Writers managing drafts, research, outlines, and publishingneed tools that keep up with their workflow. Here's how Melo and Things 3 compare for this specific use case.
What writers need from a productivity tool
Writers deal with drafts, research, outlines, and publishing 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 — writers often handle sensitive information.
Research materials scattered across browser tabs, PDFs, and note apps
No visual way to see the structure of a piece before writing it
AI writing tools produce generic output without knowing your voice or topic
Switching between research, outline, and draft breaks the creative flow
Things 3 for writers
Award-winning task manager for Apple devices. While Things 3 is a capable tool, writers 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 drafts, research, outlines, and publishing 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 writers pick Melo
Melo lets writers tile research, outlines, drafts, and AI side by side on one canvas. See your entire piece spatially — sources on the left, outline in the middle, draft on the right. AI knows your research context, so suggestions are actually relevant.
For writersspecifically, Melo's spatial canvas means you can design a workspace that mirrors how you think about drafts, research, outlines, and publishing. 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
What does Melo do that Things 3 doesn't?
Melo's key differentiators are the spatial canvas (tile any content type side by side), workspace-aware AI (sees your entire board, not just one document), and local-first architecture (instant performance, true privacy). Most traditional tools focus on one paradigm — Melo combines notes, tasks, AI, web, and calendar in one spatial environment.
How do writers use Melo differently?
Writers typically create boards organized around their drafts, research, outlines, and publishing. 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.
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.
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.
Can I use Melo offline?
Absolutely. Since Melo is local-first, your entire workspace works offline. Notes, tasks, canvas arrangement, clipboard history — everything is available without an internet connection. AI features require connectivity.