Things 3, developed by Cultured Code, is a beautifully crafted task manager designed specifically for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS. With a clean design and intuitive interface, Things 3 blends simplicity and power, making it a favorite for users who follow GTD (Getting Things Done) methodology or simply want to manage daily tasks with less friction.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to install Things 3 and explore 10 powerful tips to help you stay productive and focused from the start.
✅ How to Install Things 3
1. Buy & Download the App
Things 3 is a paid app available separately for macOS, iPhone, and iPad.
2. Install and Launch
After purchasing and downloading:
- Open the app
- Start a new Things cloud account (optional but recommended for syncing)
- Create your first to-do, or explore the sample project for a quick overview
3. Enable Things Cloud (Optional but Recommended)
Go to Preferences > Things Cloud and enable syncing across devices.
🧠 10 Must-Know Tips for Using Things 3
🗓 1. Master the “Today” List
Things 3’s Today list is where you see only what matters today. Schedule tasks to show up here without cluttering your entire task list.
🧾 2. Use Projects to Group Tasks
Create Projects for multi-step goals or categories (like “Work,” “Vacation Plan,” or “Home Renovation”). Add headings within projects to break things down further.
🧠 3. Inbox for Quick Capture
Capture thoughts instantly with the Inbox. Later, you can sort these tasks into projects or areas. Great for quick brain dumps.
🕒 4. Use “When” to Schedule Without Deadlines
Unlike many apps, Things separates “When” (start date) from “Deadline.” This gives you flexibility in when to work on something without adding pressure.
🌍 5. Organize by Areas of Responsibility
Use Areas to group projects and tasks related to long-term responsibilities like:
- Work
- Personal
- Health
- Finances
- This helps keep your workspace tidy and focused.
⌨️ 6. Use Quick Entry with Autofill
On Mac, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Space to bring up the Quick Entry window from anywhere. It even autofills context (like email subject lines or browser titles).
🔁 7. Set Repeating Tasks Easily
Things 3 supports custom recurring tasks like:
- “Every Monday”
- “Every 3rd of the month”
- “Last Friday of the month”
Use this for habits, bills, reports, and more.
📌 8. Tags for Flexible Filtering
Add tags like #email, #urgent, or #waiting to group tasks across different projects. Use the sidebar or search to filter by tag.
🔍 9. Use the Magic Plus Button
The “+” button adapts to your context:
- Add a new task inside a project
- Create a subtask
- Add a heading
- This keeps your workflow fast and smooth.
🧩 10. Use Calendar Integration
Sync your Apple Calendar with Things to see events alongside your tasks. Go to Preferences > Calendar Events to set it up.
💡 Bonus Tip: Create Templates for Repetitive Projects
If you run the same project multiple times (like “Client Onboarding” or “Travel Checklist”), copy a project to use as a template and duplicate it when needed.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Things 3 isn’t just a to-do list—it’s a design-focused productivity system built for Apple users who value clarity and simplicity. With its powerful scheduling features, GTD-friendly structure, and thoughtful UX, Things 3 can transform how you plan your day, week, and year.
Whether you’re managing personal tasks or professional projects, mastering Things 3 will help you stay focused, organized, and stress-free.