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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Mindwtr.

General

What is Mindwtr?

Mindwtr is a cross-platform Getting Things Done (GTD) productivity app that helps you capture, clarify, organize, and engage with your tasks. Available for desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (Android, iOS).

Is Mindwtr free?

Yes! Mindwtr is open source and free to use under the AGPL-3.0 license.

Is there a roadmap or upcoming features page?

We don’t maintain a fixed roadmap page. The living roadmap is the GitHub Issues list: https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/issues

If you have a feature request, please open an issue and describe the workflow you’re trying to support.

Where should I report bugs or request features?

Please use GitHub Issues instead of email so reports stay trackable and searchable: https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/issues

If Mindwtr is useful to you, support options are listed here: https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr?tab=readme-ov-file#hearts-contributing--support

Can I open multiple windows?

Not currently. The desktop app is single-window to keep the local-first SQLite data model safe and consistent. Multi-window support is a common request, but not available yet.

Is there a donation page?

Yes — GitHub Sponsors: https://github.com/sponsors/dongdongbh

What languages are supported?

Mindwtr currently supports:

  • English
  • 中文（简体）
  • 中文（繁體）
  • Español
  • Deutsch
  • 日本語
  • हिन्दी
  • العربية
  • Русский
  • Français
  • Português
  • Polski
  • 한국어
  • Italiano
  • Türkçe

Where is my data stored?

All data is stored locally on your device:

  • Desktop data (Linux): ~/.local/share/mindwtr/data.json
  • Desktop config (Linux): ~/.config/mindwtr/config.toml
  • Windows/macOS: %APPDATA%/mindwtr/ or ~/Library/Application Support/mindwtr/
  • Mobile: Internal app storage

See Data and Sync for details.

Is there cloud sync?

Mindwtr supports File Sync, WebDAV, self-hosted Cloud Sync, and Dropbox sync (supported builds). See Data and Sync.

Does Mindwtr support iCloud sync directly?

Yes, on supported Apple builds.

  • iPhone / iPad: native iCloud backend is available in Settings → Sync
  • macOS desktop: native iCloud backend is available in Settings → Sync
  • Android / Windows / Linux: no native iCloud backend

See iCloud Sync and Data and Sync.

How do I sync with OneDrive (especially on Android)?

Mindwtr already works with OneDrive via file sync:

  • Windows/macOS: Put your Mindwtr data.json inside your OneDrive folder. OneDrive handles the sync automatically.
  • Android: The official OneDrive app does not provide true two‑way folder sync.
    Use a helper “bridge” app such as OneSync (Autosync for OneDrive) or FolderSync to keep a local folder synced.
    Then point Mindwtr to that local folder in Settings → Sync (Mindwtr uses data.json inside).

This is the same approach used by local‑first apps like Obsidian.

Why doesn’t Mindwtr have a “Sign in with OneDrive / Google Drive” button?

Mindwtr is local‑first and offline‑first.

Mindwtr now supports native Dropbox OAuth sync in supported builds, but does not provide native OneDrive/Google Drive OAuth integration. Expanding to every provider adds significant maintenance and compliance overhead.

For OneDrive/Google Drive, File Sync keeps your data in your control and avoids a large maintenance/security burden.

Can Mindwtr integrate with email (Gmail/Outlook) or accept forwarded emails?

Not directly. Building a full email client requires:

  • OAuth access to Gmail/Outlook (which now requires costly security audits)
  • Robust MIME/HTML parsing and attachment handling
  • Ongoing maintenance across providers

Current alternatives:

  • Desktop: Paste message:// or mail links in a task, or drag an email into a task note in clients that support it.
  • Mobile: Use the share sheet to send selected email content into Mindwtr.

Mindwtr does not offer an add@mindwtr.com inbox because that would require a central server to receive and store your email.

Features

What is GTD?

Getting Things Done (GTD) is a productivity methodology created by David Allen. It consists of five steps: Capture, Clarify, Organize, Reflect, and Engage. See GTD Overview.

How do GTD Horizons map to Mindwtr?

Mindwtr natively models the lower horizons:

  • Horizon 0 (Actions): Next Actions and task lists.
  • Horizon 1 (Projects): Explicit Project entities.
  • Horizon 2 (Areas): Areas group related projects.

