things-cli

Manage Things 3 todos, projects, and areas via AppleScript and SQLite CRUD operations.

3|1|Updated May 19, 2026

Search Tags:#automation #task management #productivity #todo #applescript #things3

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/adbertram/cli-tools --skill things-cli-adbertram

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: things-cli
Source: https://github.com/adbertram/cli-tools/tree/main/_repo/skills/things-cli
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/adbertram/cli-tools --skill things-cli-adbertram

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill provides a robust, predictable interface for managing Things 3 tasks, projects, and areas, enabling AI agents to perform reliable task management without manual GUI interaction.

Core Features & Use Cases

Full CRUD Operations: Create, read, update, and delete todos, projects, and areas with precise control.
Advanced Filtering: Search and list tasks using complex criteria like tags, status, and time-based filters.
Reliable Automation: Includes built-in safety guards for AppleScript timeouts, TCC permission handling, and data validation to ensure consistent state.

Quick Start

Use the things-cli skill to list all incomplete tasks due today and create a new todo in the inbox with the title Project Review.

Frequently Asked Questions about things-cli

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I automate Things 3 task management from the command line?▼

You can automate Things 3 task management from the command line using an AppleScript and SQLite interface that performs CRUD operations on todos, projects, and areas without manual GUI interaction.

Can I create and filter Things 3 todos using AppleScript?▼

Yes, you can create and filter Things 3 todos using AppleScript by applying complex criteria like tags, status, and time-based filters to search and list tasks programmatically.

Does Things 3 automation support macOS TCC permissions and timeout handling?▼

Things 3 automation includes built-in safety guards for macOS TCC permissions, AppleScript timeouts, and data integrity validation to ensure consistent state and prevent execution failures.

What is the best way to integrate agent-driven productivity workflows with Things 3?▼

The best way to integrate agent-driven productivity workflows with Things 3 is using a programmatic interface that enables reliable task creation, updates, and reads via SQLite and AppleScript.

How do I read back Things 3 task data after automated updates?▼

You can read back Things 3 task data after automated updates using the integrated SQLite read-back mechanism, which validates data integrity and confirms the state of todos and projects.

Why does my AppleScript Things 3 automation fail during bulk task updates?▼

AppleScript Things 3 automation may fail during bulk task updates due to timeout limits or missing TCC permissions, requiring strict safety guards and data validation to ensure consistent execution.