SiteThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
-
Advanced file browser and manager.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Remove duplicates from any list.DownloadThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install - Outlining tool featuring a horizontal tree view.Download
Installed
Smart Install -
Personal database to organize contacts & photos, track projects...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install
-
All versions:
4.2 starsout of 32 votes
-
Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
Write review
-
"Used to be great...not anymore"
Version: Things 2.0.1
Pros
Great to use,
Support used to respond favorablyCons
Support doesn't like critism
Summary
The software is simple to use and was great UNTIL 2.0 version to be compatible with icloud. Without warning they took syncing away from customers, FORCING all customers to use the cloud. For those that don't use the unsecured cloud, too bad, they tell you are basically SOL. Its a shame that they cannot give you notice PRIOR to allowing the upgrade, to go backwards on three different machines and an iphone is just not possible. They have lost this customer and I wish I could have a refund. Instead, its important to spread the experience.
-
"One of the Best To-Do Apps"
Version: Things 1.5.4
Pros
Synchronizes perfectly across platforms. Very simple to use. Powerful enough to manage complex projects.
Cons
A bit pricey but worth the money.
Summary
Things is one of the best task-management tools out there. I have been using this app for the past few months, and have been completely satisfied with the product. The app synchronizes seamlessly over all platforms, from my iPhone to my mac. Everything is in tact. It's very easy to use, but is powerful enough to tackle large, complex steps in a project. Not only is it good for you personal use, but for business and work, as well. Has made my life that much easier.
-
"Simple yet comprehensive time management program"
Version: Things 1.4.5
Pros
I love this program. It has allowed me to create a single and portable list of my tasks. The update may allow more, the company hasn't said yet, but I have been very happy since my purchase a year ago.
Cons
None that I see.
-
"Makes life easier."
Version: Things 1.4.2
Pros
Makes organizing much simpler than other programs or means.
Cons
Not helpful for dated events.
-
"Great place to do a quick brain dump & go on with life."
Version: Things 1.4.2
Pros
Easy input, like the tagging and priority options.
Cons
Can't think of anything I dislike about Things.
-
"Works OK, but not innovative"
Version: Things 1.4.2
Pros
The product sums up what you have to do, integrates with iCalc and synchronises with an iPhone
Cons
The product is not very flexible and not easy to learn to work with.
-
"Assist me in day to day time management."
Version: Things 1.4.1
Pros
Ease of use, with more power than I currently need.
Cons
Once in a blue moon it loses the ability to sync to my iPad. You have to reestablish a connection.
Summary
I use this to help remind me of what I have asked my team to do, thus giving them the impression that I have a good memory. I have this app on both my Mac and my iPad, so it goes everywhere with me and allows me to enter task as they are asked of me. I really like it and have been using it for about three months. I would recommend.
-
"Hits the sweet spot between features and ease of use"
Version: Things 1.3.4
Pros
Clear design, easy to use, asthetically pleasant.Very important for a program whose purpose it is to be used several times a day. Different "urgency" categories make sense.
Cons
Sometimes when I have to deal with something that breaks down into complex interrelated sub-tasks, the program is not as flexible as I would like to be. But then, it might become too complicated for its own good. So better leave it like it is!
Summary
I have tried a lot of these kind of programs on Mac and on Windows, and even tried mindmapping applications to keep track of my to-dos, but Things finally hit the sweet spot between functionality and simplicity for me.
-
"Very useful"
Version: Things 1.2.11
Pros
I can run an iPhone version that syncs to my Mac. That is very handy.
This is a great program for when you have numerous projects each with different tasks.Cons
None to speak of.
-
"solid, simple graphic design and interface"
Version: Things 1.2.10
Pros
the sort feature into, e.g., home, phone, errands, etc.
Cons
When I start the day I miss the simple ability to rank todays "things" by priority for the day, not by tags, but how about a simple drag and drop reordering?
Summary
I like Things because it works. It functions in the way that I think, without unnecessary bells and whistles. Adding color might be useful, but could be overdone. Keep it simple.
