Although Paper is designed to be a very simple TODO manager, it can do a lot. Below is the list of tips that help you to get the most from Paper. If you have a question that is not listed below, feel free to send it by e-mail.
The Application and Files
How can I run Paper at Windows startup?
Just drag its shortcut to the “Startup” folder of the “Start” menu. You may drag a document’s shortcut as well, even several shortcuts actually.
How can I open several lists of tasks?
You can open several lists by running Paper several times.
Is there a Mac-version of Paper?
No, use TaskPaper instead. It is a great application and the source of inspiration for Paper. Both applications use the same format, so you shouldn’t have any problems by using them together.
Tasks Management
Is there a way to group tasks?
The first way to group tasks it to use projects. Then you may split tasks by adding empty line and optional comment line at the top of group.
Can I create sub-tasks?
You can set the cursor at the beginning of the task’s line and press the “Tab” key. This shifts the whole task a bit right, so it looks like a sub-task.
However, you’d better group your tasks by adding empty lines between them. Flat lists are easier to read and understand, while sub-tasks require more attention to managing them. So the main rule is: keep your task list flat as long as possible.
There are some exceptions, of course. One of them is if you need to do the same thing in several places or with several objects. For example you may create a task “Send invitations to the party” with subtasks “to John”, “to Mary”, “to Alice”. In more complex cases it is better to create generic tasks and split them to groups with empty lines, or even by creating additional projects.
Is there a way to move a group of tasks simultaneously?
Yes, by selecting them with the mouse and using Cut and Paste commands.
Can I use rich text for tasks or notes, i.e. change font size, style or color?
No. All the formatting is defined by the theme. You can change a theme, but you can’t format the text like in Word.
Can I add images to the list?
No. Paper is designed to be simple. Images are not simple, the text is.
Other Tricks
Can I finish the note with a colon without transforming it to a project?
Yes, just add a space after the colon.
Do you have any suggestions for the list structure?
There are lots of GTD-related articles in the Internet that may help with this. You may start from three projects: Right now, Today and Later. Put your tasks to these projects, complete all the tasks in the Right now project and get another portion from the Today one. You may create a Finished project as well and move completed tasks there.