How to track tasks inside a note on Mac

1. Choose a checklist or a status list

Type /check on an empty line for a checklist: an item is unchecked or checked. Type /todo for a task list with named statuses. Both list types can appear in the same note.

Flyout includes six task statuses: Backlog, To-do, In progress, In review, Done and Cancelled. Choose a status by clicking the icon beside a task.

2. Give three tasks three different states

Create a note called “Publish the help update”. Put the purpose above the tasks: explain panel pinning without confusing it with a starred note. Then add the tasks below.

In progress means the writing is under way. In review means the work is ready to be checked. Done means that particular task is finished. These states describe the work; they do not assign it to another person.

# Publish the help update

Explain panel pinning and the library star.

- [in-progress] Write the setup steps
- [in-review] Check the menu names
- [done] Choose the example note

3. Add a status that matches your work

Open Flyout’s settings and select Tasks. Add a custom status such as “Waiting for reply”, then choose the group it belongs to. Use a group for unfinished work while you are still waiting.

The five groups are Backlog, Planned, Started, Completed and Cancelled. Groups determine whether work counts as open or closed; the status name can describe the specific stage. Custom definitions can sync when iCloud sync is enabled.

4. Find the notes that still have work

In the library, use the open-task filter to show notes with unfinished status tasks. Open a matching note to see its context and choose the next action.

The filter finds notes; it does not turn them into a shared project board. Keep the instructions next to the tasks so you can understand the work when you return.

5. Finish a task without deleting its context

Set a task to Done when it is complete, or Cancelled when you are no longer doing it. Leave its explanation in the note so you can see what happened later. Add a reminder separately if you need a notification at a particular time.

On iPhone, open the same synced note and tap a task’s status icon to update it. Enable iCloud sync on both devices first and wait for the note to arrive before editing it in two places.

What stays in an exported Markdown file?

The status is written into the task line, for example - [in-progress] Write the setup steps. Ordinary checkboxes use - [ ] and - [x]. A custom status uses its own key.

These markers remain readable when you export the note. Another editor may show them as plain text rather than Flyout’s icons and menus. The exported note is useful on its own; the visual task controls belong to Flyout.