Task tracking is an essential part of productivity and project management, ensuring that tasks are organized, prioritized, and completed efficiently. macOS offers several built-in tools and third-party applications that can help users manage their tasks effectively. This article will explore how to use these tools for task tracking on macOS.

Built-in Tools for Task Tracking on macOS

1. Reminders App

   • Overview: The Reminders app is a simple yet powerful tool for managing tasks and reminders. It allows users to create lists, set due dates, and receive notifications.
   • Example: To create a new reminder:
     1. Open the Reminders app.
     2. Click on "File" in the menu bar and select "New Reminder" or press "Command (⌘) + N".
     3. Enter the task details and set a due date by clicking on the "i" icon next to the reminder.

2. Calendar App

   • Overview: The Calendar app can be used to schedule tasks and set reminders with specific times and dates.
   • Example: To add a task to your calendar:
     1. Open the Calendar app.
     2. Double-click on the date you want to add a task.
     3. Enter the event details, including the task name, time, and any alerts.

3. Notes App

   • Overview: The Notes app can be used for more detailed task tracking, allowing users to create checklists and organize tasks by project.
   • Example: To create a checklist:
     1. Open the Notes app.
     2. Click on "File" in the menu bar and select "New Note" or press "Command (⌘) + N".
     3. Click on the checklist button (a circle with a checkmark) in the toolbar and start typing your tasks.

Third-Party Applications for Task Tracking on macOS

1. Todoist

   • Overview: Todoist is a popular task management app that integrates with many macOS features and offers advanced task tracking capabilities.
   • Example: To create a task in Todoist:
     1. Open the Todoist app.
     2. Click on the "+" button to add a new task.
     3. Enter the task details, set a due date, and assign it to a project.

2. Things

   • Overview: Things is a task management app designed specifically for macOS, offering a clean interface and powerful organizational features.
   • Example: To add a task in Things:
     1. Open the Things app.
     2. Click on "New To-Do" or press "Command (⌘) + N".
     3. Enter the task details and organize it into a project or area.

3. Trello

   • Overview: Trello is a versatile project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to organize tasks.
   • Example: To create a task in Trello:
     1. Open the Trello app or website.
     2. Select a board and click on "Add a card" in the desired list.
     3. Enter the task details and click "Add Card".

Using Terminal for Task Tracking

While task tracking is primarily done through graphical applications, the Terminal can be used for automation and integration with other tools.

• Automating Task Creation with AppleScript: You can use AppleScript to automate task creation in the Reminders app.
  • Example: Create a script to add a reminder:

    tell application "Reminders"
    make new reminder with properties {name:"New Task", due date:date "October 20, 2023 5:00 PM"}
    end tell

  • Save the script and run it using the Script Editor or via Terminal with the osascript command:

    osascript /path/to/your/script.scpt