 Which platforms have Orchestra?
Orchestra is currently available on iPhone and the worldwide Interwebs. It works on Chrome, Safari, Firefox and I.E. - but to use Internet Explorer you must first enable a Chrome Frame by following the prompt. The web app syncs continuously with the iPhone. Android, iPad and native apps for Mac and PC are on the agenda.
How long does it take for the mobile and web apps to sync?
Less than one second. You’ll hardly notice. It happens continuously so you don't have to do a thing to ensure your lists are up-to-date.
How much does it cost?
Orchestra is totally, 100% free.
(If you feel like thanking us, just spread the word! Chat, text, and tweet your little hearts out - Orchestra works best when all your friends are on it.)
Why do I need an account for a to-do list?
Orchestra is a cloud-based service that syncs across platforms and lets you collaborate with others in real-time. To take advantage of these features, we need to be able to identify you beyond your device alone.
Does Orchestra work in other languages?
Currently Orchestra only supports English. We definitely plan to expand to other languages soon, stay tuned!
What email shortcuts can I use with Orchestra?
We have a number of handy shortcuts to help you efficiently get tasks out of your inbox and into Orchestra. Check them out here.
I forwarded an email to tasks@orchestra.com and the original sender was alerted. How come?
When you forward tasks to tasks@orchestra.com, we automatically keep the original sender in the loop and notify them via email that you're on the job. If you'd rather the person not be alerted and the task be private, forward the email to tasks-silent@orchestra.com or add !shhh to the title of the email.
How do I assign a task to another Orchestra user from email?
Just create an email with the Orchestra user's email address in the "To" field, the cc: tasks@orchestra.com. This will send the person an email AND put a task in there list (assigned by you) with the same information. The email title will become the task title and the email body will go into the comments.
Does Orchestra send email notifications?
If you're logged out of both apps for 30 minutes after there's new activity, we'll send you an email notification.
What if there’s something on my list that’s not urgent? I’d prefer it wasn’t on my list with other more urgent things.
Try assigning a due date in the future for the task. Tasks with due dates will appear in Someday and automatically move into "Soon" based on a time preference you set in Settings < Preferences and will move into Today on the day they are due.
How do I stop getting email notifications about task activity?
If there's new activity on your account and you're logged out of both apps for 30 minutes, we'll send you an email notification. If you'd rather not receive these, just follow the Unsubscribe links at the bottom of the emails.
Do you plan to release native apps? What about iPad?
Yes! Native apps for Mac, PC and iPad are part of our game plan. Android is the next platform for Orchestra and is already underway.
I have a great idea for a feature on Orchestra - who should I tell?
Love your design initiative! Drop us a note at support@orchestra.com with your comments and suggestions. You can also message us on Facebook or Twitter.
Why is there a character limit on tasks?
While building Orchestra, we spent a lot of time watching users interact with the app. Time and time again, we saw people felt frustrated and overwhelmed by tasks with long titles, and they were less likely to complete them. By putting a character limit on titles, Orchestra encourages you to make brief, actionable tasks and use the Comments field for additional detail. Try creating short task titles that start with a verb - you and the people you collaborate with will thank you!
Can anyone see my lists and tasks other than the people I assign them to?
No! Your information is private and no one can access your lists and the tasks on those lists unless you let them. For example, if you share a list with your friend, he/she can see all the tasks on that list and associated comments. Your other lists are still private. All your tasks and lists are private unless you explicitly share them with others. Also, your default list, titled "personal", cannot be shared - this protects your tasks from being shared unintentionally.
If you're ever curious who can see a particular task, just go into the task and swipe left on the iPhone, or select the Sharing tab on the web.
To see who is sharing a list with you, go to Settings < Lists, then select the list in question.
What if I want to assign a task to someone who doesn’t use Orchestra?
No problem - Orchestra lets you assign tasks to anyone, even people who don’t use the app.
Just assign the task to someone in your iPhone Contacts or type manually. (use an email address to send the task over email, or phone number to send via SMS) Your friend will receive an email or text with your task, and they can accept, decline, ask questions, make comments, and complete the task - all from the web, and even without an account. You can keep track of progress and get notified when tasks are accepted or completed, just as if they had an Orchestra account.
Why should I add all my contact information to my profile?
By adding your various email addresses and phone numbers to Orchestra, you guarantee that tasks arrive in your app instead of your inbox, no matter what contact information others have for you. It also lets you forward tasks from any email account into your app. Go into Settings < Profile to add your contact information to your account.
