things-mac

Read and update Things 3 tasks via the things CLI on macOS.

87|20|Updated Mar 9, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/openaeon/OpenAEON --skill things-mac-openaeon
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: things-mac
Source: https://github.com/openaeon/OpenAEON/tree/main/skills/things-mac
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/openaeon/OpenAEON --skill things-mac-openaeon

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires things.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill solves the problem of manually juggling Things 3 task entry and review by letting you read and update your inbox, projects, and todos through the local Things database using the things CLI on macOS.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Read your Things database: list inbox, today, upcoming, search tasks, and browse projects, areas, and tags.
  • Add or update todos safely: create new tasks using the Things URL scheme, optionally with notes, due dates, projects/areas, headings, tags, and checklist items.
  • Edit existing tasks (with authorization): update titles, notes, lists, tags, and completion/cancel state using an auth token.

Use case example: You want to turn an idea into a trackable task and immediately assign it to your “Travel” project with a due date and notes, without opening the Things UI.

Quick Start

Ask OpenAEON to add your task to Things and then confirm it was created (e.g., “Add a todo titled Buy milk with notes '2% + bananas' for today”).

Frequently Asked Questions about things-mac

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I manage Things 3 tasks from the macOS command line?

You can manage Things 3 tasks from the macOS command line by using the `things` CLI to read the local database and write new or updated todos. It supports inbox review, project discovery, and adding items with notes and due dates.

Can I add a todo to Things 3 with tags and a project without opening the app?

Yes, you can add a todo to Things 3 without opening the app by using the `things` CLI to create tasks via the URL scheme. You can assign notes, due dates, projects, areas, headings, tags, and checklist items directly.

Do I need the things binary to search existing tasks in my Things database?

Yes, the `things` binary is required to search existing tasks and browse projects, areas, or tags in your Things database. The Skill uses deterministic CLI commands to fetch and mutate structured task data locally.

How does updating existing Things 3 todos work via the CLI?

Updating existing Things 3 todos via the CLI requires an auth token to modify titles, notes, lists, tags, and completion or cancel states. The Skill uses deterministic CLI commands to apply these mutations safely.

Can I use this approach to review my Things 3 inbox and upcoming tasks?

Yes, you can review your Things 3 inbox, today, and upcoming tasks by reading the local Things database through the `things` CLI. It supports workflows for inbox review, project discovery, and searching existing tasks.

What are the limitations of managing Things 3 tasks through a CLI interface?

Managing Things 3 tasks through a CLI interface requires macOS, the `things` binary, and an auth token for editing existing items. It relies on deterministic CLI commands and does not provide a graphical interface for visual task management.