How to use Google Tasks on Linux
Google doesn't make a Google Tasks app for Linux. On Ubuntu, Linux Mint or any other desktop you can use it on the web at tasks.google.com, in the side panel of Gmail and Google Calendar, or install tasks.google.com as an app from Chrome, Chromium or Microsoft Edge so it opens in its own window.
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1. Use tasks.google.com in your browser
Open tasks.google.com in any browser and sign in. Your lists open full screen with every Google Tasks feature. It’s free and works on every distribution, but it’s a browser tab among your other tabs.
2. Open the side panel in Gmail or Google Calendar
In Gmail or Google Calendar, click the Tasks icon in the panel on the right to see your lists beside your email or calendar. It’s there only while Gmail or Calendar is open in front.
3. Install Google Tasks as an app
Chrome, Chromium and Microsoft Edge on Linux can install a website as an app with its own window and an entry in your applications menu.
- Chrome or Chromium: open tasks.google.com, then ⋮ › Cast, save, and share › Install page as app.
- Microsoft Edge: open tasks.google.com, then … › Apps › Install this site as an app.
Google Tasks then starts from your app launcher like any other app, and you can add it to your dock or favourites.
4. Keep it on top
Most Linux desktops can keep any window above the others:
- GNOME (Ubuntu, Fedora): click the Google Tasks window, press Alt+Space and choose Always on Top.
- KDE Plasma: open the window menu from the title bar and choose More Actions › Keep Above Others.
- Cinnamon (Linux Mint): right-click the title bar and choose Always on top.
Make the window narrow and place it at the edge of the screen for a floating task list.
Other ways
Some desktop mail and calendar apps reach Google Tasks through add-ons, such as the Provider for Google Calendar add-on for Thunderbird. Results with tasks are mixed, so try them with a test list before relying on them.
Questions
Is there a Google Tasks app for Linux?
No. Google makes Google Tasks apps for iPhone, iPad and Android only. On Linux you use tasks.google.com, the side panel in Gmail and Google Calendar, or tasks.google.com installed as an app from Chrome, Chromium or Edge.
How do I install Google Tasks on Ubuntu?
Install Chrome, Chromium or Microsoft Edge, open tasks.google.com and sign in, then choose Install page as app (Chrome and Chromium) or Install this site as an app (Edge) from the browser menu. It then appears among your applications with its own window.
Can I keep Google Tasks above other windows on Linux?
Yes, on most desktops. In GNOME, press Alt+Space in the Google Tasks window and choose Always on Top. In KDE Plasma, use the window menu's Keep Above Others.
Does Thunderbird work with Google Tasks?
The Provider for Google Calendar add-on can show Google Tasks in Thunderbird, but users report problems with it, and Thunderbird's own Google support covers calendars, not tasks.