A simple online to-do list that keeps your tasks private
This free online to-do list is a quick place to capture everything you need to do and tick it off as you go. Type a task, press Enter, and it is saved. Add a due date and a priority when they matter, drag tasks into the order you want to tackle them, and watch the progress bar fill up as the day goes on.
There is no account, no app to install and no sync server. Your lists are stored in your own browser’s local storage, so they are still there when you close the tab or restart your computer — and nobody else can read them. When you want the same lists on another device, export them as a JSON file and import that file on the other device.
It works as a shopping list, a work planner or a packing checklist; make as many lists as you like.
How to use the To-Do List
- Type a task in the “New task” box and press Enter (or tap “Add task”). Set a due date or priority first if you want one.
- Tick the checkbox when a task is done. The counter and progress bar update straight away.
- Reorder tasks by dragging the ⋮⋮ handle, by using the up and down arrows, or by focusing the handle and pressing the arrow keys.
- Click a task’s text (or the pencil icon) to edit its wording, due date or priority. Press Enter to save or Escape to cancel.
- Use the All / Active / Done filter and the “By due date” or “By priority” order to see what needs attention first.
- Create more lists with “New list”, and use “Export JSON” now and then to keep a backup or move your lists to another device.
To-Do List features
Due dates that speak plainly
Tasks show “Due today”, “Due tomorrow” or a red “Overdue” badge, so late items stand out without you doing any date maths.
Priorities in colour and words
High, Medium and Low priorities get a coloured edge and a text label, which keeps them readable for colour-blind users and in print.
Touch-friendly reordering
Drag with a mouse, finger or pen, or use the arrow buttons. Keyboard users can move a task with the arrow keys on its handle.
Undo for deletions
Deleted a task, a whole list or all completed tasks by mistake? Press Undo in the message that appears at the bottom.
Assignment tracker mode
Add a subject and grade weight to a task, see what is overdue and how much of the grade is still to hand in, and export due dates to a calendar (.ics) with a reminder.
Multiple lists
Keep work, home, groceries and projects apart. Each list shows how many open tasks it still has.
Private, with backups
Everything is stored on your device only. Export and import JSON files to back up your lists or move them between phone and computer.
Tips for a to-do list you will actually finish
A list helps most when it is short, specific and honest about what fits in a day. A few habits make a big difference:
- Start each task with a verb. “Email Sam the draft budget” is easier to start than “Budget”.
- Break big jobs down. If a task will take more than an hour or two, split it into the first few concrete steps.
- Use High priority sparingly. If everything is urgent, nothing is. Aim for one to three high-priority tasks a day.
- Only give real deadlines a due date. Fake deadlines train you to ignore the overdue badge.
- Clear completed tasks at the end of the day so tomorrow starts with a clean list — your progress is still counted until you clear them.
Prioritising with the Eisenhower matrix
If you are unsure what to do first, sort tasks by how urgent and how important they are. Important and urgent tasks get High priority and a due date. Important but not urgent tasks — planning, learning, health — get Medium priority and a time slot in your week. Urgent but unimportant tasks are worth delegating or batching, and tasks that are neither can usually be deleted.
Then switch the order to “By priority” to see your list ranked, or “By due date” to see what is coming up.
For deep work on a single task, pair this list with the Pomodoro timer, and use the habit tracker for things you want to do every day rather than once.
How your data is stored
Tasks are saved in your browser’s local storage the moment you add, tick, edit or move them. They are never uploaded. That also means clearing your browser data, using a private window, or switching to a different browser or device will not show the same lists — export a JSON backup before you do any of those.
Importing a backup merges it with what is already here: new lists are added, and tasks that exist in both places keep whichever version was edited most recently, so nothing is overwritten by an older copy.
To-Do List FAQ
Is this to-do list free?
Yes. The to-do list is completely free, with no sign-up, no adverts inside the tool and no limit on the number of lists or tasks.
Where are my tasks saved?
In your browser’s local storage on this device. They are not sent to any server, so they stay private, but they are also not synced automatically. Use Export JSON and Import JSON to move them between devices.
Will I lose my tasks if I close the tab?
No. Every change is saved immediately, so your lists are still there when you come back in the same browser. They are only lost if you clear your browser’s site data or use a private window, so export a backup now and then.
How do I reorder tasks on my phone?
Press and drag the ⋮⋮ handle on the left of a task, or tap the up and down arrows. Reordering is available in “My order”; when you sort by due date or priority, the list is arranged automatically.
Can I recover a task I deleted?
Yes, if you act quickly. After deleting a task, a list or your completed tasks, an Undo button appears for about seven seconds. After that the deletion is permanent unless you have an exported backup.
Can I share a list with someone else?
There is no live sharing, because nothing is stored online. You can export the list as a JSON file and send it; the other person imports it into their own copy of this to-do list.