How should I input my phone number if I live outside the US?
Just include the country code and the number, no 011 or + is necessary
I assigned a few tasks to my friends and they got a text messages instead of a notification in their Orchestra apps. What's up?
Most likely you assigned the task to your friends' phone numbers, but they haven't associated their phone numbers with their Orchestra profiles. Have each person go to Settings < Profile and add their various email addresses and phone numbers there - this will help Orchestra to properly route tasks. Then relaunch/refresh your app and the tasks will appear in their apps instead of their SMS inboxes.
How do I get started using Orchestra for the iPhone?
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View Tutorial
When you first register into Orchestra on your phone we’ve created a mini tour to show you around and get comfortable. It will show you around so you know where everything is before you get started. If you ever want to see the tour again click Settings > Help and Suggestions > Show tutorial.
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Create and delete a task
Test out creating and deleting a task, after all they’re free! Tap the big red + sign on the bottom center of Orchestra to create a new task, or HOLD it down while speaking (like a walkie talkie) to transcribe a message into text. This one is especially fun, make sure to try it out.
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Share a task
In Orchestra each task can be easily shared with anyone you want. So if you are doing something, and you want someone else to know you’re on it, simply share it with them by touching the task and swiping to the left - there’s a red button that allows you to share the task with ANYONE in the world, whether or not they have an Orchestra account.
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Delegate a task
When you want someone else to take responsibility for a task, simply assign it to them by touching where it says “Me” inside the task and selecting someone or entering a new phone number or email address. Again, they don’t need to be on Orchestra to take responsibility for the task. Careful, once you realize the power of assigning tasks, it can be be addictive!
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Create a new list
In order to stay organized and keep tasks in the correct place the easiest thing to do is create lists for different projects. Within a task touch where it says “Personal” and select “New List...” to create a list for any project in your life.
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Share a whole list
Once you have a connection on Orchestra with several shared tasks, the easiest way to stay organized is to create a Shared List, every task created within this list will be seen by all members automatically. It’s the fastest and easiest way to get things done together. Either create a new list (described above)or select Settings (the little gear icon in the lower right of Orchestra), then select Lists and from there you can Add someone to any list you like.
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Learn the email secrets
The point of using Orchestra is to make the tasks in your life more manageable - which is why we created a series of short cuts to help Orchestra work with your email.
Check them out here (These are super powerful)
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Complete your profile
Adding your most used email addresses and phone numbers to your profile ensures that you never miss an incoming task. This way no matter how people try to reach you your Orchestra stays in sync. Your information is private with us and will only be used for coordinating your tasks with others. Add to your profile inside Settings - My Profile
How do I create a task on the iPhone?
Either touch the orange button to type your task or hold to speak. (hold, speak, then let go, like a walkie talkie and Orchestra will transcribe it for you) Select a list or leave it on your default list, titled "personal."
How do I assign a due date or alert to a task on the iPhone?
Swipe left in list or task view to assign a task to Today, Soon, Someday or a specific due date and time. FYI, tasks with due dates will appear in Someday and automatically move into "Soon" based on a time preference you set in Settings < Preferences and will move into Today on the day they are due.
How to I delegate a task on the iPhone?
In task view, touch Assigned To then enter the email address or phone number of the person you'd like to assign the task. You can delegate to anyone in the world, even people that don't use Orchestra. They'll receive an email or text message with a link where they can interact with the task on the web, just as if they had an Orchestra account.
How do I share a task on the iPhone?
To share a task, touch the task to open, swipe to the left and click the "Share with someone" button. You can pick someone from your Orchestra contacts list, iPhone address book or enter an email address or phone number manually. The person you share with can comment and see what's going on without being explicitly responsible for completing the task.
How do I return to my default view on the iPhone?
Just shake the phone to return to All Lists / My Tasks
How do I create a list on the iPhone?
Go to Settings < Lists < New List or touch the lists filter at the top of the main screen and select New List.
How do I share a list on the iPhone?
Touch Settings < Lists, select the list and add the names or email addresses of people you'd like to share with. For now, you can only share lists with other Orchestra users. If you share with a non-user, we will send them an invitation to join Orchestra in order to share the list with you.
What does the star mean?
You can select the star next to any task to indicate to yourself that its important. You can filter by list and star to identify the must-do’s on each of your lists.
How do I delete a task on the iPhone?
To delete a task, hold down the checkbox. A pop-up will ask you if you're sure.
How can I see completed tasks on the iPhone?
