OmniFocus for iPad FAQ

Is OmniFocus for iPad a Universal Application?

No, OmniFocus for iPad is a completely new app, designed specifically for iPad.  Because it was designed for the larger screen of the iPad, it’s able to offer a much richer experience than we can provide on the iPhone or iPod.

Do I need all three versions of OmniFocus?

Nope! While each version of OmniFocus offers a unique experience, optimized for the device on which it runs, each version is a fully-featured standalone application.

Isn't $39.99 kind of expensive?

While it certainly works well with other editions of the application, OmniFocus for iPad isn’t meant to be just a companion. Rather, OmniFocus for iPad is a full-featured application. It gives you the power of our desktop edition, plus a few extras crafted specifically for the iPad.

Additionally, OmniFocus for iPad has several complex and robust features that most others don’t. For example, over the air sync (via iDisk, WebDAV, or the Omni Sync Server) and prompt support from a real, live person.

What features are unique to OmniFocus for iPad?

Besides being optimized to complement the unique experience the iPad has to offer, OmniFocus features a couple special modes: Review and Forecast.

In Review mode, you can keep tabs on all of your projects and actions to make sure nothing is lost or forgotten (and delete the stuff that is no longer relevant to your goals).

In Forecast mode, see the week in terms of actions that are due or due soon, making it easy to plan ahead and spread your work evenly. 

What is the best way to sync to The Cloud?

OmniFocus for iPad has three options for over-the-air sync, or, cloud syncing: iDisk, WebDAV, and the Omni Sync Server.

To set up sync with one of these options, tap the Settings button (it’s the gear) above the toolbar in OmniFocus for iPad and then tap the Sync Setup button. From there, choose one of the sync options and fill in your credentials. Set up sync the same way on another device running OmniFocus and they’ll stay in sync.

Where is the calendar?

OmniFocus isn’t meant to be a calendar replacement, but rather a calendar complement. The calendar does well when it comes to keeping tabs on events that happen at a specific place and time, however, many of our tasks don’t schedule so neatly—that’s where OmniFocus comes into play. 

For example, while your calendar may be really good at helping you remember your dentist appointment at 9 on Thursday, OmniFocus is great at helping you remember to file your taxes (which, here in the U.S. can happen anytime between January and mid-April) or to take the trash to the curb Sunday evening.

Some of my Perspectives aren't appearing after syncing with OmniFocus for Mac. Why?

Sorry for the inconvenience! Currently, only perspectives that are based on Context mode will display in OmniFocus for iPad and iPhone. There’s some additional engineering work we need to complete in order to add support for Project mode perspectives.

I'm not syncing OmniFocus for iPad with my Mac. Is there a way to get the "Perspectives" sidebar item to appear?

Sure is! Open Safari on your iPad,  then browse to this page on our website. The links on that page will let you enable or disable that sidebar item.

How can I learn more about OmniFocus and GTD?

Check out our white paper here. (Link goes to a PDF.)