Request: Configure the default project for single actions without a project (Miscellaneous)

Hi all,

I have a feature request that might sound a little unusual at first, but I think it has a solid use case!

For context, I’ve been enjoying using automations and focus filters to manage my OmniFocus database in two separate worlds: personal and work. I achieve this by linking device focus filters to my top-level OmniFocus project folders (Personal and Work), and I use iOS Shortcuts to switch my favorite perspectives depending on which focus mode (personal or work) is active.

Here’s my request:

I understand that the default ‘Miscellaneous’ project exists to catch tasks that don’t have an assigned project. In my setup, I’ve renamed it to ‘Personal Single Actions’ and moved it into my Personal folder. This works well for personal tasks.

However, when I’m in work mode and create a single action without a project, it still gets assigned to my ‘Personal Single Actions’ project, which is in the Personal folder. Because my focus is set to the Work folder, those tasks get lost from view.

What I would love is the ability to change the default project for single actions dynamically, either through automation or a manual option in the GUI. For example, when I activate my work focus, I’d like the default project to switch to ‘Work Single Actions’ (in the Work folder) and switch back to ‘Personal Single Actions’ when I return to personal mode. This would prevent tasks from disappearing from my current focus.

I realize this might not fit the typical OmniFocus use case, but I’ve found a workflow that works well for me, and this is the missing piece. If others would find this useful, please add your support to this post!

Thanks for your consideration, and thank you to the Omni team for such a great product.

1 Like

I encourage you to email this suggestion to the Omni Group. You can contact them by choosing Contact Omni from the Help menu (Mac) and Settings (iPhone & iPad).

Personally, I put all actions into a project or single action list. The “Miscellaneous” project can quickly become unruly.

I use a parallel or sequential project if the action contributes to a defined outcome. Actions that aren’t goal-oriented live in a single action list corresponding to the area of life they are related to (e.g. Finances, Friends & Family, Invoicing). These projects and single action lists live within a top-level folder and work well with focus modes.