{"slug": "show-hn-mindwtr-free-open-source-local-first-gtd-app-for-all-platforms", "title": "Show HN: Mindwtr – Free, open-source, local-first GTD app for all platforms", "summary": "Mindwtr, a free, open-source, local-first GTD app, launched for all platforms including desktop, mobile, and web, offering end-to-end GTD workflow, AI assistant support, and flexible sync options without requiring an account.", "body_md": "English | [中文](/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/blob/main/README_zh.md)\n\nThe free, open-source, cross-platform GTD app. Local-first, no account required. *Mind Like Water.*\n\n*New to GTD? Read GTD in 15 minutes for a quick introduction.*\n\n[Install](#installation) · [Getting Started](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/wiki/Getting-Started) · [FAQ](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/wiki/FAQ) · [Data & Sync](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/wiki/Data-and-Sync) · [Cloud Deployment](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/wiki/Cloud-Deployment) · [MCP Server](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/wiki/MCP-Server)\n\n## desktop-demo.mp4\n\n## mobile-demo.mp4\n\n*Local-First GTD on Arch Linux & Android*\n\nMindwtr is built for people who want a complete GTD system without lock-in. Here is a brief, respectful comparison with mainstream task apps and GTD-focused alternatives.\n\n| Capability | Mindwtr | Todoist | TickTick | Everdo | NirvanaHQ |\n|---|---|---|---|---|---|\n| Open source | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |\n| GTD-native workflow | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ||\n| All major platforms (desktop + mobile + web, incl. Linux desktop) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ||\n| Local-first + no account required | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |\n| AI assistant (BYOK + local LLM) | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |\n| Flexible sync (WebDAV / Dropbox / self-hosted / local file) | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | |\n| Completely free | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |\n\nLegend: `✅`\n\n= yes, `❌`\n\n= no, `⚠️`\n\n= partial/limited support.\n\n*This comparison is based on the current public capabilities of each product. If any entry is outdated, feel free to open an issue or PR with sources.*\n\nMindwtr is built to be **simple by default and powerful when you need it**. We focus on reducing cognitive load, cutting the fat, and keeping you in flow. That means:\n\n**Progressive disclosure**: advanced options stay hidden until they matter.** Less by default**: fewer fields, fewer knobs, fewer distractions.** Avoid feature creep**: we prioritize clarity over clutter.\n\n*Don't show me a cockpit when I just want to ride a bike.*\n\n- GTD workflow end-to-end: Capture, Clarify, Organize, Reflect, Engage.\n- Focus view combines time-based agenda with next actions.\n- Local-first data model with native iCloud / CloudKit sync on supported Apple builds, plus file sync, WebDAV, Dropbox, and self-hosted cloud options.\n- Projects support sections, areas, and reorderable project task order for larger multi-step planning.\n- Obsidian vault import with note deep links on desktop.\n- Optional AI copilot (BYOK + local/self-hosted compatible models).\n- Cross-platform apps for desktop and mobile, plus PWA.\n- Optional automation helpers with desktop local REST API, CLI, and the published\nserver.