Developers managing docs, APIs, and project contextneed tools that keep up with their workflow. Here's how Melo and Things 3 compare for this specific use case.
What developers need from a productivity tool
Developers deal with docs, APIs, and project context daily. The ideal tool for this workflow needs to be fast (no waiting for pages to load), flexible (different projects require different layouts), and smart (AI that understands your specific context). Privacy matters too — developers often handle sensitive information.
API docs in one tab, Jira in another, Slack in a third — constant context switching
Every app switch costs 15-25 minutes of deep focus
Copy-pasting code snippets, URLs, and error messages between apps
AI tools that don't understand your project context
Things 3 for developers
Award-winning task manager for Apple devices. While Things 3 is a capable tool, developers often find it limiting when they need to work with multiple content types simultaneously. Things 3's approach works for generic use cases, but the specific demands of docs, APIs, and project context require more flexibility.
Melo
Things 3
Scope
Full spatial workspace — notes, tasks, AI, web, calendar
Pure task management — todos, projects, areas
AI
Workspace-aware AI that helps prioritize and plan
No AI features
Content
Rich content tiles — web embeds, notes, clipboard alongside tasks
Task entries with basic notes and checklists
Organization
Spatial canvas — see everything in visual context
List-based — areas, projects, headings
Data
Local-first with AI integration
Local with iCloud sync
Why developers pick Melo
Tile API documentation, GitHub issues, and personal notes on the same board. Melo's clipboard manager keeps a history of everything you copy. AI sees your full workspace, so it can draft PR descriptions and brainstorm architecture with real context.
For developersspecifically, Melo's spatial canvas means you can design a workspace that mirrors how you think about docs, APIs, and project context. Tile your key documents, tasks, web references, and AI chat on one board. Switch between project contexts by switching boards. Everything stays local, fast, and private.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do developers use Melo differently?
Developers typically create boards organized around their docs, APIs, and project context. They tile relevant documents, tasks, web references, and AI chat specific to their workflow. The spatial layout lets them design a workspace that matches how they naturally think about their work.
Is Melo more expensive than Things 3?
Melo is a one-time $29.99 lifetime license — no subscription. Many competitors charge $10–15/month with no ownership option. Over a year or two, Melo typically costs less, and the lifetime license means zero recurring fees.
Can I import my data from Things 3?
Melo supports common import formats. While there's no one-click migration from Things 3, you can export your data and bring it into Melo's workspace. The spatial canvas also makes it easy to start fresh — many users prefer building a new spatial workflow from scratch.
Is my data private with Melo?
Yes. Melo is local-first, meaning your data lives on your Mac by default. Nothing is uploaded to external servers unless you explicitly use AI features, which send only the necessary context and don't persist your data.
How is Melo different from a regular note-taking app?
Melo isn't just a note app — it's a spatial workspace. You can tile notes alongside web pages, AI chat, calendar, todos, and clipboard history on one canvas. It replaces multiple apps with a single visual environment.