things-mac

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

Updated Mar 21, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Polealpha/XINNIAN_PI --skill things-mac-polealpha
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: things-mac
Source: https://github.com/Polealpha/XINNIAN_PI/tree/main/app%20windows/vendor/openclaw-runtime/skills/things-mac
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Polealpha/XINNIAN_PI --skill things-mac-polealpha

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

It removes the friction of manually opening Things to review and update tasks by letting OpenClaw interact with your local Things 3 database through a command-line interface.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Read tasks quickly from your local database (inbox, today, upcoming, projects/areas/tags) so you can summarize what matters right now.
  • Add or update todos using the Things URL scheme so you can create tasks from natural language without leaving the conversation.
  • Inspect and search tasks to find specific items by query and then update details such as notes, list, tags, and completion status.

Quick Start

Ask: “List my Things today and then add a todo ‘Buy milk’ with notes ‘2% + bananas’ due 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 a macOS command line?

To update Things 3 todos via URL scheme, you use specific URL-scheme write operations to modify task details such as notes, lists, and tags. This enables adding and updating todos from natural language without opening the app interface.

Do I need a specific binary to read and update Things 3 todos on macOS?

Yes, you need the `things` binary installed on darwin to read and update Things 3 todos on macOS. You can optionally use the `THINGSDB` environment variable to target a specific database and `THINGS_AUTH_TOKEN` to authenticate update commands.

Can I search and inspect Things 3 projects or areas without opening the app?

Yes, you can search and inspect Things 3 projects, areas, and tags without opening the app by querying your local database through the CLI. This allows you to find specific items by query and summarize what matters right now.

What are the limitations of using a CLI for Things 3 task management?

A limitation of using a CLI for Things 3 task management is that it requires the `things` binary on macOS and relies on URL-scheme write operations for updates, meaning it is restricted to darwin systems and common task management scenarios supported by the scheme.