Set a due date or start date

Nirvana has two ways to attach dates to tasks. They behave differently — here’s when to use each.

Due dates vs. start dates

• Due date — marks when a task must be done. The task stays in its current list. When the due date arrives it gets a Focus star and shows “Due Today” (or “Past Due” if overdue). It stays there until completed.
• Start date — defers a task to a future date. The task moves to the Scheduled list and only reappears in Next when the start date arrives, where it gets a Focus star.

Add a due date

Adding a due date works the same way as adding any tag or attribute. See Add and manage tags for the full process — the due date icon is on the right side of the task panel.

You can also add a due date using Rapid Entry by typing #due followed by a date (e.g. #due January 10, #due tomorrow, #due monday).

Schedule a task (set a start date)

On Desktop

From a list, drag the item to the Scheduled list and select a start date from the calendar.

Or, when editing a task, click the status (e.g. Next, Active Project) and change it to Scheduled. Then click Start date and pick a date.

On Mobile

From a list, swipe the item left and tap the blue arrow. Select Scheduled and choose a start date.

Or, when editing a task, tap the status and choose Scheduled, then select the start date.

Schedule for today

Scheduling is intended for future dates. To highlight something for today, star it instead. If you want today’s date attached, give it a due date of today — this adds the Focus star and shows “Due Today”.