What it does
OmniFocus 4 is a high-powered task and project management app built for professionals who follow the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology. It goes beyond simple to-do lists, offering a structured system for capturing, organizing, and executing tasks across complex projects. The app is designed around a sync-based ecosystem, ensuring that your tasks are consistent across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple devices.
Where it shines
OmniFocus excels in its flexibility and depth. A standout feature is the ability to convert any task into a full-blown project with a single tap (03:33). This allows workflows to evolve naturally from a simple idea to a multi-step plan. Another area of strength is its powerful customization through "Perspectives" (07:57), which lets users create saved, rule-based filters to view their tasks in ways that make sense for their specific context. Finally, the Forecast view (06:11) elegantly integrates tasks with due dates alongside calendar events, providing a clear overview of what's ahead.
UX highlights
- Contextual Inspector: Tapping the inspector icon for any item (02:48) brings up a comprehensive panel for editing metadata like dates, tags, and notes. This is a consistent and efficient pattern used throughout the app.
- Inline Task Creation: New tasks can be quickly added directly within a project list without navigating to a separate screen (03:55), making brain-dumping and planning fast and fluid.
- Actionable Swipe Gestures: Swiping on tasks reveals contextual options like "More" and "Delete" (04:22), providing quick access to common actions.
- Quick Open Navigation: A search-based "Quick Open" feature (04:50) allows users to jump instantly to any project, tag, or perspective, which is crucial for navigating a potentially large database of tasks.
- Hierarchical Structure: The app's design heavily supports nested tasks and projects, allowing for deep, logical organization of complex initiatives.
- Release Notes on First Open: After installing, the app presents detailed release notes (01:24), a thoughtful touch for an app with a dedicated, long-term user base that cares about updates.
Monetization & growth
OmniFocus employs a user-friendly monetization strategy. Instead of a hard paywall, it offers a 14-day free trial that begins automatically after the mandatory account creation (00:53). This lets users experience the full power of the app and its sync capabilities before committing. The pricing itself is not presented until the user actively seeks it out in the settings menu (09:18). There, users have the choice between a one-time universal purchase or a recurring subscription, catering to different user preferences.
Who it’s for
This app is clearly tailored for productivity enthusiasts and professionals who need a robust system to manage a high volume of tasks and projects. It is particularly well-suited for individuals who practice the GTD methodology and work within the Apple ecosystem. The feature set, including custom perspectives and detailed inspectors, is likely overkill for casual users but provides immense value for those who need to tame chaos and maintain focus on complex, long-term goals.
Notes & opportunities
The mandatory sign-up at the beginning of the onboarding (00:07) is a significant point of friction that could deter users who just want to explore the app's interface. While essential for the sync feature, offering a local-only demo mode first could improve initial adoption. Additionally, the interface is information-dense; while powerful, it could benefit from more contextual tooltips or a guided first-run experience to help new users grasp core concepts like Perspectives and the Inspector.