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sleek
MITAn open-source todo.txt desktop app that replaces Todoist with private, plain-text task management and zero subscription fees.
Open-source alternative to — compare it against:
Overview
Todoist stores task lists on corporate servers and charges an annual subscription for reminders and filters. sleek keeps every checklist on your local drive in an open plain-text document, requiring neither an account nor a recurring fee. The desktop application gives that simple text file a clean graphical workspace across Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Why sleek instead of Todoist
Todoist is a managed cloud service where task databases, user profiles, and reminders live on remote servers. sleek eliminates cloud infrastructure. Instead of sending personal data to a remote host, the application works directly on a local todo.txt file. It evaluates priorities, deadlines, and project tags on your own hardware. A built-in file watcher monitors the document, updating the interface whenever an external editor or file transfer modifies the text on disk.
Managing tasks through a local file grants users complete ownership of their data, but shifts operational maintenance to the individual. Todoist syncs items across devices and delivers push notifications automatically. sleek has no native mobile apps or hosted synchronization service. Accessing tasks on a phone requires managing file transport yourself using shared folders or Syncthing paired with a mobile editor. For users wanting a focused desktop planner without recurring subscription fees, sleek delivers a private workspace where task records remain readable even if the application is uninstalled.
What it does well
- Plain-text portability: Stores tasks in the standard
todo.txtformat, so lists can be opened and edited in any text editor without vendor lock-in. - Context and project tags: Organizes items using standard
@contextand+projectlabels, letting users filter busy schedules through sidebar toggles. - Due dates and thresholds: Tracks deadlines with
due:tags and hides future tasks until their starting dates usingt:threshold parameters. - Repeating task automation: Automatically calculates and generates the next scheduled instance using
rec:intervals whenever a recurring task is completed. - Desktop interface controls: Replaces raw command syntax with visual date pickers, priority dropdowns, clickable web links, and dark and light modes.
