Search and Search Presets
2Do for iOS has rich search across every task property. Combine it with Search Presets to turn the searches you run all the time into one-tap views. The same search language also powers Smart Lists, so anything useful enough to keep can become a permanent list.
Reaching Search
Pull down on the Tasks screen to reveal the search bar. Type to filter:
- Title
- Notes
- Tags
- Action target (phone number, email address, URL)
- Location By default search runs in the current list. Tap the scope toggle to search across All Lists.
Search Options
Tap the gear icon next to the search bar to open Search Options:
- Match titles only vs. titles + notes + tags + action.
- Full Text Search — precise matching with exclusions, capital
OR, and wildcards. Use this when you want exact control over the results. - Soundex matching — typo-tolerant matching. For example, plumver can find plumber, Steven can find Stephen, and Catherine can find Kathryn.
- Date range — restrict results to tasks with dates inside a window. The picker also supports a dynamic range — next 7 days, next 4 weeks — that always moves with the calendar.
- Show completed — include or exclude completed tasks.
Full Text and Soundex
2Do supports two matching styles:
- Full Text Search is best when you want precise words, exclusions,
OR, or wildcards. - Soundex is best when you know roughly what something sounds like, but may not remember the exact spelling.
To use Full Text operators, turn Soundex off in Search Options. Soundex intentionally widens the match, which is helpful for names and typos but less useful when you want strict search syntax.
Full Text Examples
Imagine these tasks:
- Get a haircut one day
- Buy a new car some day
- Find a new job
- Call: Mum, tell about my new job
- Call: Tim
| Search | Finds | Why |
|---|---|---|
new job | Find a new job, Call: Mum, tell about my new job | Both words are required. |
new job -find | Call: Mum, tell about my new job | The word find is excluded. |
a day | Get a haircut one day, Buy a new car some day | Both words appear in the matching tasks. |
Call OR new | Buy a new car some day, Find a new job, Call: Mum, tell about my new job, Call: Tim | Capital OR accepts either word. |
new* | Words like new, newer, and newest | The * wildcard matches words that start with the same letters. |
* | Tasks with indexed text | Useful as a broad text match when combined with structured filters. |
You can also combine text with structured filters, such as plumber type: starred tags: builders.
Soundex Examples
| You type | 2Do can still find |
|---|---|
plumver | plumber |
Steven | Stephen |
alexnder | Alexander |
Catherine | Kathryn |
For the complete syntax, including type:, tags:, locations:, groups:, created:, and modified:, see Smart Lists, Smart Filters, and Search.
Search Presets
Once you've dialled in a useful search, tap Save as Preset. The preset appears in the search panel and can be invoked with one tap later. Common presets:
- Invoices — title contains invoice, completed = no.
- Sam — title or notes contains Sam, soundex on, all lists.
- This week — date in next 7 days, all lists. Presets sync between devices when you sync 2Do.
Search vs. Smart Lists
- Search Presets are quick, one-off saves. They live in the search panel.
- Smart Lists are first-class lists pinned to the sidebar with their own color and icon. If you find yourself opening the same preset every day, promote it to a Smart List — open the preset and tap Convert to Smart List.
Tips
Use Full Text Search for exact rules such as new job -find; turn Soundex on when a spelling may be close but not exact.