OmniFocus
PaidProfessional task management app for Apple devices. Implements GTD methodology with perspectives, defer dates, custom views, and powerful automation via Shortcuts.
What does this tool do?
OmniFocus is a dedicated task management application designed specifically for Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology implementation on Apple's ecosystem. It functions as a capture-organize-do-review system where users input tasks into an Inbox, organize them into projects with tags and due dates, then execute through custom Perspectives that filter tasks based on context or priority. The app syncs across Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro, with a web version for non-Apple devices. Notable features include Forecast (a calendar-like view of upcoming tasks), custom Perspectives (saved filtered views), notification integration, and Shortcuts automation support. The tool explicitly targets professionals managing complex task systems rather than casual users, with a learning curve reflecting its depth of customization and GTD philosophy adherence.
AI analysis from Feb 23, 2026
Key Features
- GTD inbox system for rapid task capture with keyboard shortcuts
- Projects with hierarchical subtasks and sequential/parallel execution modes
- Custom Perspectives—saved filtered views groupable by context, project, due date, or custom criteria
- Forecast view showing tasks on a calendar timeline with visual workload distribution
- Automation via Apple Shortcuts for task creation, updates, and custom workflows
- Tags for flexible task organization beyond project hierarchy
- Defer dates and due dates with notification integration
- Weekly review guided system to process Inbox and update project status
Use Cases
- 1Knowledge workers managing 50+ active tasks across multiple projects who need reliable weekly review workflows
- 2Freelancers juggling client projects with varying deadlines requiring context-based task filtering (by client, location, or tool required)
- 3Project managers tracking sequential subtasks and dependencies within projects using a GTD framework
- 4Entrepreneurs building business operations systems with automated task capture via Shortcuts and custom reporting
- 5Academic researchers managing research papers, writing, and administrative tasks with defer dates and someday/maybe queues
- 6Remote team members needing personal task management without team collaboration features
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Deep GTD implementation with explicit Inbox-Organize-Review workflow, including built-in weekly review automation—not a generic to-do app
- Extensive customization via Perspectives (saved filtered views) and Shortcuts automation, allowing advanced users to build personalized workflows without learning an API
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration across 5 platforms with single purchase model (no per-device subscriptions), plus web access for non-Apple users
- Forecast view providing calendar-based task visualization reduces anxiety by showing what's actually due vs. someday/maybe items
Limitations
- Mac/iOS exclusive for native apps creates friction for cross-platform teams or Windows/Android users (web version is secondary)
- Steep learning curve—GTD methodology and Perspectives customization require significant investment; not suitable for casual task users
- Limited team collaboration features; designed for individual task management with no shared projects, comments, or team workflows
- Pricing model unclear from website (mentions subscription but no rates shown), likely premium cost positioning without transparent comparison
Pricing Details
Pricing details not publicly available. Website mentions '14-day free trial' and 'purchase or subscribe' language but provides no specific pricing tiers or subscription costs.
Who is this for?
GTD-committed professionals managing 20+ concurrent tasks (entrepreneurs, project leads, consultants, researchers, knowledge workers). Requires comfort with methodology-driven systems and primarily targets Apple ecosystem users. Not suitable for casual task management, team-based projects requiring shared views, or users seeking simplicity over customization.