OmniFocus 3 Reviews

by Quark Gluon Plasma

Omnifocus has added share sheet functionality to the iPad. You can now add Taskpaper format and raw html wherever you find them useful. Words fail me.

As we all deal with the coronavirus pandemic, it is crucial to have effective tools. Life is at once simple and complicated. OF may or may not handle complicated for you, but it definitely doesn’t do simple. People are spending hundreds of dollars on third-party instruction.

Omnifocus and I never really clicked, even though I am well-versed in GTD, and have spent more time with it than any other task manager. In principle, it does what I want. In practice, I find it very hard to use. The user interface is needlessly complex, and pulls attention away from your tasks. There are dark corners where the way it works can only be determined by experiment. iOS and Mac versions do not always work the same way. For example, the built-in Flagged views sort completely differently on the two platforms. There is an entire cottage industry devoted to telling people how to use it, and there’s a reason. It is slow, and many features are clunky. Drag and drop is very awkward. I would make it a program of last resort for most people.

by Lfgsjsklf

Let me say it clearly: I think Omnifocus is probably the most comprehensive task manager for mac and ios and I gladly payed the pro upgrade for both. I like the omnifocus 3 upgrade, but it is largely tasks instead of contexts, and some tweaks in functionality and UI. What however feels more like a rip-off is that not only a upgrade fee needs to be paid, but I also have to re-purchase the pro upgrade. I would have expected that at least the pro upgrade carries forward to the new version. And I am certain, the same thing will happen with the Mac app once available. For that money, I could (and probably will) switch to another app, like 2do or Things 3. I am sure the developers of omnifocus will claim that OF3 is a completely new app and purchase, but I do not agree and follow that “unlogic”, because this is not a complete redesign of OmniFocus3 . In summary, I like OmniFocus3 and some of the new functions (not sure about events mingled with the tasks). BUT I do not like having to purchase again the pro upgrade. That just does not feel right and existing OF2 pro users should have been appreciated enough to provide this option without an additional fee. Sad.

by Vogelmeister

OmniFocus design is starting to look long in the tooth, it hasn’t changed in over 4 years. Lately they have been very slow to update for new features in iOS. I love OmniFocus3 , but even after shelling out all of the cash for the iOS app and Mac app, I’m seriously considering switching to one of the many options with more frequent updates that are steadily increasing value. OmniFocus gets updates but only bug fixes. By the way, I get the feeling that they are on the verge of moving to a subscription model for all their apps. If it becomes mandatory for OmniFocus, that will definitely be the last straw. I don’t need another subscription service that adds no extra value. For those who haven’t bought into OmniFocus3, I say start somewhere else first and wait to see what the next version of OmniFocus is (if you can wait that long)

by TPB, Esq.

Omnifocus was the first real productivity app I used on iOS way back in 2011, and it doesn’t look like it has changed much since then. OmniFocus3 does not work well with gestures on iOS and seems to really want to be a Mac-only app (I have no idea how well the web app works), or at least is designed to work best on Mac, with iOS and iPadOS versions not working as well.

Creating smart perspectives seems buggy, in that sometimes the right tasks show up given perspective parameters, and sometimes no tasks show up. It struggles with ID’ing what tasks are “available” as opposed to “remaining,” and needs some updating as to perspectives and search.

Notes are hidden away when they should be front and center with a task.

Setting repeating tasks is confusing, not the least because sometimes repeating tasks don’t become available when they seem like they should. I think other productivity apps have passed Omnifocus by in terms of ease of use, design, and search, especially on mobile and tablet.

Improves and Sustains:
If I had a prioritized wish list of improvements to Omnifocus, I would recommend improving perspectives, particularly by making them work consistently in the same fashion; I would recommend improving the repeating task functionality; and I would update the design to better use space, as OmniFocus3 looks cluttered. I suppose scripting is something I would sustain, but I don’t really use scripting any more.

by Shiuwbhkrd

I love OmniFocus3 , but have a love/hate relationship because of the pricing and portability. They seem to be going the way of SaaS, which I think will drive away most people. It’s great that they can now differentiate themselves from many, not all, of the other ProdApps by supporting web-based access. But the pricing seems to just be getting worse. There’s a lot of loyal customers out here who have shelled out for the IOS and MacOS apps, upgrades, and now with the introduction of a subscription model for both the apps and webapp, I really don’t think I’d consider spending any more when there are totally free, totally portable options limited only by the number of simultaneous projects!

It’s hard not to feel milked as an OF customer. Of course, If there were other OS versions available, they would all each cost another $50.

