David Trey on Aug 03, 2012 - 01:22

Hello Govert,

some limitations such as 80 projects per account might be extended in the future, however a complete lift of these limits is unfortunately unlikely.

Due to some technical limitations and issues, especially with mobile apps, an unlimited amount of tasks would be impossible to implement. The target limitations that we're planning to keep for Premium accounts will allow you to have a total of 22,500 tasks on your account (spread over 150 projects).

Note - this only affects active items, you can archive projects or move tasks to history and they won't count towards the total.

We're sorry for any inconvenience it might have caused you. For now, please try to spread your tasks into 2 projects (sub-projects?).


Best regards,
David

Alex Aiken on Aug 05, 2012 - 19:34

I also find the 150 item limit very problematic --- ToDoist is much less useful to me with this restriction. Two suggestions:

- Instead of having a limit on the number of items, you could have a limit on the number of items displayed and require people to click "next page" or some such to see another block of items in a big project. This would work fine for me and (I am guessing) address the performance concerns.

- If you must have a limit, please set it higher. 250 or 300 can only work for more people than 150.

Alex

David Trey on Aug 06, 2012 - 01:06

Hello Alex,

the current limitation allows you to have 12,000 active tasks (150 tasks in 80 projects). We will extend it in the future, however some limitations are unfortunately necessary.

Please note that you can create sub-projects on 3 indent levels and archived items (archived project and completed tasks) do not count towards the limitation.


Best regards,
David

David on Aug 06, 2012 - 04:32

So, are you saying sub-projects indented do not count towards 80 project total? Please advise.

Thank you.

David Trey on Aug 06, 2012 - 05:10

David,

sub-projects also count towards the limit. Only archived projects don't.

There are 2 limitations: 80 projects on an account and 150 tasks within a project. If you have too many tasks in one project, you can split them into other projects or sub-projects. If you have too many projects with a few task, you can move them to one project.


Best regards,
David

Rindee on Aug 17, 2012 - 22:00

-1 and a big thumbs down for the new 150 task limit!

This really messes up my projects.

Can you increase this limit for premium users? - should be more like 500-1000.

Can't see any technical reason why this is necessary. I can understand the objection for "unlimited tasks" or for people abusing the system (surely only a handful at most), but there really isn't any valid technical reason for the 150 limit, other than to reduce bandwidth costs. For premium users this cannot be justified as we're paying for it!

Please advise when this decision wil be reversed or the limit increased for premium users.

Thanks

David Trey on Aug 18, 2012 - 01:01

Hello Rindee,

we are planning to extend the maximum limit for Premium Customers, however, it will most likely be the limit of projects and not tasks.

Currently, you can add 150 tasks, but in a total of 80 projects. Which means, you can have a total of 12 000 active tasks at a time. Note - archived projects or completed tasks do not count towards the total. If we raise the limit to 150 projects, you'll be able to have 22 500 active tasks.

Just as you create sub-tasks, it's possible to create sub-projects on Todoist. If your task structure in a project exceeds the 150 task limit, you can create sub-projects for the "main" parent tasks.

There are 2 technical reasons for these limitations:

1. Your tasks are stored offline in your browser's offline cache which allows you to access them offline. This cache, however, has a limitation of 5 MB and we have to add some of the Todoist application data to it as well to allow offline access for our site.

2. Very long task lists as well as total task counts above 25 000 tasks can greatly influence the performance of Todoist mobile apps and since we'd like to provide fast, accessible apps in the future, handling so many tasks would greatly complicate many things and may even make it impossible to access your projects via mobile.


Best regards,
David

Rindee on Aug 18, 2012 - 02:45

Hi David and thanks for the prompt and informative response.

As a compromise, would it be possible for users to set their own limits in order to keep under the 12 000 task threshold?

ie - We are currently locked-in to an arbitrary figure of 150 tasks/ 80 projects.

However, I personally need about 5-10 projects to have much more than 150 tasks, whereas most of my projects only have about 10 or less tasks.