Touch the logo in the upper left corner of your screen and select All Completed. For now, you can only see completed tasks from the past 7 days.
How can I see completed tasks older than 7 days?
For now, you can only see completed tasks from the past 7 days. Down the road, we plan to make your full completed history available and searchable, back to the first task you even checked off in Orchestra.
How do I delete a contact on the iPhone app?
Just go to Settings < My Contacts < Edit to remove people from your Orchestra contacts.
How can I assign a task to more than one person?
That feature is on the agenda! In the meantime try sharing a list with your team around a particular project. You can put tasks in there that everyone can see and either assign them to a specific person or to Anyone - everyone sharing the list can be involved and comment, and any single person can opt to "take it". You can also swipe left to reveal the Share button, which lets you bring others into the conversation while keeping one point person who is explicitly assigned to complete the task.
At Orchestra, we often pass around to-dos on a shared list, especially when they involve multiple people - I can take something and work on it, then reassign it to someone else and change the title slightly - this mirrors the natural progression of tasks amongst team members and lets you preserve the comment thread around it.
When will I get notifications on the iPhone?
You'll receive a notification if:
1. you're assigned a task
2. if someone accepts, completes, stars or comments on a task you assigned or that was assigned to you
3. if someone uses the Share button to share a task with you
4. if someone nudges you
5. if you assign a due date and time to a task, you'll get a notification at that time.
You won't receive a notification if there is activity on a task that lives on a list you share but is not explicitly assigned to or by you. You will be able to see the task and it will be highlighted, but you won't receive a notification.
To be sure you've enabled notifications, check Settings < Notifications < Orchestra on your iPhone. If you're logged out of both apps for 30 minutes after there's new activity, we'll send you an email notification.
What does Orchestra's badge count mean?
Our badges and push notifications alert you about recent activity on your account - if someone sends you a task, accepts or completes a task or comments, you'll see it reflected in the number on the badge, in push notifications and in your iOS Notification Center. You'll also get a notification when a task is due. To be sure you've enabled all three for your Orchestra app, check Settings < Notifications on your iPhone.
How do I change my default list on the iPhone?
You're welcome to rename your default list (titled "personal") at any time. Just go to Settings < Lists < personal and rename it. FYI, you cannot share your default list - this is to protect you from sharing your new tasks unintentionally.
Can I change my background?
Yes, indeedy. Just go to Settings < Background and choose one of our flossy personalized backgrounds.
Can I change by profile picture?
Of course - just go into your Settings and update your profile picture.
Why do I need a profile picture anyway?
To help show your friends who’s asking them to do things and vice versa. Especially if you have a name like Liz, in which case there’s a good chance your friends know a handful of gals with your same name.
How do I get started using Orchestra for the web?
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Sign in and try it out
Sign in at web.orchestra.com using the same email and password you use on the Phone, or create a new account at web.orchestra.com/#signup. Your account scales with your browser window and has been designed to fit well on an iPad so that you can get more done across any screen you prefer.
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Create and delete a task
Try creating and deleting a task, it’s even easier and faster with a keyboard in your hands. Click Create a Task at the top of the browser. From there a new task pops out to the right ready for editing.
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Share a task
Each task can be easily shared with anyone you want. So if you want to share a task for someone else to follow, or ask someone to take responsibility for something, simply send it to them, they don’t even need to be an Orchestra member! If they’re not a member they either receive and email or text message that they can reply to directly. No need for them to sign up...but they might want to.
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Create a new list
In order to stay organized and keep tasks in the correct place the easiest thing to do is create lists for different projects. This is easy on the web, on the left under your existing lists click on “Add new list...”, easy for each new project in your life.
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Share a whole list
Sharing a list with someone you rely on is the easiest way to stay in sync. Click on “edit” next to Lists on the left bar and you can Manage your lists from the pop up window. Add someone to a list and they can see ALL tasks in this list. For your privacy you CANNOT share your original personal list with anyone.
-
Learn the email secrets
The point of using Orchestra is to make the tasks in your life more manageable - which is why we created a series of short cuts to help Orchestra work with your email.
Check them out here (These are super powerful)
-
Complete your profile
Adding your most used email addresses and phone numbers to your profile ensures that you never miss an incoming task. This way no matter how people try to reach you your Orchestra stays in sync. Your information is private with us and will only be used for coordinating your tasks with others. Add to your profile inside Settings - Profile
Which browsers support your web app?
