Execute tasks (Stack)

What is Execute tasks (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

Stack offers two modes of operation:

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

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

Remote Stack

  1. Navigate to the column containing the tasks you want to execute
  2. Click the column menu (three dots icon ”…”) in the column header
  3. Select Launch Stack
  4. Configure your stack options (see below)
  5. Click Launch Stack
  6. 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

  1. Navigate to the column containing the tasks you want to execute
  2. Click the column menu (three dots icon ”…”) in the column header
  3. Select Launch Local Stack
  4. Configure your stack options (see below)
  5. 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

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

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

When enabled, already completed tasks are included in the stack. By default, only unfinished tasks are included.

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

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

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

No Timer

Execute tasks without time constraints.

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.”

Until

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

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

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

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

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

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