So, I should be able to choose how many tasks per project, so long as the total is under 12,000. This way, the cache will not be affected nor will the mobile app.

I understand that it will be more difficult to implement this, rather than an arbitrary limit for all tasks, but it should definitely be an option for advanced/ premium users. Maybe an advanced setting where the user can chose between a task limit of 150 and, say 1000. If the user chooses 1000 for an individual project, then the total number of projects allowed decreases.

In fact, the easiest solution would be a simple graphic at the bottom of the screen, saying "You are using xx% of your 12,500 task limit", much like at the bottom of the gmail screen. That way, users can have any number of projects and tasks per individual project, with the knowledge that there is a total limit they must stay under.

I think this needs to be implemented in some way - the current limit is so restrictive upon the way I use Todoist, that I am already looking at alternatives, despite around 3 yrs of loyalty and premium use.

Personally I'd rather go without offline use/ mobile app just to have the old functionality back - perhaps you can implement "Original Todoist" in parallel, without offline/mobile for us power-users...

I am also surprised that such a drastic change would be implemented without warning or consultation - a bit disappointing.

Please implement a work-around - this really is a big step backwards!

Thanks again

David Trey on Aug 18, 2012 - 03:25

Rindee,

we're very sorry for any inconvenience caused by this limitation. We've chosen this particular number based on the usage statistics of our software by all users and only very few customers exceed either of these limits.

If you have many projects with less than 10 tasks, you can group them, create parent tasks instead of new projects which will allow you to stay below the 80 project limit. On the other hand, projects with more than 150 tasks can be split into sub-projects.

We may consider changing the numbers in the future and we would appreciate if you could let us know what issues you're experiencing through this limitation so we can understand how you use Todoist. In other words - what type of list/tasks exceed the 150 limit which could not be split into sub-projects (a list of more than 150 sub-tasks on 1 level or parent-tasks only)?


Best regards,
David

Alex Aiken on Aug 18, 2012 - 10:59

I want to second the suggestion to have a total 12,000 task cap and allow at least premium users to distribute the tasks as they see fit.

In response to the request for information on task lists that exceed 150 items, I use ToDoist to simply keep track of things I need to do, both now and far into the future. I fine it extremely useful to have a single list that shows me what I have to do today, tomorrow, next week, next month. studying this list helps me plan my life. Breaking it into arbitrary sub-projects is not helpful and costs me significant time going through multiple lists. Like a previous poster, I am a long-term and premium user who is now considering alternatives. I also regard this change as a big step backwards and would really appreciate it if some workaround could be provided.

David Trey on Aug 19, 2012 - 01:07

Alex,

thank you for your explanation. Please note that you can have one to-do list for the next days even if you split it into projects. When you go to the "7 days" view, all tasks from all projects will be presented as a schedule for the next days.

Still, we may consider changing this limitations and you're welcome to add your vote for this request in our Votebox: http://todoist.com/Vote/showProposal/451/


Best regards,
David

maxi ter on Aug 25, 2012 - 13:30

I am long time premium and loyal user of Todoist . I use it on a daily basis and love it. However, this new size limitations make me think that for the very first time I may need to move on and look for something else. I find this to be unprofessional to impose such limitations both on in term of level of service (this is really a unpleasant surprise) and on the technical level - there are many ways one can resolve permanence issues with HTML5 and all the other available technologies.
You could potentially charge heavy users with higher monthly fees and give them a choice between paying more or restructuring their projects. But now, it looks like there are not so many other choices left.
I do hope that you will soon lift up these limitations before it get too late. At least for me.

Ilan

David Trey on Aug 26, 2012 - 01:05

Hello Ilan,

we're sorry for any inconvenience these limitations might have caused you. Unfortunately, we won't be able to completely lift them as it would introduce many technical issues especially in the mobile apps.

Please note that any archived projects or completed tasks do not count towards the limits and you can currently have 12,000 active tasks on your account.

To help us understand how you're using Todoist and how do these limitation cause issues in the way you're using our service, we would be grateful if you could briefly explain an example of when this limit becomes a problem.