Our web app is accessible on all major browsers (Firefox, Safari, Chrome and Internet Explorer via Chrome Frame) and syncs instantly and continuously with iPhone. Check it out here https://web.orchestra.com/
How do I create a task on the web?
Click the orange button to enter a new task. Select a list or leave it on your default list, titled "personal." Delegate or leave it assigned to yourself, then Save.
How to I delegate a task on the web?
In task view, click Assigned To then start typing a name or email address of the person you'd like to assign the task. You can delegate to anyone in the world, even people that don't use Orchestra. They'll receive an email or text message with a link where they can interact with the task on the web, just as if they had an Orchestra account.
How do I share a task on the web?
To share a task, just open up the task and click the Share tab. You can either click the name of someone you're already sharing with to nudge them, (they'll get an in-app notification) or use the dropdown at the bottom of that list to manually add someone - either by typing the name of a current Orchestra contact or typing an email address or phone number manually. Sharing lets others comment and see what's going on without explicitly assigning the task to them.
How do I return to my default view on the web?
Click the Orchestra logo in the upper left corner to bring you to All Lists / My Tasks.
How do I assign a due date or alert to a task on the web?
Select the task and click on Today, Soon, Someday or Due Date to the right of "When". FYI, tasks with due dates will appear in Someday and automatically move into "Soon" based on a time preference you set in Settings < Preferences and will move into Today on the day they are due.
How do I create a list on the web?
Click "Add New List" in the lower left corner of your app.
How do I share a list on the web?
Click "Edit" to the right of "Lists" - select the list and add the email addresses of people you'd like to share with. For now, you can only share lists with other Orchestra users. If you share with a non-user, it will send them an invitation to join Orchestra in order to share the list with you.
What does the star mean?
You can select the star next to any task to indicate to yourself that its important. You can filter by list and star to identify the must-do’s on each of your lists.
How do I delete a task on the web?
To delete a task, just hover over the task until a small X appears in the upper right corner, then click the X to delete.
How can I see completed tasks on the web?
Go to Settings < Preferences and select "Hide completed tasks after" select "7 days." Your completed tasks will appear at the bottom of your list, under your Someday tasks. For now, you can only see completed tasks from the past 7 days.
How can I see completed tasks older than 7 days?
For now, you can only see completed tasks from the past 7 days. Down the road, we plan to make your full completed history available and searchable, back to the first task you even checked off in Orchestra.
How can I assign a task to more than one person?
That feature is on the agenda! In the meantime try sharing a list with your team around a particular project. You can put tasks in there that everyone can see and either assign them to a specific person or to Anyone - everyone sharing the list can be involved and comment, and any single person can opt to "take it". You can also swipe left to reveal the Share button, which lets you bring others into the conversation while keeping one point person who is explicitly assigned to complete the task.
At Orchestra, we often pass around to-dos on a shared list, especially when they involve multiple people - I can take something and work on it, then reassign it to someone else and change the title slightly - this mirrors the natural progression of tasks amongst team members and lets you preserve the comment thread around it.
When will I get notifications?
You'll receive a notification if:
1. you're assigned a task
2. if someone accepts, completes, stars or comments on a task you assigned or that was assigned to you
3. if someone uses the Share button to share a task with you
4. if someone nudges you
5. if you assign a due date and time to a task, you'll get a notification at that time.
You won't receive a notification if there is activity on a task that lives on a list you share but is not explicitly assigned to or by you. You will be able to see the task and it will be highlighted, but you won't receive a notification.
Notifications appear in the chat bubble on the lower right of your screen, beneath your list of lists. If you're logged out of both apps for 30 minutes after there's new activity, we'll send you an email notification.
How do I change my default list?
You're welcome to rename your default list (titled "personal") at any time. Just go to Settings < Lists < personal and rename it. FYI, you cannot share your default list - this is to protect you from sharing your new tasks unintentionally.
Can I change by profile picture?
Of course - just go into your Settings and update your profile picture.
Why do I need a profile picture anyway?
To help show your friends who’s asking them to do things and vice versa. Especially if you have a name like Liz, in which case there’s a good chance your friends know a handful of gals with your same name.
Do you have a Fluid icon?
Yes - it's attached here.
Are there any keyboard shortcuts I should know about?
Yes indeed!
- Up and down arrows scroll between tasks.
- Control scrolls up and down between lists.
- Type the letter N to create a new task.
- To Save, click Return/Enter.
- To move down a line (hard return) in the comments field, type Shift - Return/Enter.
- Clicking delete will delete the task you're on.
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