Getting Started
Welcome to Mindwtr! This guide will help you get up and running quickly.
Installation
Desktop
| Platform | Installation |
|---|---|
| Arch Linux | mindwtr-bin prebuilt AUR package, or mindwtr source-built AUR package |
| Debian/Ubuntu | Add the APT repo (recommended) or download .deb from Releases |
| Fedora/RHEL | Add the DNF repo (recommended) or download .rpm from Releases |
| Flatpak | Install from Flathub |
| AppImage | Download .AppImage, chmod +x, and run |
| Windows | Microsoft Store, Winget, Chocolatey, Scoop, portable ZIP, or installer from Releases |
| macOS | Mac App Store, TestFlight beta, Homebrew, or .dmg from Releases |
See Desktop Installation for detailed instructions.
Mobile
| Platform | Installation |
|---|---|
| Android | Google Play, F-Droid, IzzyOnDroid, or APK from Releases |
| iOS | App Store, TestFlight beta, or simulator/self-build for development |
See Mobile Installation for detailed instructions.
Want to test new builds early? See Join the Beta Channels.
Docker and web app
Run the web app (PWA) and self-hosted sync server with Docker when you want a browser-accessible deployment:
First Launch
On a fresh install, Mindwtr asks whether you want to start fresh, import a backup, or connect sync. After setup, it opens the Focus view by default so today's calendar items and next actions are visible first. Capture new work into the Inbox whenever you need to park an idea quickly.
The Basic Workflow
- Capture everything to the Inbox
- Clarify each item using the processing wizard
- Organize into Next Actions, Projects, or Someday/Maybe
- Reflect during your Weekly Review
- Engage with confidence
Quick Add Syntax
Mindwtr supports natural language quick-add. Type directly in the task input. The same syntax also works in the "What's the next action?" prompt that appears when you finish a project's last action (for example, end on /waiting to park the follow-up as Waiting For):
| Syntax | Example | Result |
|---|---|---|
@context | Buy milk @errands | Adds @errands context |
#tag | Research topic #creative | Adds #creative tag |
+Project | Call vendor +HomeReno | Assigns to project |
+Multi Word | +New Project Name | Assigns to "New Project Name" |
+"Quoted Name" | +"New Project" call Bob | Quotes delimit a multi-word name mid-sentence (also !"Area Name") |
!Area | Plan roadmap !Work | Assigns to area |
%Person | Ask %Jim for the budget /waiting | Sets Assigned to (delegated / waiting-for owner) |
%"Full Name" | %"Jim Smith" send report | Quotes delimit a multi-word person name (known names also match unquoted) |
/area:<name> | /area:Personal | Assigns to area (no spaces) |
/start:date | Task /start:monday | Sets start date |
/due:date | Report /due:friday | Sets due date |
/review:date | Task /review:next week | Sets review date |
/energy:<level> | Task /energy:low | Sets energy level (low, medium, high) |
/note:text | Task /note:remember X | Adds description |
/status | /next, /waiting, /someday, /done, /archived, /inbox | Sets status |
Date examples:
/due:today,/due:tomorrow/due:friday,/due:next week/due:in 3 days,/due:2025-01-15/start:tomorrow,/review:next week
Absolute dates use fixed ISO format YYYY-MM-DD (for example, /due:2026-03-15), regardless of your UI locale/date display format.
Escaping
- Use a backslash to keep symbols as plain text:
\\@,\\#,\\+,\\!,\\%,\\/ - Example:
Call \\@support /due:tomorrow→ title becomesCall @support
Unicode support
- Context and tag names accept Unicode letters and numbers (e.g., CJK and accented characters).
Tip: You can also use Audio Capture to speak your tasks. Enable it in Settings → AI Assistant to use voice-to-text with smart parsing.
Organizing Model
Mindwtr uses four different grouping tools. Use each for what it is good at:
- Projects: Multi-step outcomes you want to complete (for example, "Launch v2 website").
- Areas: Ongoing responsibility domains with no finish line (for example, "Health", "Family", "Career").
- Contexts: Where/how a task can be done (for example,
@home,@phone,@errands). - Tags: Flexible labels for energy, theme, or custom grouping (for example,
#focused,#lowenergy).
Practical rule:
- If it has an end state, use a Project.
- If it is a long-term life/work domain, use an Area.
- If it depends on place/tool/person, use a Context.
- If you want optional filtering, use a Tag.
Next Steps
- Learn about GTD Overview
- Explore the User Guide Desktop or User Guide Mobile
- Set up Data and Sync
- Enable AI Assistant (optional)
Need Help?
- The best place to report a bug or ask for help is a GitHub issue. It keeps everything trackable.
- Already in the app? Use Send feedback on the Settings → About page.
- For a private question, email [email protected].
- Browse the FAQ or read the full GTD Workflow in Mindwtr guide.