Maximizing Productivity with Apple Reminders

Oct 16, 2024

Lecture on Advanced Usage of Apple's Reminders App

Introduction

  • The Reminders app is a productivity tool by Apple.
  • Presenter: Dylan Stewart, "The Mac Whisperer."
  • Focus on 7 pro tips to enhance productivity using the Reminders app.

Pro Tips to Enhance Reminders

1. Organization

  • Challenge: Overwhelming number of lists.
  • Pin Lists
    • Built-in lists: All, Flags, Today, Scheduled, Completed.
    • Customize by hiding or adding personal lists.
    • Right-click to pin/unpin lists for easy access.
  • Collections
    • Group related lists into collections.
    • Example: Group family-related lists together.
    • Select lists, leave the last one unselected, drag into the last one to create a collection.

2. Subtasks

  • Organize tasks that have multiple components.
  • Drag tasks into a main task to create subtasks.
  • Alternative: Right-click to indent, or swipe to indent.

3. Repeating Reminders

  • Handle recurring tasks such as bills or medication.
  • Use Reminders instead of calendar to avoid clutter.
  • Set reminders to repeat on custom schedules (e.g., biweekly, monthly).

4. Columns

  • Organize reminders into columns for better clarity.
  • Examples:
    • Packing list: Separate warm weather and cold weather items.
    • Date night ideas: Separate activities, events, dinners.
  • Use View as Columns to create and categorize.

5. Sharing and Collaborating

  • Share lists with others for collaborative projects or tracking.
  • Assign specific tasks to different individuals.
  • Works on Apple devices with specific OS requirements.

6. Hashtags

  • Use hashtags for easy searchability and organization.
  • Keep hashtags simple and relevant.
  • Combine hashtags for specific queries.
  • Steps to create and manage hashtags in Reminders.

7. Smart Lists

  • Automate list creation using hashtags.
  • E.g., Create a list for personal purchases by combining hashtags.
  • Smart lists update automatically with tagged items.

MacWhisperer Power Tip: Templates

  • Useful for repeatedly used tasks (e.g., packing lists).
  • Create a Template: File menu > Save as Template.
  • Use a Template: Remove old list, recreate from template.
  • Example: YouTube video creation workflow as a template.

Conclusion

  • These tips optimize efficiency in using Apple's Reminders.
  • Aim to help users achieve more with their Apple products.
  • Dylan Stewart emphasizes the passion for enhancing productivity.