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TaskPaper

Plain-text to-do lists with an outliner, for Mac

Free trial · from $24.99 one-timeTo-Do ListsChecked Oct 6, 2026
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What is TaskPaper?

TaskPaper is a Mac app that keeps to-do lists as plain text files. Each line is formatted as a project, task or note as you type, tags such as @due and @done add structure, and an outliner underneath lets you fold, focus on and filter long lists. Its developer, Hog Bay Software, describes it as finished software that is kept current with macOS, and sells it as a one-time purchase from its own site or the Mac App Store. It is also offered through Setapp.

TaskPaper is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $24.99 one-time purchase. See every plan

Good for

  • People who want their to-do list in a plain text file they control
  • Keyboard-centered outlining of projects and tasks on a Mac
  • Buyers who prefer a one-time purchase to a subscription
  • Users who like to customize an app with scripts and stylesheets

Worth knowing

  • Mac only, requiring macOS 11 or later. There is no iOS, Windows or web version, though other developers' apps can edit TaskPaper files.
  • The developer calls it finished software and does not expect to add big new features.
  • The user guide describes phone capture and notifications as weak areas and suggests pairing it with Apple Reminders.
  • The direct-download version allows three activations and does not support iCloud directly, unlike the Mac App Store version.

Key features

Plain text files
Lists are saved as plain text .taskpaper files that can be opened in any text editor or in compatible apps that other developers have written for iOS, Windows and Linux.
Auto-formatted projects, tasks and notes
Each line becomes a project, task or note as you type, and @tags add structure. Tagging a task @done crosses it out, and a command archives finished items.
Fold, focus and filter
Collapse sub-lists, zoom into a single project, or filter by tag, type or content with logical searches such as "not @done". Searches can be saved for reuse.
Dates in plain text
A date palette inserts ISO 8601 dates for tags such as @due and @start, chosen with the arrow keys or typed in TaskPaper's date and time syntax.
Import and export with Apple Reminders
Reminders captured on a phone, for example with Siri, can be imported with their due dates and priorities, and selected items can be exported to the Reminders app.
Stylesheets and scripting
Appearance is set by LESS/CSS stylesheets, and scripts written in JavaScript or AppleScript can automate the app and be run from its command palette.

TaskPaper pricing

Starts at
$24.99 one-time purchase
Free plan
None
Free trial
1-week trial of the direct download from taskpaper.com
Mac App Store License$24.99one-time purchaseBought through the Mac App Store and tied to an Apple account. This version is sandboxed and supports iCloud directly.
Direct Download License$24.99one-time purchaseLicense key bought through Paddle from taskpaper.com after a 1-week trial. One license allows three activations.

Read from apps.apple.com on Oct 6, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with TaskPaper before you buy.

Pricing in detail

Works with

TaskPaper alternatives

All TaskPaper alternatives comparedAll to-do list apps

Common questions

Is TaskPaper free?

No, TaskPaper is a paid product, but you can try it first. 1-week trial of the direct download from taskpaper.com.

How much does TaskPaper cost?

TaskPaper lists 2 plans. Mac App Store License: $24.99 one-time purchase. Direct Download License: $24.99 one-time purchase. Prices were read from apps.apple.com on Oct 6, 2026.

What platforms does TaskPaper work on?

TaskPaper is available on macOS.

Does TaskPaper have an Android app?

No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. TaskPaper is listed for macOS.

Does TaskPaper have an iPhone app?

No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. TaskPaper is listed for macOS.

Is TaskPaper open source?

TaskPaper is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 6, 2026.

What does TaskPaper integrate with?

TaskPaper's listing names Apple Reminders, iCloud Drive, MindNode, OmniFocus and Tinderbox. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.

Who makes TaskPaper?

TaskPaper is made by Hog Bay Software. It dates from 2006.

What are the alternatives to TaskPaper?

The closest alternatives to TaskPaper in our directory are Todo.txt, Things 3, OmniFocus, Checkvist and Godspeed. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with TaskPaper.

Sources for this page

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 6, 2026.