A simple text file can be a useful tool for productivity, offering flexibility and simplicity. Writing in a single text file every day can help cultivate a daily writing habit, while using Todo.txt syntax can create a customizable to-do list. A "done" list or "anti-todo list" allows users to review their progress at the end of each day, providing a sense of satisfaction and helping track productivity over time. Computer scientist Cal Newport uses a text file to plan his week, experimenting with different formats until finding what works best. A plain text journal can also be used, without the features of dedicated journalling apps. Additionally, a simple text file can be used to store ideas, keep track of feature requests, and organize tasks into folders on the desktop. Various tools are available to make working with plain text easy, including Folding Text, nvALT, Editorial, iTextEditors, and Draft. The beauty of plain text is its flexibility, making it a viable alternative to modern to-do apps.