# Operon FAQ

The questions that come up most, grouped, with a link to the page that answers each in full. If you are stuck, start here, then follow the link.

## Getting started

**What is Operon, in one line?** A task and project management system that unifies inline tasks and file-based tasks in the same workflows, with filters, Calendar planning, Kanban boards, recurrence, pinned tasks, and time tracking, all inside your vault's Markdown. See [Getting started with Operon](/docs/docs-003-getting-started-with-operon/).

**What is the least I need to learn?** One task and one view. See [Create your first task](/docs/docs-009-create-your-first-task/) and [Build your first filtered view](/docs/docs-010-build-your-first-filtered-view/).

**Do I have to use every view and feature?** No. Operon scales down to a plain, minimal setup, and unused features write nothing into your notes. See [Do you need to use all of Operon?](/docs/docs-102-do-you-need-to-use-all-of-operon/).

**Does it work on mobile?** Yes. Some views are roomier on desktop, but mobile is supported. See [Install and enable Operon](/docs/docs-007-install-and-enable-operon/).

## Tasks

**Inline task or file task?** Start inline; promote to a file task when the work needs its own note. See [Inline vs file tasks](/docs/docs-014-inline-vs-file-tasks/).

**What is the `operonId`?** A task's durable identity, so the same task stays recognizable everywhere. Do not edit or copy it. See [Task identity and operonId](/docs/docs-015-task-identity-and-operonid/).

**How do I make a task repeat?** Add a recurrence rule, easiest through the Task Editor. See [Recurring tasks](/docs/docs-033-recurring-tasks/).

**How do I break a task down?** Plain checkboxes for quick steps, subtasks for real work. See [Plain checkbox lists](/docs/docs-017-plain-checkbox-lists/) and [Parent and sub-tasks](/docs/docs-016-parent-and-sub-tasks/).

## Views and planning

**Calendar or Kanban?** Plan by date on the Calendar, by stage on the Kanban. See [Calendar overview](/docs/docs-028-calendar-overview/) and [Kanban overview](/docs/docs-030-kanban-overview/).

**How do I find one task fast?** Use Task Finder. See [Task Finder](/docs/docs-027-task-finder/).

**How do I see only what matters now?** Build and save a filter. See [Filter View](/docs/docs-025-filter-view/).

## Data and sync

**Where are my tasks stored?** In your Markdown notes; nothing on a server. See [Where Operon stores data](/docs/docs-044-where-operon-stores-data/).

**If I uninstall Operon, do I lose my tasks?** No. They are Markdown in your notes; you lose only the views and settings. See [Markdown task storage](/docs/docs-045-markdown-task-storage/).

**Is it safe to sync across devices?** Yes, with care. Identity keeps tasks distinct, and the conflict manager resolves duplicates. See [Sync conflict safety](/docs/docs-047-sync-conflict-safety/).

## Customization

**Can I rename Operon's property names?** Yes, for file-task frontmatter, through key mappings. See [Key mappings](/docs/docs-039-key-mappings/).

**Can I add my own field?** Yes, a custom key. See [Custom keys](/docs/docs-040-custom-keys/).

**Can I change the statuses and priorities?** Yes, both are yours to define. See [Pipelines and statuses](/docs/docs-037-pipelines-and-statuses/) and [Task priorities](/docs/docs-038-task-priorities/).

**I cannot find a setting.** Search Obsidian's settings; Operon's are registered there. See [Settings search](/docs/docs-043-settings-search/).

## When something looks wrong

**A task is not showing up.** Usually the index or a view, not a lost task. Reindex and check exclusions. See [Missing tasks](/docs/docs-054-missing-tasks/).

**A task looks wrong on the Calendar or Kanban.** Often a missing date or a status that does not match the pipeline. See [Calendar or Kanban rendering issues](/docs/docs-056-calendar-or-kanban-rendering-issues/).

**Two tasks share an id.** The Operon ID Conflict manager resolves it. See [Duplicate IDs](/docs/docs-055-duplicate-ids/).

## Working with an assistant

**Can an AI agent work with my tasks?** Yes, because the data is plain, identified, and consistent. The key rule is to read your key mappings first. See [Agent-friendly workflows](/docs/docs-036-agent-friendly-workflows/).

**Can I hand these docs to an assistant?** Yes. Every page is plain text that stands on its own. See [How to use these docs](/docs/docs-002-how-to-use-these-docs/).

## Related

- [Operon Docs MOC](/docs/docs-001-operon-docs-moc/)
- [Glossary of Operon terms](/docs/docs-006-glossary-of-operon-terms/)