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What's the Difference Between Schedules and Todos? When to Use Schedules

Sometimes it’s hard to decide whether to record something as a todo or a schedule.

The deciding factor is simple: Does this have a clear start and end time?

TodoSchedule
Time attributeNo fixed timeHas start and end time
Display locationTodo listTodo list + Calendar / Schedule list
Typical scenarioCall client tomorrowMeeting at 2-3 PM
Calendar displayNo (unless schedule type)Yes
ReminderSupportedSupported

A schedule is essentially a todo with a start and end time.

It has all the properties of a todo (reminder, completion status, tags) and also appears on the calendar, showing you specific time blocks.

Things that occupy a defined time block — use a schedule:

  • 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Project review meeting
  • Saturday 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Personal training session
  • Tomorrow 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM: Monthly report

These tasks are characterized by occupying a block of time, not just a single point in time, and you need to see the time distribution on your calendar.

Things with no fixed time, or just a specific point in time — use a todo:

  • Call the client tomorrow (specific point in time — use a reminder)
  • Finish the project proposal this week (no fixed time — use a todo)
  • Buy milk (no time requirement — use a todo)

YYNote has a practical feature: drag a todo onto the calendar, and it automatically becomes a schedule.

On the desktop calendar widget, drag the dot in front of a todo to a specific time on the calendar. Release — the system automatically sets start and end times, converting the todo into a schedule.

No flashy new features, just continuous refinement. Choosing the right recording method makes subsequent management much more efficient.

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