Update: Thanks for responding, I’ve always had good experiences with sales and support. I understand that has been the official argument over the years, the problem is that this is something that your competition is able to do more and more often. The inability to meet customer needs, whether technical or financial, will not be met with endless loyalty when there are other, seemingly more hospitable options out there. I really want to see OF succeed, it’s a better product. But the validity of that argument is fading fast.

by Sheagirl24

I have been an on and off Omni Focus user for years and spent hours attempting to navigate the steep learning curve. I actually believe the time spent is worth the effort because this is really a good program with one blaring issue.

This is supposed to be a scheduling program? The point is putting all this info in a program designed to keep track and keep you from missing deadlines is severely lacking in it’s ability to schedule.

Example: One of the things I keep track of repeats every third day after last competition. I’ve used 2Do, Things, etc and they can all do it...the only one that can’t is Omni Focus.

The most expensive and complicated of all the GTD programs. You see I need to put 3 days between the day of completion and the next event. This means if I’m late or earlier the next due date must change. (ie 3 days from completion of last event). In fact Omni Focus seems to only be able to handle the most simple of due, repeat or completion dates. So disappointing for the price.

I’m now back with Things although it’s really simplistic and I’d rather be with Omni Focus. If I had to chose I’d pick 2Do as the best it’s just really ugly. Really disappointed in Omni Focus and am not interested in using Reminders or some other program to prop up this expensive program.

by Nunn-ya

OF is great, it helps me see the tasks that I want to see at any given time. Sometimes I only want to see takes for my projects around the house. Sometimes I only want to see tasks for my podcast network. Sometimes I want to see every task. OF allows me to set it up so I see exactly what I want to see. It is very powerful. I took one star off for a couple of reasons: 1) it is not easy to set up recurring projects that always have the same tasks. I have to go through Siri Shortcuts and format everything in TaskPaper and it is really complicated. To the point where I had to learn online how to do it and it still got messed up. Seems like you should be able to just set up a recurring project, press a button and there is your new project. 2) I also took a star off because OmniFocus3 doesn’t help you much in learning how to really get the most out of it. I had to look up tutorials and YT videos to learn how to do some of the commands that really make OF so powerful, so if that info was given up front it would be helpful. But all in all, OF is excellent. If you take the time to learn how to really use it then it is definitely worth the money.

by Dlangendorf

Been an OF user since v 1, then 2, but left for others (including Things) when OF became convoluted, cluttered, and just plain no fun to use. With OF 3, however, OmniFocus3 is back. Two big improvements for me: tags replace context (it fits my work flow better, more flexible) and improved perspectives (or saved searches). I give it 4 stars rather than 5 because the overall interface is still a little clunky, cluttered, and there are tons of options for drilling down searches (good for some folks, too much for others). Setting up location alerts doesn’t make much sense, but OK. Before I upgraded, I took advantage of the trial: Prove to me OmniFocus3 is actually improved and I will use — and enjoy using. So far so good. The upgrade pricing is fair, too. Not 20 or 25 percent off but a full 50 — 60 is now 30 and much more palatable, considering I’ve spent way too much dinero on OF, Things, and others to find one that I will actually continue to use.

by Dov+

...In that I don’t really enjoy using it, but since it’s the still best option, I will pay a large sum of money to get the job done.

Please consider rethinking the home screen layout, it just isn’t very useful and makes it hard to see what I need to at a glance. Get another UI person to come up with some ideas or something. I don’t know, I’m just an idea guy.

Please consider bringing over the colors/bolder fonts from the Mac app, that while aren’t perfect, still add a lot in terms of visual cohesion and the ability to make sense of things in a somewhat cluttered interface.

Please use more white space so it’s easier to tell items apart. It just looks like a cluttered mess of text most of the time.

This is still the best option, and really the only app out there that can scale with the volume and complexity of your projects. Also, review is great for gtd.

But please, pretty please, overhaul the interface with an emphasis on clarity, usability, and easy differentiation between items on the screen. This should have been the focus of the update, imo. What I’m paying for instead is iPhone XR screen size, the ability of OmniFocus3 to not crash constantly like OF2 does now, and tags. Which are great. Making great apps is a hard thing and you folks are trying your hardest, but I doubt I’m the only one who thinks the interface could be improved.

Thanks for reading.

by Kappelhoff

I fluctuate between using Things and OmniFocus. While I don’t think OmniFocus needs to become more like Things, I do wish it would drop the date wheel altogether and use a calendar drop instead. The solution used now is a mash of the two, and for efficiency sake and a more modern look, having a full calendar month to work off of is just better. Could also use a cleaner more consistent font size (maybe even an entirely new font) and better use of space, but it still is a super solid task app and I thank the developers for getting much of it right. So all said, OmniFocus does a better job with weekly review, option controls, wrapped text (very annoying omission in Things), and attachment support.