Best regards,
David

maxi ter on Aug 26, 2012 - 04:53

Thanks for your quick reply.
Here is my setup:
I have one inbox project + about 8 projects with 10-12 sub projects in each. The inbox project has about 300 items. I put there new items that room the wen that I need to relate to them later. (which now I can't anymore). It is also the one which I use forwarding stuff through email. Occasionally, I move item from my inbox to the other projects or just check them off.
So I tried to split my inbox into 2 projects, which is less convenient but may work for while as a workaround. Then I hit the limit of 80 projects. I could have try and merge sum sub projects but then this is the point of sub project meaning , not keeping everything under one long long flat list.
Also, I really don't feel like spend time reorganizing my projects just because all of a sudden some technical limitations has been hit. I just want to continue do things at the same way that I find them working for me.

BTW, from technical perspective, I believe that if you had used a true nested list architecture, you wouldn't have hit this limitation and also your HTML5 client would not have shown as a flat list of all the existing items, which by it self is a major usability issue.

martijn.vderveen on Sep 17, 2012 - 00:23

I also find the limit highly frustrating and makes todoist much less useful the way I'm using it. I have spend quite some time comparing different todo list solutions and todoist came out as the clear winner, but it looks like the search has to start again.

I am using 'projects' as categories since my tasks are clearly dividable into separate groups of related tasks (e.g., education, work, volunteering, private, tinkering, Someday/Maybe). Each of them contains a hierarchy of tasks and allows for quick reviews without reviewing and clicking through many pages or 'projects'. For many of these categories, subdividing their tasks into separate pages would be unnatural. I also maintain checklists (as a general collection of lists) in a separate category.

Since the former use of todoist persuade me to step over to premium I would urge the developers to rethink this huge step backwards and at least increase the limit or only set a global task limit to allow for individual usage preferences. Otherwise, please let us know how we can reclaim the fee we paid for this otherwise great product.

David Trey on Sep 17, 2012 - 01:52

Hello Martijn,

we may consider changing the limitations, but to understand how you're using our app and what amount of tasks would be sufficient for you, could you please let us know how many tasks you usually have in 1 project?


Best regards,
David

martijn.vderveen on Sep 17, 2012 - 23:16

Hi David,

I now count 165, 30, 297, 65, 42, 330, 230. I can imagine some projects would grow up to 500 tasks in busy weeks.

Best,
Martijn

stefan weixelbaumer on Sep 19, 2012 - 05:10

I agree. The limitations is the worst thing happening to todoist and my way of managing lists.
Also I am not using todoist mobile so don´t think that´s an valid argument.

best, stefan

r. psonak on Sep 24, 2012 - 15:09

Useless. for two months, have hung on hoping you guys would fix the 80 project limit (or at least increase it to something reasonably useful like 150 / 200 or so), since at its core you have a very usable program--but these limitations kill it. And vague responses is all we get to inquiries. I give up. Migrating to Evernote, which has no project limits.

Andover IT on Sep 30, 2012 - 10:14

Have to agree with the sentiment on here - there was no notice of a limit and 80 project limit has stopped me switching to premium AND recommending it to all of my clients. Your loss guys!

I was using Todoist to manage clients - each client had a project folder and then tasks were grouped in there. Each client folder had their annual billing reminder and I could add tasks as they came up.

Most clients require a job to be completed each month so archiving / unarchiving would be a nightmare!

I have over 80 clients so a) I cannot add more clients on and b) there is no way I can now add in-house projects.

As for the mobile reason, you don't do an app and judging by the feedback on here it looks like you most would prefer you to get the core part of it right first - the web based version.

JW vanLohuizen on Oct 17, 2012 - 17:39

Hello Govert-
For my shopping list I have the main project "Tom Thumb" ie for food items I currently need to buy and sub lists Tom Thumb (Save) for food items I regularly need but am not buying today, Tom Thumb (Cleaning), Tom Thumb (Drug Items),Tom Thumb (Toiletries),Tom Thumb (Pet), and Tom Thumb (Laundry).

