Most of us know how to use the Mac reminder app to set up appointments, create to-do lists, and manage our daily appointments. This application comes as standard with iOS and macOS, so most of us are familiar with it. But, Apple’s built-in reminder app for Mac is actually more potent than you might think. Its function is not limited to storing to-do items and creating reminders and lists. It is a feature-packed app that can make our lives easier and more organized.
The Mac reminder app has many useful features that not many users are even aware of. This includes setting priorities, location alerts, sorting and working with multiple windows. In this article, you’ll discover these not-so-popular features and how you can get the most out of Apple Reminders app.
On the iOS, Reminders app has an option to show completed Reminders. Where is that option on MacOS? It doesn't make much sense that the desktop version would have less features than the mobile one.
How to Open Lists in a New Window
Reminders is a single-window app by default, with a sidebar that shows all the lists associated with your account. When you open the Mac reminder app, you will see a list of your scheduled reminders and menus on the right sidebar. You can choose to hide the sidebar and focus on a particular list at a time. You can switch between lists by clicking the dots at the bottom of the window or swiping on your trackpad. But what if you want to compare two lists and need them both to be open at the same time? You can open a list in a new window by double-clicking it on the sidebar or by navigating to Window > Open List in New Window. You can resize the window and change the position according to your preferences.
How to Check Today’s Tasks
One of the benefits of setting up reminders is that Siri will send you alerts when a particular event or appointment is due. But if you’re someone who likes to plan ahead, these alerts may not be enough. Being able to see your dates in a calendar view helps a lot in managing your tasks and to-dos. And this is what the reminder app for Mac does.
If you want to know what’s in store for today, go to View > Go to Today or press Cmd + T. You’ll see a list of all the tasks, appointments or events scheduled for the current day. If you want to look at tasks you missed yesterday, click the Scheduled list on the sidebar. You’ll see all of the scheduled reminders, which is very useful for long-term planning.
Looking at your Scheduled list can be overwhelming, especially if you have a lot of tasks. To avoid the clutter and confusion, you can view your tasks on a particular date using the calendar. To view the calendar, click View > Show Calendar and you’ll see a small calendar at the bottom of the sidebar. You’ll know if a task is assigned on a particular day when you look at a dot underneath the date.
Set and Sort by Priorities
If you have a lot of tasks and you don’t know which one to deal with first, the Mac reminder app helps you stay on track by setting up priorities. There are four levels of priority – None, Low, Medium, and High. To set up a task’s priority, click on the task and use these keyboard shortcuts:
- Low: Cmd + 1
- Medium: Cmd + 2
- High: Cmd + 3
- None: Cmd + 4
Once you’ve set up the priorities, you can sort them out by clicking View > Sort By > Priority. You’ll see the most urgent tasks on top and less important tasks at the bottom.
Other Tricks for Mac Reminder App
There are so many other things you can do with your reminder app for Mac that you never thought possible. For example, if you misplaced an item on your list or you think it should belong to a different list, just drag the item to the list you want to transfer it to. No need to copy and paste. Just make sure to click near the circle or the right side of its name because clicking on the name will prompt you to edit it. If you need to select multiple items, Cmd-click and choose numerous items or Shift-click to select a range of items.
If you want to know more information about an item on your list, the typical thing to do is to click the info button (i), but double-clicking the item does just the same.
If you want to edit or update an item, Ctrl- or right-click to the left of the item to see your options. You can mark it as completed or delete, copy, cut and paste. You can also move the due date to tomorrow, move the reminder to a different list, set the priority level or set up an alert. Another note: to delete an item or a list, just select it and press Delete. It is so much easier and faster than marking them as complete.
Final Thoughts
There’s more to Reminders app than meets the eye. Although it might not be a power-packed app, knowing these little tricks makes it easier to work your way around the app and maximize its benefits.
Reminders is a lightweight app, but it could be a bit straining for your Mac, especially if you have other apps and processing running at the same time. Improve your Mac’s performance by boosting your RAM with an app like Tweakbit MacRepair. It scans and deletes junk files and free up your computer’s memory for a faster and smoother performance.
See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy Policy.
How To See Completed List On Mac Reminders Applications
Since its introduction to iOS, Apple barely paid any attention to the default Reminders app. The app did receive incremental updates with each iOS release. Meanwhile, its rival reminder apps gained a lot of lead with faster updates and more functions.
