PaperTrail vs Task Optimist

PaperTrail brings full TaskPaper editing to iOS and iPadOS. TaskPaper is plain text productivity—simple, fast, flexible. Projects, tasks, notes, and tags. Filter, search, and archive. All in plain text files you can sync via iCloud and edit in TaskPaper on your Mac. FEATURES • Full TaskPaper format support (.taskpaper, .todo, .txt, .md) • Open Bike (.bike) and OPML (.opml) outlines, with clear warnings when an import can't carry everything across • OPML and Bike-style export, so tags and done state round-trip back into Bike • Fold and focus into any subtree for distraction-free editing • Full query language with text, tag, boolean, and semantic search • Tag system with dates, progress tracking, and cost aggregation • Tag autocomplete ranked by how often you use each tag • Smart filters with edge-swipe gestures and an iPad side-by-side sidebar • Colour lines by priority, depth, or due date proximity • Natural date parsing and two-way iOS Reminders integration—import a Reminders list as a project • Quick capture: append tasks, notes, clipboard text, or web links to your most recent document • Planning shortcuts: Open in Today, Random Next Task, and Morning Brief • Shortcuts, Siri, Action Button, and Spotlight integration via App Intents • Find & update documents from Shortcuts: run queries, mark done, set tags, append tasks • Command palette for projects, searches, tags, and every editor command • iPadOS menu bar with Item, Tag, Outline, View, and Palette menus • Export documents as interactive HTML slide presentations or as OPML outlines • Built-in and custom document templates • 50+ keyboard shortcuts for power workflow • Native Swift app—tiny install size, built for speed • Dynamic Type, VoiceOver, and dark mode support

Task Optimist is a different but powerful and simple project management tool. You input your tasks, deadlines, times and priorities. Task Optimist intelligently curates your agenda. If something takes longer than expected, Task Optimist automatically reschedules your remaining tasks. If a new task comes in, Task Optimist finds the best place for it in your schedule. If a deadline changes, Task Optimist adjusts your plan accordingly. Key features: Smart Scheduling – Tasks are automatically placed into your calendar so you never miss a deadline. Gantt Charts – Visualise your projects with dependencies, milestones, and progress tracking. Flexible Task Management – Create, edit, and organise tasks and priorities. Dependencies – Link tasks together so your workflow follows real-world order. Clean macOS Experience – Designed for focus and productivity on your Mac. Task Optimist is built for makers, freelancers, and teams who want to get more done without drowning in complexity. It gives you clarity, focus, and the peace of mind that your schedule is always optimised.