`mindwtr-mcp`\n\n## See all features\n\n**Capture**- Quick add tasks from anywhere (global hotkey popup, tray, share sheet, voice)** Clarify**- Guided inbox processing with 2-minute rule** Organize**- Projects, sections, contexts, and status lists** Reflect**- Weekly review wizard with reminders** Engage**- Context-filtered next actions** AI Assist (Optional)**- Clarify, break down, and review with BYOK AI (OpenAI, Gemini, Claude, or local/self-hosted OpenAI-compatible LLMs)\n\n- 📥\n**Inbox**- Capture zone with processing wizard - 🎯\n**Focus**- Agenda (time-based) + Next Actions in one view - 📁\n**Projects**- Multi-step outcomes with sections, areas, and manual task ordering - 🏷️\n**Contexts**- Slash-delimited contexts with parent matching (@work/meetings) - ⏳\n**Waiting For**- Delegated items - 💭\n**Someday/Maybe**- Deferred ideas - 📅\n**Calendar**- Time-based planning with adjustable mobile week density - 📋\n**Board**- Kanban-style drag-and-drop - 📝\n**Review**- Daily + weekly review workflows - 📦\n**Archived**- Hidden history, searchable when needed\n\n- 🔍\n**Global Search**- Search all areas globally with operators (`status:`\n\n,`context:`\n\n,`assigned:`\n\n,`location:`\n\n,`where:`\n\n,`id:`\n\n,`-id:`\n\n,`due:<=7d`\n\n) - 📦\n**Bulk Actions**- Multi-select, batch move/tag/delete - 📎\n**Attachments**- Files and links on tasks - ✏️\n**Markdown Notes**- Rich text descriptions with preview - 🗂️\n**Project States**- Active, Waiting, Someday, Archived - ♾️\n**Fluid Recurrence**- Next date is calculated after completion - ♻️\n**Reusable Lists**- Duplicate tasks or reset checklists - ✅\n**Checklist Mode**- Fast list-style checking for checklist tasks - ✅\n**Audio Capture**- Quick voice capture with automatic transcription and task creation - 🧭\n**Copilot Suggestions**- Optional context/tag/time hints while typing - 🍅\n**Pomodoro Focus (Optional)**- 15/3, 25/5, 50/10 timer panel in Focus view with one optional custom preset - 🔔\n**Notifications**- Separate start and due reminders with snooze - 📊\n**Daily Digest**- Morning briefing + evening review - 📅\n**Weekly Review**- Customizable weekly reminder\n\n- 🔄\n**Sync Options**- See the[Data & Sync wiki](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/wiki/Data-and-Sync)for supported backends and setup - 🍎\n**Native iCloud / CloudKit Sync**- Apple-only structured sync on supported iPhone, iPad, and macOS builds - ☁️\n**Dropbox OAuth Sync (Optional)**- Native Dropbox App Folder sync in supported non-FOSS builds - 📤\n**Export/Backup**- Export data to JSON - ♻️\n**Restore from Backup**- Replace local data from a validated Mindwtr backup with a recovery snapshot first - 📥\n**Todoist + DGT GTD + OmniFocus Import**- Import Todoist CSV/ZIP, DGT GTD JSON/ZIP, or OmniFocus CSV exports into Mindwtr - 🔗\n**Obsidian Integration**- Desktop vault task import with deep links back to source notes - 🗓️\n**External Calendars (System + ICS)**- Mobile reads system calendars and pushes dated tasks; macOS desktop reads Apple Calendar and can push dated tasks; desktop/web also support ICS subscriptions and task creation from events\n\n- 🔌\n**CLI**- Add, list, complete, search from terminal by running the repo helper - 🌐\n**REST API**- Optional desktop localhost API server for token-authenticated scripting - 🌍\n**Web App (PWA)**- Browser access with offline support - 🧠\n**MCP Server**- Optional local stdio Model Context Protocol server for LLM automation, available asand in the`mindwtr-mcp`\n\n[MCP Registry](https://registry.modelcontextprotocol.io/)\n\nDesktop builds can start the local REST API from **Settings -> Advanced** on `127.0.0.1`\n\nwith default port `3456`\n\nand a generated bearer token. The CLI remains a repo helper; the stdio MCP server can be installed from npm with `npm install -g mindwtr-mcp`\n\nor launched by MCP clients with `npx -y mindwtr-mcp`\n\n.