Things plug-in syntax

To facilitate the creation of to-dos in Things, we provide support for LaunchBar, Quicksilver, and Google Quick Search Box via plug-ins.

You can create new to-dos by using this syntax:

#tag1 #tag2 name [project name/area name] ::note >duedate

Tokens can be entered in any order.

The default focus for new to-dos is “Inbox”. This does not apply to to-dos for which a project or area name has been specified.

You can enter any number of tag names. Tags have to already exist in Things, they will not get created if they do not already exist.

If the name of a project or area has been specified, the plug-in will first search for a matching project, and then for a matching area. Projects and areas in “Logbook” or “Trash” as well as suspended areas will be ignored.

It is not necessary to provide the complete name for a tag, project, or area, e.g. it is sufficient to specify #of to use the tag “office”.

You separate the title of a to-do from its note by using “::”.

A due date can be provided as either an absolute date or a relative value by using the “+” operator, e.g. specifying “+1” will set the due date to tomorrow. Absolute dates have to be entered according to your Mac OS X date format settings (see System Preferences > International > Formats). Known issue: Some date formats don't work properly in the current version. This will be fixed in the next update.

Please note that tags, projects, or areas are not created if the specified string can not be matched to an existing tag, project, or area.

Examples

#office Buy new toner cartridge

Creates a new to-do with the title “Buy new toner cartridge” in “Inbox”. The to-do will be tagged with “office” if the tag already exists.

#home Get tuxedo [Annie’s Wedding]

Creates a new to-do with the title “Get tuxedo” within project “Annie’s Wedding”. The to-do will be tagged with “home” if the tag already exists.

#fix Repair Warp Drive [Maintenance] >31.08.2009

Creates a new to-do with title “Repair Warp Drive” in area “Maintenance”. The due date of the to-do is August 31, 2009. The to-do will be tagged with “fix” if the tag already exists.

#errands Call Edna ::Need a new super suit >+7

Creates a new to-do with the title “Call Edna”. The to-do will have a note “Need a new super suit” and will be tagged with “errands” if the tag already exists. The due date of the to-do will be 7 days from today.

#travel Book flights to Hawaii [Vacation] ::Ask for an aisle seat>30.09.2009

Creates a new to-do with the title “Book flights to Hawaii” in project “Vacation”. The to-do will be tagged with “travel” if the tag already exists, it will have a due date of September 30, 2009 and it will contain a note “Ask for an aisle seat”.

#health Bike to work [Exercise] ::take the scenic route >+1

Creates a new to-do with the title “Bike to work” in project “Exercise”. The to-do will be tagged with “health” if the tag already exists, it will have a due date of tomorrow and will contain a note “take the scenic route”.