How TaskGen Works
TaskGen generates properly formatted links that open Todoist Quick Add with your task details pre-filled. It is ideal for NFC tags, printed reminders, shortcuts, and everyday routines.
Contents
How TaskGen Works
This tool generates links that follow the right format to open Todoist's Quick Add with your details pre-filled. These links work with:
- NFC tags for instant hands-free task creation
- QR codes for printed reminders
- Shortcuts and automations
- Widgets and launchers
This saves time, reduces typing, and helps you capture tasks at the exact moment they occur.
What is Todoist Quick Add
Quick Add is Todoist's fastest way to capture a task. When someone opens a properly formatted link, Todoist automatically fills in:
- Task name
- Due date (using natural language such as tomorrow or in 2 hours)
- Priority
- Project assignment
You only need to tap Add task to save it.
TaskGen is an independent tool and is not affiliated with Todoist.
What is a Todoist task link
A Todoist task link is a URL that opens Quick Add with your task information already set.
Example:
https://todoist.com/add?content=Empty%20dishwasher&date=in%202%20hours&priority=2
On mobile: Opens Todoist, pre-fills your task, and keeps your project assignment.
On desktop: Todoist sends all linked tasks to Inbox. This behavior is built into Todoist.
How to Create a Task Link in TaskGen
- Enter your task name.
- Add an optional due date using natural language such as tomorrow or in 2 hours.
- Choose a priority.
- Add a project name or leave it blank to send the task to Inbox.
- Tap Generate.
- Copy the link, write it to an NFC tag, or download a QR code.
What You Can Do With Your Link
QR codes
Download and print a QR code for your task link. Place it on appliances, notebooks, or whiteboards. Scan it to open Quick Add with your task pre-filled, then tap Add task to save it.
NFC tags
Write your task link to an NFC sticker. Tap your phone on the tag to open Quick Add with your task pre-filled, then tap Add task to save it. Ideal for routines, reminders, and workflows around the home or office. What Is an NFC Tag?
Share with others
Send links by text, email, or messaging apps. Anyone with Todoist installed can create the task with one tap.
Automations and shortcuts
Use your link with:
- Siri Shortcuts
- Android routines
- Home screen widgets
- App launchers
- Digital notes and whiteboards
What Is an NFC Tag
NFC (Near Field Communication) tags are small stickers or chips that store simple information. When you bring your phone close to a tag, it reads the stored data instantly.
How they work with Todoist: You can save links to NFC tags so when you hover your phone over them, it opens the link. TaskGen helps you generate links in the right format for Todoist so you can add those links to NFC tags. Each tap opens Quick Add with your task already filled in.
Where to use them: Place tags on appliances, desks, fridge doors, or any spot where you want quick reminders.
Device compatibility: Works on iPhone 7 and newer and most Android phones. No setup is required. Just tap to trigger the task.
Try it yourself by creating a task to buy NFC tags.
Note: Requires Todoist app installed on your device
Popular Use Cases
Below are examples of how scanning a QR code or NFC tag with a pre-filled Todoist link can be useful. Each example provides a link to try in Todoist.
Empty dishwasher in 2 hours
Place an NFC tag or QR code on your dishwasher. Tap your phone when the cycle starts. Todoist schedules a task due in 2 hours so you remember to empty it.
Note: Requires Todoist app installed on your device
Move laundry to dryer in 45 minutes
Stick an NFC tag on your washing machine. Tap it when you start a load. Todoist creates a reminder due in 45 minutes so clothes never sit wet.
Note: Requires Todoist app installed on your device
Check leftovers in 3 days
Put a tag or QR code on your fridge. Scan it when you store leftovers. Todoist creates a task to check them in 3 days and reduce food waste.
Note: Requires Todoist app installed on your device
Water plants
Attach an NFC tag to a watering can or pot. Tap it each time you water. Todoist schedules the next reminder automatically so you keep plants healthy.
Note: Requires Todoist app installed on your device
Come back for tea in 4 minutes
Place a tag near your kettle. Tap it when you start brewing. Todoist reminds you when the tea is ready so it never over-steeps.
Note: Requires Todoist app installed on your device
Create a blank Quick Add link
You can create a link or QR code that opens Todoist Quick Add without a pre-filled task name. This is useful for NFC tags or QR codes where you want to type the task manually, but you want an easy way to get to the create task flow. Perfect for NFC tags placed around your home or office where you want quick task capture without pre-defining what the task will be.
Note: Requires Todoist app installed on your device
Each example requires the Todoist app to be installed.
Tips for Best Results
- Use task links on mobile to preserve your project selection.
- Project names must match exactly. Spelling and capitalization must be correct.
- Leave the project blank to send tasks to Inbox.
- Todoist understands natural language for dates and times.
- Short, clear task names work best.
Troubleshooting
On desktop, Todoist ignores project parameters and sends all tasks to Inbox. To keep your project assignment, open the link on a mobile device.
Check that the project name is an exact match. Project names are case-sensitive. If you are on desktop, all tasks go to Inbox by design.
Not through a link. Todoist does not support descriptions in task URLs. Add details in the task name or edit the task after creation.
Yes. QR codes and NFC tags work on both platforms, as long as the Todoist app is installed.
About TaskGen
TaskGen is a personal tool I built to help myself generate Todoist task links quickly. I found it so useful for my own workflow that I decided to share it with the Todoist community. If you find it helpful, I'd love your support.
TaskGen is completely independent and not affiliated with Todoist in any way. It's just a simple tool made by someone who loves productivity and wants to help other Todoists work more efficiently.