For Horizons 3–5 (Goals, Vision, Purpose), there isn’t a dedicated entity yet. Most users track them with:

  • A Reference list (or a “Goals” area)
  • Project notes and links to those reference items
  • The Weekly Review checklist

If you rely on explicit Goal/Vision objects, please open an issue with your desired workflow and review cadence.

How do I enable Priority or Estimated Time?

Mindwtr uses progressive disclosure, so optional fields are hidden by default.

Enable them in:

Settings → GTD → Task Editor Layout

Turn on Priority and Estimated Time there (and reorder fields if needed).

How do recurring tasks work?

Mindwtr supports two recurrence strategies:

  • Strict (fixed schedule): next date is based on the schedule pattern itself. Example: every 5 days stays on that cadence even if you complete late.
  • Repeat after completion (fluid): next date is calculated from when you actually complete the task. Example: complete today, then next is due in 5 days from today.

Set recurrence in the task editor (daily/weekly/monthly/yearly), then enable Repeat after completion if you want fluid behavior.

How do I collect logs for a bug report?

Logging is off by default. Enable it only when you want to report a bug.

Desktop (Tauri):

  1. Go to Settings → Data.
  2. Enable Debug logging.
  3. Reproduce the issue.
  4. Copy the Log file path and attach the file to your GitHub issue.

Linux log location (default): ~/.local/share/mindwtr/logs/mindwtr.log

Mobile:

  1. Go to Settings → Data.
  2. Enable Debug logging.
  3. Reproduce the issue.
  4. Tap Share log and attach it to your GitHub issue.

Logs are local-only and redact common credentials (passwords/tokens) before writing.

Can I use natural language to add tasks?

Yes! Mindwtr supports quick-add syntax:

  • @context — Add a context
  • #tag — Add a tag
  • !Area or /area:<name> — Assign to an area
  • /due:date — Set due date (today, tomorrow, friday, next week, etc.)
  • /note:text — Add description
  • /status — Set status (/next, /waiting, /someday, /done, /archived, /inbox)
  • +ProjectName — Assign to project

Example: Call client /due:friday @phone

What are contexts?

Contexts are tags that indicate where or with what you can complete a task. Examples: @home, @work, @phone, @computer. Filter by context to see only tasks you can do right now. See Contexts and Tags.

How do I capture tasks quickly?

Desktop:

  • Use the global hotkey to open quick-add from anywhere
  • On Flatpak/Wayland, bind flatpak run tech.dongdongbh.mindwtr --quick-add as a custom system shortcut if the built-in hotkey is unavailable
  • Click the tray icon for instant capture
  • Type in any view's input field

Mobile:

  • Use the share sheet to capture from any app
  • Add the home widget for one-tap capture
  • Use the Inbox tab input field

Desktop

What are the keyboard shortcuts?

Mindwtr supports Vim and Emacs keybinding presets. Press ? (Vim) or Ctrl-h (Emacs) to see all shortcuts. See Desktop Keyboard Shortcuts.

How do I change the theme?

Go to Settings → Appearance. Choose Light, Dark, or System.

How do I sync with my phone?

  1. Configure a sync folder in Settings (point to Dropbox, Syncthing, etc.)
  2. On mobile, select the sync folder in Settings → Sync
  3. Both platforms auto-sync on data changes and when switching apps

See Data and Sync.

Does it support notifications?

Yes! Mindwtr sends desktop notifications for:

  • Due date reminders
  • Start time alerts
  • Recurring task reminders

You can snooze notifications for later.

macOS will prompt for permission the first time you enable notifications. On Linux, ensure a notification daemon is running.

Mobile

Which platforms are supported?

  • Android: Full support via Google Play or APK download
  • iOS: Available on the App Store and via TestFlight beta. Maintaining the App Store release still requires an annual Apple Developer fee, so sponsorship support helps keep iOS available.

Why does editing feel different on desktop and mobile?

Mindwtr follows platform conventions:

  • Desktop: single click toggles details, double click opens edit mode, and right click opens context menus.
  • Mobile: single tap opens edit mode and swipe actions handle quick changes.

These patterns keep the app fast and familiar on each platform.

How do I install on Android?

Install from Google Play or download the APK from GitHub Releases. Enable "Install from unknown sources" if prompted. See Mobile Installation.