by ScottNWDW

I have been using OmniFocus since 2011. Each new version whether major or minor update makes OmniFocus3 better. A lot of people pass up OmniFocus3 because it’s either too expensive or too cumbersome. The old saying “you can’t judge a book by it’s cover” is defiantly true here. Yes, it is expensive, but it pays for itself in how easy your life can become if you take the time to use it. It can be as hard or easy as you wish. Over the almost 10 years I’ve used it I have learned things along the way that I wishe I had known earlier. There are several resources online with video tutorials, to help you get started. Their new subscription model will make it easier for those on a budget. Not enough can be said about the custom perspectives. I’ve got several set up for different things like work, grocery store, Netflix items I want to see. When I walk into the grocery store, I tap the grocery store perspective and all the grocery items I entered in are there. Something in the future? No problem, set the deferred date for the date in the future, and forget about it. OmniFocus will bring it back in view on that date. Do you have trouble remembering to review your task list, don’t worrry OmniFocus reminds you to do that at whatever interval you want. It really is the BEST when it comes to task or project management.

by JonathanSorum

I’ve been using OmniFocus for 10+ years. Every once in a while I pick up a different tool (Things, Apple Reminders etc) and use it for at least a month to see what else is out there, not touching OF for that period. Every single time I come to the conclusion that there’s absolutely nothing remotely like OmniFocus; flexibility, adaptability and just the speed of which you use it. Not only does it increase my productivity to great levels, but it’s also a system I can 100% trust to not let anything slip between the cracks, while not overwhelming me with info I don’t need to see at the moment. They could double the price of the product and I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to pay it, that’s how valuable it becomes when you learn to use it properly.

by [ 365 ]

I recently upgraded from OmniFocus 2 to OmniFocus 3. At first I was a bit disappointed. Stylistically OmniFocus3 doesn’t look much different than the previous version until after a few days later when I realized that there is so much under the hood. In fact it is a brand new an incredibly powerful productivity tool that has maintained the same familiarity that its users have grown accustomed to, while adding tremendous amount of power and flexibility, so much so that I would say whether you follow GTD or any other system, or you want to make your own OmniFocus can support that. The note field is absolutely incredible. You can add an email and it would display as if you are viewing it in your email client. Tags are incredibly powerful and easy. Custom perspectives can organize your data however you like to view it . While you can customize OmniFocus3 to such degree that it no longer looks like when you first got it, it is incredibly powerful and useful right out of the box. Another feature that I absolutely love is the Review Perspective which is so unique to OmniFocus and not offered by any other productivity app on the market. I can keep writing but all of this is a testament to the OmniGroup for their ability and understanding of how to make us more productive while enjoying the process. Many, many Thanks!!!

by -tmoa-

I’ve used OmniFocus since version 1 and have found it that it is indispensable in collecting, organizing, and completing the things I need to get done.

I saw the glowing reviews on version 3 and was expecting to be blown away. I was not. I downloaded the 14 day trial and as I used it more and more, I began to uncover the various features that convinced me to buy it.

One feature (that I consider small and simple to execute) that is still not included in the mobile version is being able to see the date that an item was completed. I have numerous multi-tiered projects that last for many months. When reviewing a project, the question as to when a certain task was completed often arises. I can see the completion date on the Mac version, why not the iPhone/iPad version?

by FM_M

I use OmniFocus for deep project tracking, and it’s positively irreplaceable.

For a long time I thought I needed to pick one to-do manager for everything, and I tried to pick The Perfect One... and then try to shoehorn everything into it. I finally realized that the right tool for the task sometimes means similar tools - hey, I have 3 different sized needle-nosed pliers in my toolbox, why not the same idea in software?

I use OmniFocus for work projects; from overview to unlimited detail, I can see what I need when I need it. I can jot things quickly on my phone when they occur to me, and then organize them later on my Mac, and it all syncs perfectly and instantaneously. With the Pro purchase (well worth it to me), I use custom views and add client logos to their project views to make zeroing in on them easier. And to keep from being overwhelmed when actually working, I can easily use the Focus tools to see and stay in just the parts I’m working on today.

Overall, it’s a fantastic tool. There’s more complex elements that I just don’t care about (due dates, dependencies, stuff like that), but they’re easy to just ignore; OmniFocus doesn’t force me to work their way, they let me work my way.

