FAQ

Q: What is EasyOrg?

EasyOrg is a text editor and TODO list manager and Calendar based on org mode syntax. It's an intuitive productivity tool which helps you focus on the most important. It's also a place to store your ideas, plans and what needs to be done. EasyOrg stores everything in normal text-files so it's future proof and portable. EasyOrg uses text formatted in Emacs org mode. You can use EasyOrg by writing text in org-mode or by using the GUI. EasyOrg is basically an easier to use alternative for Emacs when using Org mode.

Q: What is the difference between EasyOrg and Emacs Org mode?

EasyOrg uses the same Org mode syntax as Emacs. Emacs is a very powerful editor, but it is also not very user friendly and has a quite steep learning curve. EasyOrg has an easy to use editor and an intuitive Org mode Agenda. If you have used Emacs with Org mode then the core of EasyOrg will be familiar to you.

Q: What is Org mode?

Org mode is a syntax for styling text and adding scheduling data, priorities, task states and more to a piece of text. It's a structured way of writing text to give more clarity and make your notes more intelligent and powerful. The dates, states, tags, priorities etc which you add to your note items can be used to present the text data in different sorted and filtered ways such as in a Calendar view or Kanban board. It's a way of organizing your notes, specifically focused towards tasks and todos. For more check out the org mode basics docs.

Q: Why use EasyOrg?

If you use TODO lists and project management tools, but haven't found anything you like then EasyOrg might be the answer. You can write your TODO lists in plain text in an editor. Attach reminders and deadlines. Change todo states. Add tags. Add notes. Link between todos and more. EasyOrg also has a powerful Agenda view were you can list and priorities your todos based on importance, deadlines and schedules.

Q: Is it for me?

- If you are using Org mode today then, probably Yes!

- If you are using Emacs with Org mode, but want something a bit more user friendly then, probably Yes!

- If you are using a plain text file for your todos and notes, but want a bit more structure then, probably Yes!

- If you want a secure and future proof solution for your todos and notes then, probably Yes!

- If you want to sync and backup your notes using the cloud storage you already use today then, probably yes!

- If you want to access your data on both a computer and phone then, probably Yes!

- If you need to directly cooperate with others by means of shared todo lists and notes then, maybe not!

- If you want your data to be stored in a proprietary format, by a specific vendor on their servers then, maybe not!

- If you enjoy paying a fee every month for the rest of your life just to be able to access your notes or make some changes once in a while, then, maybe not!

- If you need all imaginable features, bells and whistles then, maybe not!

Q: What's the best way to get a feel for how EasyOrg works?

The best way is to download the free version and give it a go. There is an example file provided (from the menu, select Help -> Org Example File) which showcases most of the EasyOrg features.

Q: Do I need to know Org-mode?

No, you do not need to know anything about Org mode to use EasyOrg although a little knowledge might be useful to get the most out of it. If you like Org mode you will like EasyOrg. If you have never used Org mode, you will also like EasyOrg and get up to speed quickly.

Q: Can I use files edited with EasyOrg in Emacs?

Yes, EasyOrg is compatible with org mode and saves everything to normal text files in org format. EasyOrg supports a subset of org mode, but is compatible in both directions.

Q: Is EasyOrg a replacement for Emacs Orgmode?

Yes and no. For many use cases EasyOrg can replace and even enhance Emacs Orgmode, however Emacs Orgmode has several advanced features such as in-document code execution and advanced table handling which EasyOrg does not support.

Q: On which platforms does EasyOrg run?

MacOS, Linux and Windows.

Q: Can I use the same license on both Mac, Windows and Linux?

Yes, you can purchase one license and use it on both a Mac, a Windows and a Linux machine in parallel. You can use the license on up to five machines in case you have several machines you personally use.

Q: Can I run EasyOrg on my phone?

No, but you can use Orgzly on Android or beorg on iOS. The text-files used to store the data are compatible.

Q: Can I sync my files to other devices?

Yes. You are free to use any service you like for example Syncthing, Dropbox, or pCloud. Or you can use our Capture App.

Q: Can I get a refund if I'm not happy with EasyOrg?

If EasyOrg didn't meet your expectations, please send us a message using the contact form within 14 days of purchase and we will work out a refund.

Q: Can I get a bulk discount?

No. As the price is already so low we cannot offer any further discounts.

Q: What payment types do you support?

You can pay with credit card or PayPal. It's a one time payment, not a monthly/yearly subscription. We use Paddle as payment processor and we do not store any credit card data on our servers.

Q: Can I get an invoice?

Sure, after payment an email with your invoice will be sent to you from Paddle, our payment processor.

Q: What are the limitations of the Free version?

With the free version nothing will be rendered in the agenda if you have more than 20 todo tasks in your text-file. If you have more than 250 lines in the editor, then no preview will be rendered. If you have more than 30 org headers, then nothing will be rendered in the Table view.

Q: How can I upgrade from Free to Paid version?

Just go to our website (easyorgmode.com) and select the 'Buy & Download' button. After paying you will get a license code sent by email. In the app, select 'Register License Key' and input the license key you received. If there are pending updates, your app will automatically install them for you.

Q: Is EasyOrg secure?

We do not store your data on our servers. All your notes and TODOs stay on your local machine in regular text files. This means we cannot read your data and you always have your data in a readable format (org text files using any text editor) even if you would not be able to use EasyOrg in the future for any reason.

Q: How can I get help and support?

Please don't hesitate to contact us using our contact form or check the documentation pages.