Backlog Project

How to use Backlog

How to Use

Backlog Task: Easily Defer Tasks in Todoist

Need to clear your immediate view but don’t want to lose track of a task? „Backlog Task“ is a Todoist integration that helps you move tasks to a dedicated backlog project with a single click. If the backlog project doesn’t exist yet, it will be created automatically for you. This guide will walk you through installing and using it.

Section 1: Get Todoist

„Backlog Task“ is an integration for Todoist. We are not Todoist. You will need a Todoist account to use this integration. If you don’t have one yet, head over to https://todoist.com to create a free account.

Section 2: Installation of Backlog Task

Follow these simple steps to install the „Backlog Task“ integration:

  1. Log in to Todoist: Open your Todoist web app or desktop app and make sure you are logged in to your account. https://app.todoist.com/app/
  2. Open Todoist Settings:
    • Web/Desktop App: Click your profile picture (or initials) in the top-right corner of the Todoist window.
    • Click on Settings.
  3. From the menu on the left, select Integrations.
  4. Find the „Backlog Task“ Integration:
    • Click on Browse at the top of the Integrations settings page.
    • Look for „Backlog Task“ in the list of available integrations (or use the search bar if available).
  5. Install the Integration:
    • Click on the „Backlog Task“ listing.
    • You’ll see a button that says „Add“. Click this button.
  6. Installation Complete! You should now see „Backlog Task“ listed in your active integrations within Todoist. The authorization step happens later, when you first use the integration.

Section 3: How to Use „Backlog Task“

Now that the integration is installed, here’s how to use it to manage your tasks:

  1. Select a Task: In your Todoist, find the task you want to move to a backlog.
  2. Open the Task View: Right-click on the task or click the three-dot menu next to the task name, or use right click (you can also simply click on the task itself to open its details).
  3. Move to Backlog:
    • Within the task view, look for the button associated with the „Backlog Task“ integration (it says „Backlog Task“ or have a icon which looks like a ice cube
    • Click on this button.
  4. Authorize the Integration (First Time Only):
    • The first time you click the „Backlog Task“ button, a window will likely pop up asking you to authorize „Backlog Task“ to access your Todoist account. This is necessary for the integration to modify your tasks and projects. Carefully review the permissions requested.
    • Click „Agree,“ „Authorize,“ or the equivalent button to grant access.
  5. Task is Moved:
    • After clicking the button (and authorizing if it was your first time), the integration will automatically move the selected task.
    • It places the task into a sub-project named „Backlog“ within the task’s original project.
    • If a „Backlog“ sub-project doesn’t already exist under the original project, the integration will create it for you automatically.
  6. Repeat! Use „Backlog Task“ whenever you need to defer a task and keep your main project list focused on current actions.

Key Features and Tips:

  • Automatic Backlog Creation: Automatically creates a dedicated „Backlog“ sub-project if one doesn’t exist, saving you setup time.
  • One-Click Task Moving: Quickly move tasks out of your active view into a designated holding area.
  • Easy Access: The „Backlog Task“ button is conveniently located within the task view.
  • Combine with Todoist Features: Use „Backlog Task“ alongside other Todoist features like priorities, due dates, labels, and filters for powerful workflow management.

Pro-Tips:

  • Regularly Review Your Backlog: Schedule time (e.g., weekly) to go through your „Backlog“ sub-projects. Decide whether to tackle, reschedule, delegate, or delete the tasks you find there to ensure nothing gets permanently lost.

Troubleshooting:

  • If you don’t see the „Backlog Task“ button:
    • Make sure the integration is still listed as active in your Todoist Integrations settings (Settings > Integrations).
    • Try refreshing your Todoist (Ctrl+R/Cmd+R in the browser/desktop app, or close and reopen the app).
    • As a last resort, try removing the integration from the Integrations settings and then re-installing it following Section 2.
  • If the task isn’t moving or the backlog project isn’t created:
    • Check your internet connection. The integration needs to communicate with Todoist’s servers.
    • Make sure you’ve granted the necessary permissions to the integration during the authorization step. You might need to remove and re-add the integration to trigger the authorization again if you suspect an issue here.