How to use Dawny.
These are the questions about using the app, widgets, Siri and sync. The questions about the idea behind it are on the home page.
How do I move a task from the Backlog to Today?
Swipe the row right. An orange sun labelled “Today” appears and the task moves over. Swipe far enough and you do not even need to tap.
How do I check a task off, and why does that not work in the Backlog?
In Today, tap the circle to the left of the task and it slides down to the completed tasks. In the Backlog the circle is greyed out because checking things off is tied to the Today list in Dawny: the Backlog collects what is coming up at some point and is not the list you are working on right now. Swipe the task over to Today and you can check it off. If you would rather not see completed tasks in Today, you can hide that section in Settings.
How do I create a new task?
In Today and in the Backlog there is always an empty row below the list. Tap into it, start typing, and Return creates the task so you can type the next one right away. For the Backlog you pick the category it should go into first.
How do I get something back out of the Archive?
Swipe the row in the Archive right. You get two targets: “Backlog” puts it back into storage, “Today” puts it on your plate for today. A swipe left deletes it for good.
How do I move a task into a different category?
Press and hold the row in the Backlog and a list of all categories appears. Pick the one you want, and the task moves there right away.
Can I create my own categories?
Yes, as many as you like, each with its own name and symbol. There is a dedicated row for it at the end of the category list in the Backlog.
What are recurring categories?
A category can be marked as recurring. Nothing in it is ever archived, it goes back to the Backlog overnight whether you finished it or not, for example workouts, watering plants or vocabulary.
How many tasks belong in Today?
As many as you genuinely trust yourself to do on this one day. For most people that is three to five. The list is deliberately short so that you still look at it in the evening instead of swiping it away.
When is the best time to plan?
In the morning, in a minute. You go through the Backlog from top to bottom, pull out what is due today, and close the app again. The reset has already cleared the list for you.
How do I know what happened overnight?
The first time you open the app after a reset, Dawny shows a short two-step summary: first what was filed away from Today, then what was tidied out of the Backlog. After that you are up to date and the summary disappears.
What happens if I don't touch my iPhone for days?
Nothing is lost. The next time you launch the app, the reset catches up on everything that was due in the meantime, and the summary shows you what was filed away.
What can the widgets do?
There are three, in several sizes: Today, Backlog and Archive. Tasks can be checked off right in the widget without launching the app. Tapping a row jumps to the matching spot in the app. The nightly reset applies to the widgets just the same.
What can Siri do?
You can create tasks by voice, either in the Backlog or straight into Today, and say the category along with it. Dawny registers with the system through App Intents, so the Shortcuts app finds the actions automatically.
What does the iCloud sync do?
It keeps two devices with the same Apple ID in step, through your own iCloud account. There is no server on my end. The sync is off by default and only takes effect after you restart the app.
How do I get rid of all my data again?
Delete the app. That removes all local data. Whatever you mirrored into Apple Reminders stays there and has to be deleted there if you want it gone.
I found a bug or have a request. Where do I send it?
Write to me at info@dawnyapp.com. You will also find a direct way there under Settings in the app. Bug reports and requests both land with me personally, there is no ticket system in between.