TODOseq

Keyword-based task management for Obsidian. No checkboxes required.

TODOseq ("to-do-seek") scans your vault for tasks marked with simple state keywords like TODO, DOING, and DONE, then presents them in a unified Task List view. Inspired by Logseq and Org-mode, it lets you capture tasks naturally within your notes without disrupting your writing flow.

Why TODOseq?

Most task managers force you into a separate system. TODOseq meets you where you already work—inside your Obsidian notes. Type TODO Write report anywhere in your vault, and it appears instantly in your Task List. No switching contexts, no special syntax to remember, no checkboxes to click.

Core Features

Natural Task Capture — Write tasks as plain text using keywords: TODO, DOING, DONE, LATER, NOW, WAIT, and more. Add priorities [#A], [#B], [#C] and dates using natural language or structured Org-mode syntax.

Smart Date Recognition — Type dates using everyday language like "today", "tomorrow", "every Friday", or "daily 20:00". TODOseq automatically converts them to structured format when you finish typing.

Unified Task List — See all tasks from across your vault in one searchable, sortable panel. Filter by state, priority, date, tags, or use advanced boolean queries. Sort by urgency to surface what matters most right now.

Works Everywhere — Tasks remain functional in both Edit mode and Reader view. Click any keyword to cycle through states. Right-click for direct state selection. Use Ctrl+Enter to toggle tasks from your keyboard.

Code-Aware — Extracts tasks from code comments in 20+ languages. Capture // TODO Refactor this from JavaScript, # TODO Optimize query from SQL, or -- TODO Update schema from SQL.

Embedded Lists — Render filtered task lists directly in your notes using todoseq code blocks. Create dynamic dashboards showing "High Priority Work Tasks" or "Overdue Items" that update automatically.

Subtasks — Break down complex tasks with indented checkbox items. The Task List shows subtask progress as [1/3] indicating completed and total subtasks.

Repeating Tasks — Automatically advance scheduled and deadline dates when completed. Use natural language like "every day" or Org-mode repeaters like .+1d, ++1w, or +1m to create recurring tasks.

Closed Date Tracking — Optional CLOSED date on completed tasks, following Org-mode syntax. Records when tasks were marked as done and automatically manages the date when tasks are reactivated.

Logseq Compatible — Use the same task format across both tools. Existing Logseq tasks work without modification. Dual-use your vault or migrate at your own pace.

Experimental Features — Additional capabilities including Org-mode file support are available as experimental features. See documentation for details.

Quick Start

Basic Tasks with Natural Language Dates

TODO [#A] Finish quarterly report #work tomorrow
DOING [#B] Review pull requests #coding
DONE Submit expense report

Or use structured Org-mode dates:

TODO [#A] Finish quarterly report #work
SCHEDULED: <2025-03-15>

DOING [#B] Review pull requests #coding

DONE Submit expense report
DEADLINE: <2025-03-10>

1. Install from Obsidian Community Plugins (search "TODOseq")
2. Create tasks by typing TODO, DOING, DONE, etc. in any note
3. Add dates using natural language ("today", "tomorrow", "every Friday") or structured format
4. Open Task List — it appears automatically in the right sidebar (or use Command Palette → "TODOseq: Show task list")
5. Click keywords to cycle states, or click task text to jump to source
6. Search using natural language or advanced filters like priority:high deadline:this week

Installation

From Obsidian Community Plugins (Recommended)

Settings → Community plugins → Browse → Search "TODOseq" → Install → Enable

Manual Installation

cd /path/to/your/vault/.obsidian/plugins
git clone https://github.com/scross01/obsidian-todoseq.git todoseq
cd todoseq
npm install
npm run build

Then enable "TODOseq" in Settings → Community plugins.

Documentation

Comprehensive documentation is available at scross01.github.io/obsidian-todoseq

• Introduction & Philosophy — Task management approach and Logseq compatibility
• Task List — Using the dedicated task panel
• Task Entry — Task syntax, keywords, and lifecycle
• Editor Integration — Working with tasks in Edit mode
• Reader View — Working with tasks in Reading mode
• Search — Advanced search syntax and filters
• Embedded Lists — Dynamic task lists in notes
• Settings — Configuration and customization

Examples

Basic Tasks

TODO Draft proposal
DOING Review feedback
DONE Submit final version

With Priorities and Dates

Natural Language Dates:

TODO [#A] Critical security patch tomorrow
DOING [#B] Update documentation next Friday
DONE [#C] Quarterly review monthly

Structured Org-mode Dates:

TODO [#A] Critical security patch
DEADLINE: <2025-03-12>

DOING [#B] Update documentation
SCHEDULED: <2025-03-15>

Recurring Tasks:

TODO Daily standup every day 9am
DOING Weekly team meeting every Friday 14:00
DONE Monthly review every month

In Code Blocks

# TODO Add input validation
# FIXME Handle edge case when user is null
def process_user(user):
    pass

In Org-Mode Files (Experimental)

Note: Org-mode support is an experimental feature. Enable it in Settings → TODOseq → Experimental features.

* TODO [#A] Critical security patch
  DEADLINE: <2025-03-12>

** DOING [#B] Update documentation
   SCHEDULED: <2025-03-15>

*** DONE Submit expense report

Embedded Task List

```todoseq
search: tag:work priority:high
sort: urgency
show-completed: hide
limit: 10
title: High Priority Work
```

Support

• ⭐ Star this repo if you find it useful
• 🐛 Report issues or request features
• 📝 Contribute improvements via pull requests

License

MIT License — see LICENSE for details.