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Convert items

Nirvana allows you to convert an item into an action, project, reference list, or reference item. Here's how:

How to convert items​

Desktop/Web​

  1. Right-click an item or click the drop-down icon ▼ at the end of the entry
  2. From the context menu, select Convert and make your choice

Mobile​

Similar functionality available through the item's menu options.

What you can convert​

Doing this, you can change:

  • Reference items into projects, tasks, or reference lists
  • Reference lists into projects / projects into reference lists
  • Tasks into projects, reference lists, and reference items

Important notes about conversion​

Attribute removal

Converting an item with action-related attributes, such as a task or a project, to a non-actionable item, like a reference list or item, will remove the action-related attributes.

Action-related attributes include:

  • Due dates
  • Time estimates
  • Energy levels
  • Start/scheduled dates
  • Action states (Next, Waiting, Scheduled, etc.)

Common conversion scenarios​

From reference to action​

  • Reference item → Task: When you decide to act on something you were just storing
  • Reference list → Project: When a collection of information becomes an actionable project

From action to reference​

  • Task → Reference item: When you realize something doesn't require action, just storage
  • Project → Reference list: When a project becomes a resource or template

Between action types​

  • Task → Project: When a simple task grows into something requiring multiple steps
  • Project → Task: When you realize a project is actually just one action

Best practices​

  • Think before converting: Make sure the new type fits the item's true nature
  • Check for lost data: Remember that action-related attributes will be removed when converting to reference items
  • Use templates: Convert reference lists to projects to create reusable templates
  • Clean up afterwards: Review and update tags and attributes after conversion