\n\n- 🖥️\n**Desktop**- Tauri v2 (macOS, Linux, Windows) - 📱\n**Mobile**- React Native/Expo (iOS via App Store/TestFlight, Android) with in-app tips for gestures and app shortcuts - 📲\n**Android Widget**- Home screen focus/next widget - ⌨️\n**Keyboard Shortcuts**- Vim and Emacs presets - 🎨\n**Themes**- Light/Dark - 🌍\n**i18n**- English, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, German, Russian, Japanese, French, Portuguese, Polish, Korean, Italian, Turkish, Dutch - 🐳\n**Docker**- Run the PWA + self-hosted sync server with Docker\n\n**Arch Linux (AUR, prebuilt recommended):**\n[\n](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/mindwtr-bin)\n\n```\n# Using yay\nyay -S mindwtr-bin\n\n# Using paru\nparu -S mindwtr-bin\n```\n\n**Arch Linux (AUR, build from source):**\n[\n](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/mindwtr)\n\n```\n# Using yay\nyay -S mindwtr\n\n# Using paru\nparu -S mindwtr\n```\n\n**Debian / Ubuntu (APT repo, recommended):**\n\n```\ncurl -fsSL https://dongdongbh.github.io/Mindwtr/mindwtr.gpg.key | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/mindwtr-archive-keyring.gpg\necho \"deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/mindwtr-archive-keyring.gpg] https://dongdongbh.github.io/Mindwtr/deb ./\" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mindwtr.list\nsudo apt update\nsudo apt install mindwtr\n```\n\n**Fedora / RHEL / openSUSE (DNF/YUM repo, recommended):**\n\n```\ncat <<'EOF' | sudo tee /etc/yum.repos.d/mindwtr.repo\n[mindwtr]\nname=Mindwtr Repository\nbaseurl=https://dongdongbh.github.io/Mindwtr/rpm\nenabled=1\ngpgcheck=0\nEOF\n\nsudo dnf install mindwtr\nflatpak install flathub tech.dongdongbh.mindwtr\n```\n\n**Other methods:** AppImage or `.deb`\n\n/`.rpm`\n\nfrom [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/releases).\n\n**Microsoft Store (recommended):**\n[\n](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9n0v5b0b6frx?ocid=webpdpshare)\n\n```\nwinget install dongdongbh.Mindwtr\nchoco install mindwtr\nscoop bucket add mindwtr https://github.com/dongdongbh/homebrew-mindwtr\nscoop install mindwtr\n```\n\n**Portable ZIP (no admin required):**\n\n- Download\n`mindwtr_<version>_windows_x64_portable.zip`\n\nfrom[GitHub Releases](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/releases). - Extract it to a writable folder and keep\n`portable.txt`\n\nnext to`mindwtr.exe`\n\n. - Mindwtr stores data under\n`profile/`\n\nin the extracted folder.\n\n**Other methods:** installer `.exe`\n\nfrom [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/releases).\n\nInstall from the Mac App Store: [Mindwtr on Mac App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/mindwtr/id6758597144).\nTestFlight beta (macOS): [Join the beta](https://testflight.apple.com/join/7SMJCTSR).\n\n```\nbrew install --cask mindwtr\n```\n\n**Other methods:** `.dmg`\n\nfrom [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/releases).\n\nInstall with F-Droid:\n\n- Install the F-Droid client.\n- Open\n[Mindwtr on F-Droid](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/tech.dongdongbh.mindwtr/)and install.\n\nInstall with IzzyOnDroid (alternative F-Droid-compatible repo):\n\n- Install an F-Droid-compatible client (Droid-ify, Neo Store, or F-Droid).\n- Add the IzzyOnDroid repository:\n`https://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/repo`\n\n. - Open\n[Mindwtr on IzzyOnDroid](https://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index/apk/tech.dongdongbh.mindwtr)and install.\n\nOther methods: APK from [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/releases).\n\nAvailable on the App Store: [Mindwtr for iOS](https://apps.apple.com/app/mindwtr/id6758597144).\nTestFlight beta: [Join the beta](https://testflight.apple.com/join/7SMJCTSR).\n\nHowever, maintaining the iOS version on the App Store requires a substantial annual fee (see the [Apple Developer Program](https://developer.apple.com/support/enrollment/)), which I currently cover out of pocket.\n\nTo ensure Mindwtr's continued existence and future development, your support is greatly appreciated! If you find value in the app, please consider supporting the project via [GitHub Sponsors](https://github.com/sponsors/dongdongbh) or [Ko-fi](https://ko-fi.com/D1D01T20WK).\n\nRun the web app (PWA) and the self-hosted sync server with Docker:\n\n- Guide:\n`docker/README.md`\n\nInstall guides: 🚀 [Getting Started](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/wiki/Getting-Started)\n\nMindwtr is shaped by its users and contributors. Thank you for helping improve it.