One Thing displays a single task directly in the macOS menu bar, enforcing focus by limiting visible goals to exactly one item. The app addresses task list overwhelm by requiring users to commit to their current priority rather than browsing multiple options.
Setting a task involves clicking the menu bar text and typing. The app supports Markdown formatting including bold, italic, strikethrough, and hyperlinks. Users can drag and drop text from other apps like Reminders or Things. A Services integration allows right-clicking selected text anywhere in macOS to send it to One Thing.
Automation support includes extensive Shortcuts integration with example shortcuts provided. The URL scheme (one-thing:?text=VALUE) enables integration with other productivity workflows. A two-instance version with a different URL scheme allows running separate One Thing instances for tracking distinct goal categories.
Keyboard shortcuts include Return or Escape to close the input window and Shift+click to clear the current item. Text exceeding menu bar width truncates with a tooltip showing full content on hover. Prefix and suffix spacing settings allow customization for menu bar layout fit.
One Thing is completely free with no advertisements or tracking. Requirements include macOS 15 or later, with older versions available supporting back to macOS 12. Memory footprint is approximately 30MB with negligible CPU usage. The developer is Sindre Sorhus.
Limitations include the intentionally minimal feature set. The app provides no list management, categorization, or due dates. Users needing comprehensive task management require separate tools. The singular focus design intentionally excludes multi-task visibility.
Alternatives include menu bar task managers like Tot for multiple notes, Reminders for full task lists with menu bar widgets, and Things for comprehensive task management.
Suitable for users who experience task list overwhelm, prefer singular focus methodology, or want constant visibility of their current priority without distraction from other pending items.
