Quick capture with natural-language scheduling
Press ⇧⌘A or ⌃⇧⌘A while working, write a task in natural language, and Diurnal interprets its day, time, and tag before filing it.
Diurnal
Diurnal is a native Mac app for planning a day through fast keyboard or voice capture. It converts natural-language tasks into dated entries, with optional Google Calendar context, reminders, offline use, and focus timers.
A keyboard-first planner for macOS
Diurnal is a native Mac planning app for turning thoughts into dated tasks. Its global shortcut opens capture over the app you are currently using, so you can write a task conversationally—such as “pay rent tomorrow 4pm #home”—and have its day, time, and tag interpreted before it is added.
The app combines daily planning with optional Google Calendar context, reminders, weekly task planning, keyboard navigation, and a built-in Pomodoro timer. It works offline after sign-in, synchronizes changes between Macs, and provides a browser demo for exploring the interface without using personal data.
Features
Voice capture with review
Hold ⇧⌘L to dictate several tasks in one recording. Review the interpreted list before pressing Return to add anything.
Optional Google Calendar view
Optionally connect Google Calendar to place selected meetings beside tasks, keep events updated, and create a new event with /cal.
Task reminders
A task time acts as its reminder, with a selectable alarm tone. Notifications are limited to reminders rather than marketing messages.
Pomodoro timer and activity log
Start 25-minute focus rounds with automatic five-minute breaks and a longer break after every fourth round. Completed rounds appear in the Log.
Keyboard-first planning and customization
Organize tasks with tags, move between panes with keyboard shortcuts, drag undated weekly tasks onto a day, and choose light, dark, system, or glass themes.
Use cases
Capturing interruptions while working
Capture an obligation without leaving a document, browser tab, or other active app. The global shortcut opens the entry flow, and natural-language input places the task on the intended day.
Recording tasks away from the keyboard
Use voice capture to record several errands or follow-ups in one breath, then inspect the parsed tasks before committing them.
Planning around meetings
Connect selected Google calendars when meetings need to be considered alongside personal tasks, while keeping calendar access separate from the required Diurnal account.
Shaping a flexible weekly plan
Add undated work to the week, then drag tasks onto specific days as priorities become clearer. Tags such as work, home, or money provide additional grouping.
Structuring focused work sessions
Run focused work rounds and use the Log to review completed sessions alongside the day’s tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Global keyboard capture keeps task entry separate from the current application.
- Natural-language dates, times, and tags reduce the need for manual filing.
- Offline use and synchronization support planning across multiple Macs.
- Calendar connection is optional, and the published permissions exclude calendar-deletion access.
- Voice capture requires review before tasks are filed.
Cons
- It requires macOS 15 or later and does not have a Windows or web app; the browser version is only a disposable demo.
- An account is required, and pricing or plan limits are not stated on the available site pages.
- Google Calendar support is optional but limited to the permissions and workflow described by the product.
FAQ
What platforms does Diurnal support?
Diurnal is a native Mac app. The download page supports macOS 15 or later on both Apple silicon and Intel Macs. A browser replica is available for trying the workflow, but it uses invented data and does not save anything after the tab is closed.
Does Diurnal work offline?
Yes. After signing in, your day is stored on your Mac and changes made offline catch up when the connection returns. Network access is used for sign-in, synchronization, and Google Calendar when connected.
Do I have to connect Google Calendar?
No. Connecting Google Calendar is optional and separate from signing in. If connected, Diurnal can show selected calendars and create events with /cal; it does not request the permission that can delete calendars.
Is an account required?
Yes. You sign in with Google or with an email address and password so your day can be available on more than one Mac. The site says signing in alone does not grant Diurnal calendar access.
How is Diurnal priced?
Diurnal is available as a Mac download and can also be installed with Homebrew. The site does not provide pricing information; its pricing URL returns a 404, so cost and plan limits are not established by the available source.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Productivity / task planning
- Platform
- Native Mac app; macOS 15 or later
- Processor support
- Apple silicon and Intel
- Account
- Required; Google sign-in or email and password
- Calendar
- Optional Google Calendar connection
- Installation
- Mac download or Homebrew cask
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