I do the same for Walmart. I have separate list for Home Depot/ Lowes and others. For each Doctor (4) by name I have for a list of questions to ask on my next visit. I do not have 80 projects though, and hope I never have to, but I do have about 40.


Thanks David-
For the heads-up about sub-projects. When a project is created, after the save, can you please add a pop-up about sub-project capability.

Also can you make it so a holding a mouse button down on a project will allow moving the project left or right to perform the indentation without having to edit the project (but still leave it in the edit window).

Also can you make the web standard version like the web mobile version to allow for drop down lists to move tasks between projects so we can have the same experience on my pc as I do on my droid and visa versa?

Also the ability to get more of the standard site options in the mobile version, such as support and help faq. especially as the mobile version it completely new and unfamiliar.

Great improvements is both sites, but we need more similarities rather than completely different UI.

I know this overlaps topics, but I took a shortcut. Sorry.

I am not a premium user because I cannot afford the cost and must make due with the free version, though you deserve and i would buy the premium features.

I love not having to use the 3rd party Droid App, but your mobile version needs broadening. Maybe an app would be a better solution, but having the ability to use this mobile web version is great, too.

I have been a alpha/beta tester for many projects in the past and for one for many years (cannot say name due to confidentiality), but I can give more details about my experiences in a private email. I would really enjoy working with you to improve the user experience and development process. No pay is required.

David Trey on Oct 18, 2012 - 01:30

Hello JW,

thank you for your feedback, we appreciate it.

We will soon most likely add a short tutorial guide for new Customers to showcase the most important features of Todoist which would also cover creating sub-tasks or sub-projects.

You can easily indent a task or a project using the drag & drop option. Simply hover over a task or project to see the handle icon appear on its left side, click and hold it down with the left mouse button and while holding it, use the number keys: 1, 2, 3 or 4 to change its indent level. If you release the project or task, it will be indented.

You can also drag & drop tasks to other projects using the same method. Click on a task's handle and drag & drop it to a different project.

As for the mobile version - we're launching our official Android and iOS app this month and it will not only offer a great new UI with an introductional tutorial/help for first-time users, but also many features from the web-app - task notes, quick postpone, labels, custom filters etc. Also, a new feature - push-notifications - if a task has an SMS reminder and you're logged into the Todoist for Android app, your phone will ring or vibrate to notify you about the upcoming event. You can take a look at the first screenshots from the new app in this post: https://plus.google.com/b/106827182652048588353/106827182652048588353/posts/Hh9u8Sg7xnh


Best regards,
David

martijn.vderveen on Oct 18, 2012 - 03:26

Hi David,

That's all great!

But let's get back to the subject of this thread. We would like to get clarity on whether the low limits will be changed soon or not. If not, I'll start migrating to another service soon and will advice others to do the same.

Considering the fact that todoist developers think a limit is inevitable, to me the slider option to choose between low project-limit and low tasks-per-project-limit seems to be the most feasible solution. Please don't kill this wonderful product by setting hard restrictions and thereby limiting users' abilities to adapt Todoist to their own working style.

Best regards,
Martijn

David Trey on Oct 18, 2012 - 05:41

Hello Martijn,

it was a tough decision for us to add these limitations, but considering the vast improvement of performance and the very small amount of users that have ever exceeded the limit of 150 tasks or 80 projects in the past, we've decided to improve the performance for everyone.

We may of course consider raising the project amount limit for Premium Customers in the future, but we will most likely not lift it completely.

We're sorry for any inconvenience it might have caused you and hope that you can find a workaround to organize your tasks with this limitation as it allows you to have 12,000 active tasks on your account and also please note that it only affect active tasks. You can have an unlimited amount of completed tasks stored in any project and an unlimited amount of archived projects (which can always be accessed and unarchived).


Best regards,
David

Paul Grzymkowski on Dec 12, 2012 - 08:04

How about an opt-out button that individuals can use to override this? If there are only a few of us affected by this it seems that should not impact overall performance.