Great company, great history, great tools. 5 stars.

by Bowsertune

OmniFocus by the Omni Group helps me run my business. I'm a GTD practitioner and have tried ALL OF THE APPS. OmniFocus allows me to create my very own workflow, and doesn't tell me how tasks should be structured. The watch app allows you to receive a perspective from the iPhone and work with it locally on the wrist. Very cool. Can't believe I have not actually taken the time to write a review as I have used OmniFocus3 since 2012. Looking forward to ver. 4, and will gladly pay to update OmniFocus3 when the time comes, and I use it on Mac and iPad, too. Made by great folks (who I have had the pleasure of meeting at their previous office) who care a LOT about customer experience. I can tell you: just take the plunge, take it slow, develop your own workflow, and only use the power features when/if the need arrives. Thanks, Omni Group!

by Tim Willings

I had originally passed over Omnifocus because it was so Apple-centric. That was a mistake. Microsoft has had decades to improve the task manager in Outlook. Complete fail. Thank you Omnifocus for providing the tools to create a microcosm of where I can create an environment, including MY structure (folders, projects and tags) where I can comfortably and reliably dump the contents of my brain. Don’t bother with so many of the other apps, too numerous to name here. Start with Omnifocus. Develop the structure that works for you. Be patient. With time, the method will emerge. You’ll wonder how you ever did without. Did I mention that your tasks can be synced to the cloud and you’ll be working with the same task list on your iPhone, iPad and Mac? Everything a task manager should be - none of the gimmicks that shouldn’t.

by Cmon3y

Longtime user, 8+ years.
To put it simply OmniFocus lives up to its name. As any great tool - it’s power and utility is determined through the work of the user rather than the tool itself.
The first two years were overwhelming. The next three were revelatory. Since then - it’s proved only to be indefatigable and indispensable. The most powerful thing you can do is consider and craft your Perspectives to suit your needs. Tags and Projects are only a foundation to GTD/organization. It takes persistent focus and flexibility (given energy levels - a quick store trip might fit best in OmniFocus to auto appear on arrival or a scrap sheet of paper impervious to fall damage) - and over time — you’ll have exactly curated task lists appearing only as needed and most critically just in time/place through location-initiated arrival & departure tags, completing the Review tab and respecting defer vs. due dates(overdue has to bring consequence). I simply adore The Omni Group for their endeavors, as OmniOutliner is equally compelling. Stay hungry. Stay foolish.

by Prof3198

I’ve tried a few task managers and this is the one I’ve stuck with for several years now. You can be as simple or as intricate as you want with it. Honestly, you can just begin using it by adding tasks to the inbox and checking them off from there without getting into the other functionality - then add in the other capabilities (projects, task groups, folders, tags, etc) if and when you need them or want them. Once you really get going with OmniFocus, one of a few standout features of it vs other task managers is the ability to create custom perspectives. Once you figure out how you want to use these for your own life and work, they are incredibly powerful. Many excellent resources exist out there for getting the most of this wonderful software, and the company is a great one to support. (I also personally love OmniOutliner and have both it and OmniFocus on all my Apple devices - in fact, they are the only two pieces of software I have my Mac automatically start when I log in.)

by ShhQuiet

One of the key tenets of GTD is being able to trust your system. Once a task has been captured, you can relax in the knowledge that it won't be lost; won't be forgotten. OmniFocus on my iPad, iPhone and Mac give me that confidence.

The GTD system is centered around the concepts of Projects and Contexts, which previous versions of OmniFocus supported elegantly. Contexts in particular were a powerful tool, but sometimes frustrating to organize. It was hard to fit every task into a single, meaningful context. The “big idea” with OmniFocus 3 is the change away from context to tag. Tags work exactly like contexts did previously, but you can have many of them on a task instead of one. This is a major game changer. All my tasks were migrated to the new version with no problem, with my former contexts converted to tags. Now I'm rethinking everything about how to use tags in more flexible ways, especially using geofencing tags (like a “Home Depot” tag and a “Lowe's” Tag on tasks to pick up potting soil).

OmniFocus 3 oozes quality and craftsmanship which I've come to expect from the Omni Group. As a loyal customer, I did get it for a discount, but it was an insta-buy anyway. Can't say enough about this great company.

by Arnold Pronto

Wow! Finally the upgrade I've been waiting for. While the new tags system is awesome (have been manually tagging tasks for years), the real power feature might be the liberal use of disclosure triangles! Now the clutter can be managed and be as visible as you want it to be. Might one hope for the possibility of having structured text in the Note field in a future release? It would be great to have bullets and checklists. Most tasks require more than one action to carryout. Being able to create checklists within tasks would allow the ability to associate actions with tasks, creating a three-tier hierarchy: projects made up of one or more tasks, each in turn requiring one or more actions to complete.

by FlyboyArt

OK, I've been a OF fan for years now but OF 2 was wearing thin. While waitng to see what the OmniGroup would offer I (oh nooooo!) went to the 'dark side' and have been using Things 3 for quite a while. During this time I would return to OF 2 and take a good look to see if there was anything that would draw me back. Being a guy who loves the flexibility of Tags, I kept returning to Things 3. Now that OF 3 is out I've had some time to review it and it seems like OmniGroup has knocked it out of the park. More time is needed to fully evaluate all the new features but I think you'd be hard-pressed to do better than this release. Got for it!! And OmniGroup... get the Mac version done soon too so I can enjoy these features on all my devices!!!