Stack
What is Stack?
Section titled “What is Stack?”Stack helps you execute tasks one by one with focused attention. Instead of seeing your entire task list, you focus on a single task at a time, making it easier to stay productive and avoid overwhelm.
Stack Modes
Section titled “Stack Modes”Stack offers two modes of operation:
Remote Mode
Section titled “Remote Mode”In Remote mode, tasks are synchronized in real-time between your computer and your mobile device via our cloud servers. Your phone becomes a display that shows you the current task to focus on.
Local Mode
Section titled “Local Mode”In Local mode, Colonnes minimizes to a compact overlay window that stays on top of your other applications. You can work on your computer while always having the current task visible in the corner of your screen.
Launching a Stack
Section titled “Launching a Stack”Remote Stack
Section titled “Remote Stack”- Navigate to the column containing the tasks you want to execute
- Click the column menu (three dots icon ”…”) in the column header
- Select Launch Stack
- Configure your stack options (see below)
- Click Launch Stack
- Scan the QR code with your phone
The QR code opens a mobile web page that displays your tasks one by one. Complete each task, mark it as done, and move to the next.
Local Stack
Section titled “Local Stack”- Navigate to the column containing the tasks you want to execute
- Click the column menu (three dots icon ”…”) in the column header
- Select Launch Local Stack
- Configure your stack options (see below)
- Click Launch Stack
Colonnes will minimize to a small overlay window. You can drag it to any corner of your screen. The overlay shows the current task and lets you mark it as complete or skip to the next one.
Stack Configuration
Section titled “Stack Configuration”What to Execute
Section titled “What to Execute”Choose the scope of tasks to include in the stack:
- Column: All tasks from the current column
- Selection: Only the currently selected tasks
Stack Options
Section titled “Stack Options”Select how tasks should be processed:
- Individual tasks: Each task is included individually. Folders are ignored.
- Individual tasks (recursive): Each task is included individually. All tasks within folders are searched recursively.
Add Finished Tasks
Section titled “Add Finished Tasks”When enabled, already completed tasks are included in the stack. By default, only unfinished tasks are included.
Don’t Sync Status
Section titled “Don’t Sync Status”When enabled, task completion status is not synchronized back to Colonnes. By default, when you complete a task on mobile, it’s automatically marked as complete in the desktop app.
Timer Options
Section titled “Timer Options”Add time pressure to your session by enabling a timer. The timer adds a progress bar that shows time passing, helping you stay focused and avoid spending too much time on any single task.
Display Breadcrumb
Section titled “Display Breadcrumb”When enabled, each task displays its full hierarchy path (e.g., “Project > Sprint 1 > Feature A”). This helps you understand the context of each task.
Timer Type
Section titled “Timer Type”No Timer
Section titled “No Timer”Execute tasks without time constraints.
Duration
Section titled “Duration”Set a total duration for your session. Choose from predefined durations: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, or 90 minutes.
A progress bar shows how much time remains.
Use case: “I want to complete as many tasks as possible in the next hour.”
Set an end time for your session. The available times are dynamically calculated based on the current time:
- The first option starts 10 minutes from now
- The next options are in 5-minute increments
- Followed by quarter-hour options (:00, :15, :30, :45)
This makes it easy to quickly select a convenient end time without manual input.
Use case: “I want to work on these tasks until my 3 PM meeting.”
Pomodoro
Section titled “Pomodoro”Use the Pomodoro technique with configurable work and break intervals. Both work and break durations can be selected from predefined options: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, or 90 minutes.
The timer alternates between work sessions and breaks.
Use case: “I want to work in focused 25-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks.”
Tips for Best Results
Section titled “Tips for Best Results”Keep Your Screen On
Section titled “Keep Your Screen On”Enable the “Keep screen awake” option on your phone to prevent it from going to sleep during your session.
Disable Notifications
Section titled “Disable Notifications”Turn off all notifications on your phone while executing tasks. The goal is to use your phone as a productivity tool, not as a source of distractions.
Position Your Phone
Section titled “Position Your Phone”Place your phone in a visible position in front of you. The task should always be in your line of sight, making it hard to ignore.
Alternative Displays
Section titled “Alternative Displays”You don’t have to use your phone. You can also:
- Use a tablet for a larger display
- Open the stack URL on an old phone or tablet
- Display the stack on a secondary monitor