Mindwtr: A Free, Open-Source App for Getting Things Done
Mindwtr is a free, open-source GTD app built for people who want calm, local-first productivity on both desktop and mobile. I wanted a real GTD flow without subscriptions, lock-in, or dark UX patterns, so I built the tool I wanted to use every day.
Why I built it
- I wanted a GTD app that feels honest and simple, not a gamified todo list.
- I wanted local-first data with optional sync to any folder (Dropbox, Syncthing, etc.).
- I wanted one codebase that works on desktop and mobile with the same core workflow.
What is GTD?
Getting Things Done (GTD) is a productivity method created by David Allen. The core idea is simple: your brain is for having ideas, not holding them. Capture everything that has your attention into a trusted system, then work it through a clear process.
GTD has five steps:
- Capture - collect everything into an inbox
- Clarify - decide what each item means and the next action
- Organize - file items into projects, contexts, calendar, or reference
- Reflect - review regularly (Weekly Review)
- Engage - do the work with confidence
Mindwtr today
Core workflow
- Guided inbox processing with the 2-minute rule
- Projects with next actions, colors, and progress
- Contexts and tags for focus (@home, @work, @phone, etc.)
- Waiting For and Someday/Maybe lists
- Weekly Review flow to keep the system trustworthy
Daily comfort features
- Quick Add with natural language input
- Calendar view with start, due, and review dates
- Local-first storage and optional folder-based sync
- Keyboard-first desktop workflow and swipe actions on mobile
- Light and dark themes with readable, low-glare surfaces
Demo videos
Desktop walk-through:
Mobile quick capture:
How it fits in a week
- Capture tasks as they show up (inbox stays messy on purpose)
- Clarify and organize into projects, contexts, or calendar
- Work from the right list at the right time
- Run a Weekly Review to clean up, plan, and move forward
Get Mindwtr
GitHub repository: https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr
Downloads:
- Linux: AUR (
yay -S mindwtr-bin) or AppImage/deb from Releases - macOS/Windows: Releases page
- Android: APK from Releases
- iOS: Coming soon via TestFlight
Contributing
Mindwtr is open source under the MIT license. Contributions are welcome:
- Report bugs or request features via GitHub Issues
- Submit pull requests for improvements
- Star the repo if you find it useful
If you want a GTD tool that respects your data and your attention, give Mindwtr a try.
Resources
- Getting Things Done (book): https://gettingthingsdone.com/
- GTD in 15 minutes: https://hamberg.no/gtd
- Mindwtr on GitHub: https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr
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