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Move items to other lists

Depending on whether you're using the mobile or web app, there are several ways that you can move an item to a new action list, project, or reference list.

Desktop/Web methods​

There are 3 ways to move an item in the web app:

1. Drag and drop​

  • Click and hold on the item or lasso several items and drag them to the desired list
  • This is the fastest method for moving multiple items at once

2. Context menu​

  • Right-click on the item (or lassoed items) or click the drop-down icon ▼ at the right end of the item(s)
  • From the context menu, select Move followed by your choice of destination

3. Change action state​

  • Open an action and choose a different action state
  • This will move the item to the appropriate action list automatically

Mobile methods​

Similar functionality is available on mobile devices through:

  • Item menus and context options
  • State changes within item editing
  • Move commands in item options

Moving between list types​

Action lists​

  • Inbox → Next: When you're ready to work on something soon
  • Next → Waiting: When you delegate or need to wait for someone
  • Waiting → Next: When you get what you were waiting for
  • Next → Scheduled: When you want to start on a specific date
  • Scheduled → Next: When the scheduled date arrives
  • Next → Someday: When you're not ready to commit to doing it soon
  • Someday → Next: When you're ready to commit to action

Projects and references​

  • Item → Project: When converting a single action to a multi-step project
  • Project → Reference: When a project becomes informational only
  • Reference → Project: When reference material becomes actionable

Batch moving with lasso​

You can move multiple items at once using the lasso feature:

  1. Click and drag to select multiple items
  2. Use any of the moving methods above
  3. All selected items will be moved together

See Change multiple items at once with lasso for more details.

Best practices​

  • Review regularly: During weekly reviews, move items to appropriate lists
  • Use keyboard shortcuts: Learn shortcuts for common state changes
  • Batch operations: Group similar moves to save time
  • Think about timing: Move items to Scheduled when you want to start them later