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✦ Free & open sourceProductivity

FreeTodo

An AI-driven task manager that breaks down complex projects into actionable todos using context-aware chat.

AI task breakdown and context-engineered todo management

Deconstruct complex projects, schedule tasks across calendar views, and manage contexts with AI assistant.

Free forever · source-available · FreeU Community (source-available, not OSI-approved)
✓ Light setup✓ Browser-based✓ Real-time collaboration
6.4
ZEKAI
Smart context-driven task AI
Free & open source · Productivity
Ease of setup4
Usefulness7
Maintenance7
Community7.5
★ 2,503
GITHUB
May 2026
UPDATED
FreeU Community (source-available, not OSI-approved)
LICENSE
🛠 Don't want to self-host? We can set it up →
⚡ Quick answer

FreeTodo is a hybrid application combining a structured task manager with an AI conversational assistant for project breakdown. You can chat with the assistant to transform vague goals into nested todos and drag them into calendar slots. It suits individuals who want intelligent task context management on their own infrastructure.

Runs on
Cross-platform
Hosting
Self-host
Languages
TypeScript
License
FreeU Community (source-available, not OSI-approved)

What it is

FreeTodo pairs a FastAPI backend with a Next.js frontend, backed by SQLite and ChromaDB for vector-based AI context processing. It breaks down complex projects through guided questionnaire flows and extracts actionable items straight from chat conversations. The system includes hierarchical subtasking, multi-view calendar scheduling, and customizable multi-panel interfaces.

Who it's for

This tool suits professionals, executive assistants, and developers who need advanced task breakdown tools and are comfortable running local services. It is not intended for non-technical users seeking a one-click cloud account, as it requires managing local Python and Node.js environments.

Key features

Guided Task Breakdown

AI automatically decomposes complex projects into manageable subtasks using an interactive questionnaire flow.

Interactive Context Chat

Extract actionable todo items directly from AI conversation responses to update your task list.

Multi-View Calendar Scheduling

Drag and drop nested todos directly onto day, week, or month calendar time slots.

Dual Vector Relational Storage

Combines SQLite for task data with ChromaDB to store and retrieve personal context for AI suggestions.

Customizable Multi-Panel Layout

Arrange task lists, chat panels, and detail views side by side in dark or light visual themes.

How to start

Up and running in 3 steps

1
Install backend dependencies using `uv sync` and launch the FastAPI server with `python -m lifetrace.server`.
2
Navigate to `free-todo-frontend`, install dependencies via `pnpm install`, and start the dev server with `pnpm dev`.
3
Open your browser to the displayed local port (typically `http://localhost:3001`) to access the interface.
Real talk

Our honest verdict

What's great

  • Guided questionnaire flow decomposes big goals into deeply nested subtasks.
  • Integrated ChromaDB vector store enables context-aware task recommendations.
  • Drag-and-drop calendar interface connects task lists with schedule planning.
  • Supports web browser environments alongside desktop deployment via Electron.

Where it falls short

  • Requires running separate Python 3.12 (FastAPI) and Node.js 20+ (Next.js) backend and frontend processes.
  • Relies on self-managed infrastructure and API keys or GPU resources for ChromaDB and AI features.
  • Uses a custom 'FreeU Community' license rather than a standard OSI-approved open source license.
Cost

Pricing & license

FreeTodo is free under the FreeU Community license. There are no paid tiers offered by the repository maintainers, so your only cost is the hardware, server hosting, or LLM API usage required to run it.

Paid work

Open remote AI-training roles

873 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 15, 2026; most pay $20–$170 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.

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Questions

FAQ

Does FreeTodo require an active internet connection?

The local SQLite database and frontend run offline, but AI chat and task breakdown features depend on your configured LLM endpoints.

Can I run FreeTodo as a desktop application?

Yes, FreeTodo includes an Electron wrap for native desktop execution on Windows and macOS, featuring system tray support.

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