\n\nIf you want to get involved, start with [CONTRIBUTING.md](/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/blob/main/docs/CONTRIBUTING.md).\n\nYou can help in several ways:\n\n**Spread the word:** Share Mindwtr with friends and communities, and support it on[Product Hunt](https://www.producthunt.com/products/mindwtr)and[AlternativeTo](https://alternativeto.net/software/mindwtr/).**Leave store reviews:** A good rating/review on the[App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/mindwtr/id6758597144),[Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tech.dongdongbh.mindwtr), or[Microsoft Store](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9n0v5b0b6frx?ocid=webpdpshare)helps a lot.**Star and share:** Star the repo and post about Mindwtr on[X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I%20like%20Mindwtr%20https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Fdongdongbh%2FMindwtr),[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Fdongdongbh%2FMindwtr&title=I%20like%20Mindwtr), or[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Fdongdongbh%2FMindwtr&title=I%20like%20Mindwtr).**Report bugs and request features:** Open issues on[GitHub Issues](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/issues).**Join the community chat:** Come to[Discord](https://discord.gg/ahhFxuDBb4).**Help with translations:** Contribute locale updates in.`packages/core/src/i18n/locales/`\n\n**Contribute code/docs:** Open a pull request and follow the[contribution guide](/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/blob/main/docs/CONTRIBUTING.md)and commit conventions.**Pick and build:** Community members are welcome to pick any open issue and submit a PR.**Sponsor the project:** Support ongoing development via[GitHub Sponsors](https://github.com/sponsors/dongdongbh)or[Ko-fi](https://ko-fi.com/D1D01T20WK).\n\n- 📚\n[Wiki](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/wiki)- Complete user guide - 🚀\n[Getting Started](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/wiki/Getting-Started) - ❓\n[FAQ](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/wiki/FAQ) - 🔄\n[Data & Sync](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/wiki/Data-and-Sync) - 🔗\n[Markdown Links](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/wiki/Markdown-Links) - 🛠️\n[Cloud Deployment](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/wiki/Cloud-Deployment) - ☁️\n[Cloud API](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/wiki/Cloud-API) - 🧠\n[MCP Server](https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/wiki/MCP-Server) - 📝\n[Release Notes Index](/dongdongbh/Mindwtr/blob/main/docs/release-notes/README.md)\n\nThanks to these monthly sponsors for supporting Mindwtr.\n\n[@jarrydstan](https://github.com/jarrydstan) · [@ronmolenda](https://github.com/ronmolenda) · [@bepolymathe](https://github.com/bepolymathe) · [@davidblume](https://github.com/davidblume) · [@karl1990](https://github.com/karl1990) · [@srijan](https://github.com/srijan) · [@davibicudo](https://github.com/davibicudo)", "url": "https://wpnews.pro/news/show-hn-mindwtr-free-open-source-local-first-gtd-app-for-all-platforms", "canonical_source": "https://github.com/dongdongbh/Mindwtr", "published_at": "2026-06-18 02:52:47+00:00", "updated_at": "2026-06-18 03:23:33.455471+00:00", "lang": "en", "topics": ["ai-tools", "developer-tools"], "entities": ["Mindwtr", "Todoist", "TickTick", "Everdo", "NirvanaHQ", "OpenAI", "Gemini", "Claude"], "alternates": {"html": "https://wpnews.pro/news/show-hn-mindwtr-free-open-source-local-first-gtd-app-for-all-platforms", "markdown": "https://wpnews.pro/news/show-hn-mindwtr-free-open-source-local-first-gtd-app-for-all-platforms.md", "text": "https://wpnews.pro/news/show-hn-mindwtr-free-open-source-local-first-gtd-app-for-all-platforms.txt", "jsonld": "https://wpnews.pro/news/show-hn-mindwtr-free-open-source-local-first-gtd-app-for-all-platforms.jsonld"}}