OmniFocus 4.7 (now in beta) offers a new feature: the Planned field. I’ve been testing this and using it liberally since updating my devices; this feature isn’t available unless you migrate your database on all of your devices to the 4.7 beta.

Planned fills in where so many of us were (mis)using defer dates. Unlike defer dates, however, a planned date doesn’t obscure a task from your project lists or perspectives. It does, however, enable some creative perspective uses.

Planned is kind of a third-level filter for me, where deferred dates often were. My general practice is to flag tasks that need attention soon, ideally in the current work week, and then use planned dates (formerly deferred dates) to give me a list of things I intend to to do today. Due dates mean that something is actually due that day, and I try not to monkey with the feature’s intention.

I’m looking forward to being able to nudge planned dates back using Omni Automation.

The Planned field will revise how I use defer dates for sure, which will be more respectful of my Forecast perspective. It’s a nice addition.