The scenario took a complete turn this year. With iOS 13 debut, Apple delivered a brand new Reminders app with a fresh coat of paint and new features such as Siri integration, location-based reminders, and more.
Now the Apple Reminders app is right up there with established third-party alternatives. It enjoys a tight integration among Apple services to get things done.
In this post, we are going to talk about the top eight Apple Reminders tips and tricks to use it like a pro. By the end of the list, I’m sure you will find yourself more productive with the Apple Reminders app.
Download Apple Reminders for iOSCaution: As expected, the Reminders app is only available on iOS and Mac. So, if you intend to use Android or Windows in the future, then look for its cross-platform alternatives.1. Add Location-Based Reminders
As the name suggests, you can set location-based reminders. While adding a task, the user can select the location icon and choose from home, work, or other address.It’s integrated with Apple Maps app. First, you need to set the work and home address in Apple Maps, and then it will display in the Reminders app.
Users also need to switch-on location from the Settings > Privacy > Location and make sure the Reminders app also has access to the device location.
2. Add Sub-Tasks
The Reminders app allows users to add sub-tasks to a certain Hero task. You can tap on the ‘i’ button, and scroll down to the sub-task section.Here is how I use both these tricks. I create work-related to-dos, divide them into sub-tasks, and set the app to remind me when I reach the office using the location.
You can also set priority and reminders to a certain sub-task.
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Read More3. Get Reminders During Chat
This one is super useful. Let’s say you want to get reminded about a certain task during a chat with a particular person. You can set it up in the Reminders app. Here is what you need to do.
Add a task, tap on the ‘i’ button, and scroll down to remind me when messaging section and select the person from the contact list.
Next time, when you open the Messages app to compose a chat with that person, the Reminders app will notify you about the task you need to share with him.
I hope Apple opens up the API to support third-party messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram.
4. Use Siri to Add Reminders
It’s straight-forward. You can simply ask Siri to set tasks and reminders for you.
You can say, ‘Hey Siri, remind me to finish GuidingTech post at 10 PM this Tuesday.’
Siri also smart enough to understand recurring tasks via voice. For example, you can say, ‘Hey Siri, remind me to watch Silicon Valley new episode every Monday,’ and it will set the weekly reminder for it.
5. Add Outlook Tasks in Apple Reminders
If you are someone using Outlook Email for Windows and Mac, then this could be helpful for you.
On iPhone, when you add outlook account in the default Email app, it also appears in the Settings > Password & Account > Outlook.
From there, you can switch-on Outlook Reminders, and all the Outlook tasks will appear in the Apple Reminders app.
You can add new tasks, create lists, and it will appear right into Outlook and Microsoft To-Do app.
6. Change the Default Location for the Reminder
By default, all the reminders get saved into iCloud > My Day list. However, you can change the default account and list.
Go to Settings > Reminders > Default List and select the account and list from the menu.
After that, all your default and voice-based reminders will land into the selected list.
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Read More7. Use Siri Shortcuts
Siri Shortcuts is a neat way to perform certain tasks via voice commands.
Apple offers varieties of built-in shortcuts for default apps so that you don’t have to mess with complex shortcut conditions to make it work.
I have set Siri to open My Day list when I ask it to ‘open my day.’ This is how to set it up.
Open Shortcuts > Gallery > Shortcuts from Your Apps and scroll down to Reminders and tap on the ‘+’ button for Add to My Day list. Now, on the following screen, set the phrase you want to say to Siri to run the shortcut.
8. Share the List
With Apple Reminders, users can share the entire list with family, friends, or team members to get things done.
Open list, tap on the three-dot menu, select add person, and generate an iCloud link. Use the preferred platform to send the sharing link.
Sadly, there is no way to send the list of tasks in simple words. The app only sends the invite link, and the receiving person needs to be on the Apple Reminders app to see the tasks.
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With iOS 13, the default Reminders app has come a long way. It’s mature and powerful enough to take on rivals. With the help of the above tips and tricks, you can use the app at its full potential.
Next Up: Google Tasks is also a capable offering from the search giant. Read the post below to find the perfect alternatives for it.
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Read NextTop 5 Google Tasks Alternatives for Android and iOSAlso See#google #apple
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