lexbritvin Creating Task Queries
Write tasks code blocks in markdown notes. The Tasks plugin renders them as live, filtered views of tasks across the vault.
Query Block Syntax
```tasks
not done
due before tomorrow
sort by priority
```
Each line is a separate instruction. All filter lines must match (implicit AND). Queries are case-insensitive except boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT must be UPPERCASE — lowercase is silently ignored). Add explain to any query to debug how Tasks interprets it.
Common Patterns
Overdue tasks:
```tasks
not done
due before today
sort by due
```
Due this week, grouped by file:
```tasks
not done
due this week
group by filename
sort by due
```
High priority:
```tasks
not done
(priority is highest) OR (priority is high)
sort by due
```
Exclude folders:
```tasks
not done
(folder does not include Templates) AND (folder does not include Archive)
sort by due
```
Backlog (no dates):
```tasks
not done
no due date
no scheduled date
sort by path
limit 20
```
These cover the most common cases. For anything more complex — date ranges, custom scripting, regex filters, layout options — read the reference files below.
Overriding the Global Query
The Tasks plugin has a globalQuery setting (Settings → Tasks → Global query) that prepends to every query block. To run a block without it — for example a "show everything" view, or to look at items the user has globally hidden — add ignore global query as the first line:
```tasks
ignore global query
not done
group by filename
```
This disables the entire globalQuery for that block. Selective override of individual lines is not supported — it's all or nothing. Use this when you specifically want to surface tasks the global filter normally hides (e.g. items tagged #wishlist or #learning in frontmatter).
Boolean Filters
Combine multiple conditions on a single line with operators:
(filter 1) AND (filter 2)
(filter 1) OR (filter 2)
NOT (filter 1)
(filter 1) AND NOT (filter 2)
Operators must be UPPERCASE — this is a common mistake. and/or in lowercase are silently ignored, making the query behave unexpectedly. Delimiters: (), [], {}, "" (don't mix types on one line).
Reference Documentation
Read these when the inline patterns above aren't enough:
- Query Reference — complete filter, sorting, grouping, layout options, boolean combinations, and custom scripting. Read when you need a specific filter syntax or want to check available sort/group fields.
- Examples — more query recipes including dependencies, compact views, task trees, and date category grouping. Read when building a complex dashboard or looking for inspiration.