Obsidian Todo List: Add Checkboxes, Dates and Reminders
Create an Obsidian todo list by typing - [ ] followed by a task in any note. Add due dates with the Tasks plugin, then use TaskForge for widgets and reminders.
Use TaskForge for widgets and reminders
Create an Obsidian todo list
Open a note and type a dash, a space and square brackets with a space inside. Leave the brackets empty for an unfinished task; put x inside to mark it complete.
- [ ] Buy groceries
- [x] Send the project briefAdd due dates with the Tasks plugin
Open Settings → Community plugins → Browse, search for Tasks, then install and enable it. Add 📅 followed by a YYYY-MM-DD date to a task. If you have set a global task filter in Tasks settings, include that filter text on each task you want Tasks to track.
Emoji format (Obsidian Tasks style)
- [ ] Buy groceries 📅 2026-09-07Bracket format (Dataview style)
- [ ] Buy groceries [due:: 2026-09-07]For bracket-format dates, select Dataview as the task format in Tasks settings. Tasks reads one date format at a time; TaskForge reads both.
Show unfinished tasks across your vault
Paste this fenced tasks block into a note, then open Reading view. It collects unfinished tasks across your vault. Add a due today line to show only tasks due today.
```tasks
not done
```Staying on Track with Reminders
In TaskForge, open Settings → Notifications, enable notifications and grant system permission. Configure due date alerts and your preferred timing. Reminders require TaskForge Premium.
- Multiple reminders per task (for example, one day before and one hour before)
- Automatic reminders for tasks with due dates
- App badge showing the number of overdue tasks
- Complete tasks directly from the notification
Going Mobile: Widgets and Quick Add
Your todo list should be accessible wherever you are. TaskForge makes this easy.
Home screen widgets
Add a widget to your iPhone, iPad, Android, or Mac home screen. See your tasks at a glance and check them off without opening the app.
Quick add
Capture a new task in seconds with the quick add dialog. It supports smart date parsing, so you can type things like 'tomorrow' or 'next Friday' and TaskForge will set the date automatically.
Share extension
Share a link or text from any app to create a task instantly. Available on iOS, macOS, and Android.
Use this todo list in TaskForge
Connect TaskForge to the vault containing your todo list, then choose how to view it.
Spaces (formerly custom lists)
Download TaskForge
Get TaskForge from the App Store (iPhone, iPad, Mac) or Google Play (Android). The free version includes core task management features.
Connect your vault
Open TaskForge and point it to your Obsidian vault folder. On iOS, use the Files app to select the folder. On Android, grant access to the vault directory. Use your existing vault sync service to make the same files available on each device. Changes appear elsewhere after that service syncs; on iOS, Obsidian Sync may require opening Obsidian.
Choose a Space
Start with Today to see overdue tasks and tasks due today. With TaskForge Premium, edit a task section's filters for due date, priority or tags.
Add a home screen widget
Long-press your home screen, add a TaskForge widget, and select which Space to display. You can now see and complete tasks without opening the app.
Why Use Obsidian as Your Todo List?
Obsidian keeps your notes and checkbox tasks as plain Markdown files on your device. You can open those files in another text editor or copy them to another folder.
Organizing Your Todo List
Once you have tasks, you need ways to organize and find them. Here are the key tools.
Priorities
TaskForge supports six priority levels: Highest, High, Medium, Low, Lowest, and None. Assign a priority to help you focus on what matters most.
Due dates and scheduled dates
Set a due date for deadlines and a scheduled date for when you plan to work on a task. TaskForge shows both in list view and calendar view.
Tags
Add tags like #work, #personal, or #errands to categorize tasks. Filter your list by tag to focus on one area at a time.
Spaces (formerly custom lists)
Start with Today to see overdue tasks and tasks due today. With TaskForge Premium, edit a task section's filters for due date, priority or tags.
Recurring tasks
Tasks like weekly reviews, monthly reports, or daily habits should be set to recur automatically. TaskForge handles recurrence in both emoji and TaskNotes format.
Troubleshooting
Tasks missing from the query? Check that Tasks is enabled, the checkbox is unfinished, and the task includes your configured global filter.
Use TaskForge for widgets and reminders
Open the same Markdown tasks and notes in TaskForge, with your device calendar beside them. Add widgets and reminders on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Android.
Related Articles
- TaskNotes on your home screen See tasks in a widget and check them off where you are. Reminders bring dated tasks back to your attention. Both use the TaskNotes in your vault. Read more
- Complete Guide to Obsidian Tasks Master task syntax, priorities, due dates, and filters in Obsidian. Read more
- Best Obsidian Task Plugins & Apps Compare the best Obsidian task management plugins and find the right one for you. Read more
- Obsidian Widgets for Home Screen Add interactive task widgets to your iPhone, Android, and Mac home screen. Read more
- Eisenhower Matrix in Obsidian Implement the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks by urgency and importance. Read more
- Obsidian Tasks Plugin App: Widgets, Kanban & Reminders See how TaskForge takes the Obsidian Tasks plugin format to native iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Android apps, with home screen widgets, reminders, and kanban boards. Read more
