How to Migrate from Google Tasks to Foci

Google Tasks is simple and convenient — it lives right inside Gmail and Google Calendar. But if you've been looking for a tool that actually helps you focus on those tasks instead of just listing them, Foci is built for exactly that.

Here's how to move your tasks from Google Tasks to Foci in under five minutes.

Why switch?

Google Tasks is a checklist. Foci is a focus system. The difference matters when you're trying to get deep work done:

• Built-in Pomodoro timer — start a focused session on any task with one click
• Time tracking — see exactly how long you've spent on each task
• Daily goals and streaks — build consistency, not just lists
• Subtasks, projects, and due dates — organize without the overhead
• Works offline — no internet dependency, no Google account required

Step 1: Export your tasks from Google Tasks

Google doesn't offer a direct CSV export from the Tasks app. You'll use Google Takeout instead:

1. Go to Google Takeout
2. Click Deselect all at the top
3. Scroll down and check Tasks
4. Click Next step → Create export
5. Wait for the export to complete (usually a few minutes), then download the ZIP file
6. Unzip the file — you'll find a JSON file inside the Tasks folder

That JSON file contains all your task lists and tasks.

Step 2: Import into Foci

1. Open Foci
2. Click the Settings gear icon
3. Scroll down to Import & Export Tasks
4. Click Choose file to import and select the JSON file from your Google Takeout export
5. Foci auto-detects the Google Tasks format and shows a preview of your tasks
6. Choose whether to include already-completed tasks
7. Click Import

Your tasks appear in the task list immediately, ready for focused work sessions.

What gets imported

| Google Tasks field | Foci field | |---|---| | Task title | Title | | Completion status | Completed | | Due date | Due date |

Notes and task list names aren't carried over since Foci uses a different organizational model (projects instead of lists). You can assign imported tasks to Foci projects after import.

Step 3: Start focusing

The biggest difference you'll notice right away: in Foci, tasks aren't just items to check off. You can:

1. Select a task and start a timed focus session
2. Track how many sessions you've spent on it
3. Set a daily goal for completed sessions
4. Watch your streak grow as you build consistent habits

Instead of a static list buried in your Gmail sidebar, your tasks become the center of a productivity system designed around deep work.

Tips for a smooth transition

• Use projects to replicate your Google Tasks lists — create a project in Foci for each list you had
• Set due dates on time-sensitive tasks if they weren't set in Google Tasks
• Start small — pick your top 3 tasks for today and run a Pomodoro session on each
• Export regularly — Foci lets you export tasks as JSON or CSV anytime for backup

Keep both if you want

Foci doesn't require you to abandon Google Tasks entirely. Some people keep Google Tasks for quick capture (since it's always in Gmail) and import into Foci weekly for focused execution. Use whatever workflow fits you.

Ready to actually focus on your tasks instead of just listing them? Try Foci →