Instant Task Management
NEXUS includes a built-in todo list that transforms your new tab into a productivity hub. Access your tasks instantly with the T shortcut and keep everything organized across browser sessions.
Overview
The Todo List feature provides a clean, distraction-free task management system directly in your new tab. Tasks are automatically saved and persist across browser sessions, making it perfect for quick task capture and daily planning.
Key Features
- Instant Access - Press
T
to open from anywhere - Persistent Storage - Tasks automatically saved across browser sessions
- Clean Interface - Distraction-free design focused on productivity
- Keyboard Navigation - Full keyboard support for efficiency
- Task Counter - Visual progress indicator with completion tracking
- Drag & Drop - Reorder tasks by dragging them
Getting Started

Quick Notes overlay demonstrating note-taking capabilities that complement the todo list system
Enabling the Todo List
-
Open Settings
Press
S
or click the gear icon to open the settings panel -
Navigate to Features
Click on the "Features" tab in the settings panel
-
Enable Todo List
Toggle the "Todo List" switch to enable the feature
-
Close Settings
Press
Escape
or click outside the panel to close settings
Adding Your First Task
-
Open Todo List
Press
T
to open the todo panel -
Type Your Task
The input field is automatically focused - start typing immediately
-
Add Task
Press
Enter
to add the task to your list -
Continue Adding
The input stays focused for quick entry of multiple tasks
Task Management
Adding Tasks
There are several ways to add tasks efficiently:
- Quick Entry - Press
T
, type task, pressEnter
- Batch Entry - Add multiple tasks quickly as input stays focused
- Auto-Save - Tasks are saved immediately when added
- No Length Limit - Tasks can be as detailed as needed
Completing Tasks
Mark tasks as complete using these methods:
- Click Checkbox - Click the circle next to any task
- Keyboard - Focus a task and press
Space
- Visual Feedback - Completed tasks show with checkmark and strikethrough
- Toggle State - Click again to mark as incomplete
Deleting Tasks
Remove tasks when they're no longer needed:
- Delete Button - Click the × button next to any task
- Immediate Action - No confirmation dialog for quick workflow
- Permanent Removal - Deleted tasks are removed from storage
Reordering Tasks
Organize tasks by priority using drag and drop:
- Drag Handle - Click and drag any task to reorder
- Visual Feedback - Clear indicators during drag operation
- Auto-Save - New order is saved automatically
- Keyboard Alternative - Use arrow keys when task is focused
Task Counter
The task counter provides real-time progress tracking:
Counter States
- No Tasks - Shows "0 tasks" when list is empty
- In Progress - Shows "2/5 completed" format for active lists
- All Complete - Shows "All 5 completed" when everything is done
- Live Updates - Counter updates immediately when tasks change
Visual Indicators
- Header Display - Counter appears in the todo panel header
- Progress Tracking - Helps visualize completion progress
- Motivation - Provides positive feedback for completed tasks
Keyboard Shortcuts
Open or close the todo list panel
Add new task when typing in input field
Mark focused task as complete/incomplete
Move focus between tasks in the list
Close the todo panel and return to main view
Data Storage
Automatic Saving
Tasks are saved automatically using a robust storage system:
- Instant Persistence - Tasks saved immediately when added or modified
- Cross-Session - Tasks persist when you close and reopen browser
- Reliable Storage - Uses browser extension storage for maximum reliability
- Backup System - Falls back to localStorage if extension storage fails
Data Structure
Each task contains the following information:
- Unique ID - Timestamp-based identifier for tracking
- Task Text - The actual task description
- Completion Status - Boolean flag for completed state
- Creation Date - ISO timestamp for when task was created
Storage Locations
- Primary - Browser extension storage (chrome.storage.local)
- Backup - Browser localStorage as fallback
- Privacy - All data stored locally on your device
- Sync - No cloud sync - data stays on your computer
Interface Design
Panel Layout
The todo panel features a clean, focused design:
- Header - Title and task counter for context
- Input Field - Always-ready task entry at the top
- Task List - Scrollable list of all tasks
- Empty State - Helpful placeholder when no tasks exist
Task Items
Each task displays with clear visual elements:
- Checkbox - Circle that fills when task is completed
- Task Text - Clear, readable task description
- Delete Button - × button for removing tasks
- Drag Handle - Visual indicator for reordering capability
Visual States
- Pending Tasks - Clean, easy-to-read format
- Completed Tasks - Strikethrough text with filled checkbox
- Focused Tasks - Clear keyboard navigation indicators
- Hover States - Subtle feedback for interactive elements
Productivity Workflows
Daily Planning
- Morning Setup - Press
T
and add your daily tasks - Priority Order - Drag important tasks to the top
- Focus Sessions - Use with Focus Timer for structured work
- Progress Tracking - Check off tasks as you complete them
Quick Capture
- Instant Access -
T
shortcut works from any new tab - Rapid Entry - Type and press Enter for immediate capture
- Batch Adding - Add multiple tasks in quick succession
- No Interruption - Capture thoughts without breaking workflow
Integration with Other Features
- Focus Timer - Plan tasks, then start timer for execution
- Quick Shortcuts - Use
K
to navigate to task-related sites - Daily Quotes - Get motivated before tackling your task list
- Settings - Customize todo list behavior and appearance
Troubleshooting
Todo Panel Not Opening
- Ensure the Todo List feature is enabled in settings
- Check that the new tab page has focus when pressing
T
- Verify no input fields are focused when using the shortcut
- Try clicking the settings gear and manually enabling the feature
Tasks Not Saving
- Check browser permissions for the NEXUS extension
- Ensure you're not in incognito/private browsing mode
- Try refreshing the page and re-adding tasks
- Check browser storage settings and available space
Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working
- Click on the new tab page to ensure it has focus
- Close any open panels with
Escape
first - Avoid using shortcuts while typing in input fields
- Check for conflicts with other browser extensions
Accessibility Features
- Screen Reader Support - Proper ARIA labels and live regions
- Keyboard Navigation - Complete functionality without mouse
- Focus Management - Clear visual focus indicators
- High Contrast - Works with high contrast browser modes
- Semantic HTML - Proper heading structure and landmarks
Productivity Tip
The most effective way to use the todo list is to capture tasks immediately when they come to mind. The instant access with the T shortcut makes this effortless, helping you maintain focus while ensuring nothing gets forgotten.
Next Steps
Now that you understand the Todo List, explore these related features:
- Focus Timer - Execute your tasks with focused work sessions
- Daily Quotes - Get motivated before tackling your tasks
- Keyboard Shortcuts - Master all productivity shortcuts
- Advanced Settings - Customize todo list behavior