How do I capture from other apps?

Use the share sheet! When viewing content in any app (browser, email, notes), tap Share and select Mindwtr. The content will be added to your Inbox.

Is there a widget?

Yes! Add the Mindwtr widget to your home screen for quick capture and focus items.

Is the AI assistant required?

No. The AI assistant is optional and off by default. Mindwtr works fully without it. When enabled, it uses your own API key (BYOK). See AI Assistant.

How do swipe actions work?

In the Inbox, swipe right on a task to mark it as Done. Other views may have different swipe actions.

How do I sync with desktop?

  1. Export backup to your sync folder (Google Drive, Syncthing, etc.)
  2. Select that folder in Settings → Sync
  3. The app auto-syncs on data changes and when going to background

See Data and Sync.

Does the mobile app send notifications?

Yes! Mindwtr sends push notifications for:

  • Due date reminders
  • Start time alerts
  • Daily digest prompts
  • Weekly review reminders

You can snooze notifications directly from the notification.
Tapping the notification body opens the Review screen.

Sync & Data

Will I lose data if I sync?

No. Mindwtr uses Last-Write-Wins merge, keeping the most recent version of each item. Soft-deleted items sync properly across devices.

Can I use multiple sync services?

We recommend using one sync folder to avoid conflicts. Pick one service (Dropbox, Google Drive, Syncthing) and use it consistently.

How do I backup my data?

Desktop: Use Settings → Data → Export Backup, or back up data.json from the app data folder. Mobile: Use Settings → Data → Export Backup to save a copy.

See Backup and Restore.

Can I restore deleted tasks?

There’s no single-task undelete UI yet, but you can restore your local data from a previous backup or recovery snapshot.

See Backup and Restore.

Can I import from Todoist?

Yes. Mindwtr can import Todoist CSV exports and ZIP backups from Settings → Data → Import from Todoist.

  • Todoist projects become Mindwtr projects
  • Subtasks become checklist items
  • Imported tasks land in Inbox

See Todoist Import.

Can I import from DGT GTD?

Yes. Mindwtr can import DGT GTD JSON exports and ZIP archives from Settings → Data → Import from DGT GTD.

  • DGT folders become Mindwtr areas
  • DGT projects become Mindwtr projects
  • DGT checklists become checklist tasks
  • DGT contexts and tags are preserved

Unsupported DGT repeat patterns are imported once and the original repeat text is preserved in the description.

See DGT GTD Import.

Can I import from OmniFocus?

Yes. Mindwtr can import OmniFocus CSV exports and Omni Automation JSON / ZIP exports from Settings → Data → Import from OmniFocus.

  • OmniFocus folders can become Mindwtr areas when metadata is available
  • OmniFocus projects become Mindwtr projects when needed
  • Standalone OmniFocus actions stay outside projects
  • Supported notes, tags, defer dates, due dates, completion state, and recurrence from the JSON path are preserved
  • Simple nested tasks can become checklist items, while deeper hierarchy is flattened with the original path preserved

If recurrence matters, use the Omni Automation JSON / ZIP export instead of CSV. Planned dates and duration text are kept in the description when Mindwtr does not have a direct field for them.

See OmniFocus Import.

Troubleshooting

App won't start (Desktop Linux)

Ensure WebKitGTK is installed:

# Arch
sudo pacman -S webkit2gtk-4.1

# Debian/Ubuntu  
sudo apt install libwebkit2gtk-4.1-0

App crashes on startup (Mobile)

Try clearing app data:

  1. Go to Settings → Apps → Mindwtr
  2. Tap Storage → Clear Data
  3. Reopen the app

Note: This deletes local data.

Tasks aren't syncing

  1. Check that sync folder is accessible
  2. Verify sync service is running
  3. Check file permissions
  4. Try manual sync in Settings

Notifications not working

Desktop:

  • Check system notification settings
  • Ensure app has notification permission

Mobile:

  • Grant notification permission in device settings
  • Check app notification settings

Contributing

How can I contribute?

  • Report bugs and suggest features on GitHub Issues
  • Submit pull requests
  • Help with translations
  • Spread the word!

See the Contributing guide.

See Also

Mindwtr • AGPL-3.0 License • dongdongbh

Home

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Data & Sync

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