Getting Started with HyperPlanner
Your personal ops layer, set up in 5 minutes. Learn to capture tasks, customize layouts, and make HyperPlanner truly yours.
Welcome to HyperPlanner
HyperPlanner is a personal productivity tool designed to adapt to the way you think, not the other way around. Whether you prefer visual kanban boards, time-blocked calendars, or simple task lists, HyperPlanner molds itself to your workflow.
Why HyperPlanner?
Most productivity tools force you into rigid structures. HyperPlanner gives you full control over layouts, themes, automations, and how you capture tasks. It's offline-first, privacy-respecting, and AI is completely optional.
Offline-First
All your data stays local. No internet required to plan your day.
Fully Customizable
Themes, layouts, and automations - every detail is yours to change.
Privacy-Respecting
Your tasks stay on your device. End-to-end encrypted sync when you want it.
AI Optional
Smart features when you want them, completely off when you don't.
1. Quick Setup in 5 Minutes
Getting started with HyperPlanner is fast. You can try everything in Demo Mode without creating an account, or sign up to unlock sync and AI features.
Option A: Try Demo Mode (No Account)
-
Visit the homepage
Navigate to hyperplanner.app and click "Try Demo Mode" -
Complete the quick onboarding
Answer 3 quick questions about your usage, planning style, and preferred theme -
Start planning immediately
Your workspace loads with your chosen layout. All data is stored locally in your browser.
Demo Mode Limitations
Demo mode includes full access to layouts, themes, basic automations, and local storage. Features like AI suggestions, advanced automations, multi-device sync, and template sharing require an account.
Option B: Create an Account
-
Click "Create Account"
Choose to sign up with email, Google, or GitHub -
Verify your email
Check your inbox and click the verification link (not required for OAuth) -
Complete onboarding
Set your preferences and customize your initial workspace -
Enable sync (optional)
Go to Settings > Sync to enable cross-device synchronization
System Requirements
HyperPlanner runs in any modern browser. For the best experience:
- Chrome/Edge: Version 90 or later (recommended)
- Firefox: Version 88 or later
- Safari: Version 14 or later
- Storage: At least 50MB free local storage
2. Understanding the Interface
HyperPlanner's interface is built around flexible panels that you can arrange, resize, and customize to match your workflow.
Main Components
Command Bar
Quick access to everything. Press Cmd/Ctrl + K to open.
Calendar Panel
Day, week, or month views with time-blocking support.
Kanban Board
Visual task management with customizable lanes.
Focus Panel
Today's priorities and your next actions at a glance.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Cmd/Ctrl + K | Open Command Bar |
| Cmd/Ctrl + N | New Task/Event |
| Cmd/Ctrl + Enter | Quick Capture |
| Cmd/Ctrl + 1-4 | Switch Layout Preset |
| Cmd/Ctrl + , | Open Settings |
| ? | Show All Shortcuts |
Pro Tip: Learn as You Go
Press ? at any time to see all available keyboard shortcuts for your current view. Shortcuts adapt based on what panel is focused.
3. Creating Your First Task
HyperPlanner's Smart Capture feature lets you type naturally and automatically extracts dates, contexts, priorities, and tags from your input.
Smart Capture Basics
Open the command bar (Cmd/Ctrl + K) and start typing:
Smart Capture Syntax
| Syntax | What It Does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| @context | Assigns a context | @work, @home, @errands |
| !priority | Sets priority level | !high, !medium, !low |
| #tag | Adds a tag | #planning, #meeting, #code |
| due:date | Sets due date | due:tomorrow, due:friday, due:2024-01-15 |
| Natural dates | Auto-parsed dates | tomorrow, next week, in 3 days |
| Times | Auto-parsed times | 10am, 2:30pm, 14:00 |
Example: Complete Task Entry
Inline Subtasks
Break down complex tasks using the > separator:
Custom Phrase Mapping
Teach HyperPlanner your own shortcuts in Settings > Capture:
Conflict Detection
When you schedule a task over an existing event, HyperPlanner shows a visual warning. You can choose to overlap, move the new task, or reschedule the existing one.
4. Choosing Your Layout
HyperPlanner offers multiple layout presets, and you can create your own custom arrangements. Switch between them instantly with Cmd/Ctrl + 1-4.
Built-in Layout Presets
Kanban Focus
Full-screen kanban board with Inbox, In Progress, Done, and Archive lanes.
Calendar View
Week calendar with time slots. Perfect for time-blocking enthusiasts.
Split View
Calendar on the left, kanban on the right. Best of both worlds.
Focus Duo
Today's tasks + backlog. Minimal distractions, maximum clarity.
Customizing Panels
-
Resize panels
Drag the borders between panels to adjust their size -
Rearrange panels
Drag panel headers to move them to new positions -
Add/remove panels
Click the + button to add new panels, or x to remove -
Save as preset
Click "Save Layout" in the layout menu to create a custom preset
Calendar Density Options
Control how much detail you see in your calendar view:
- 60-minute slots: Overview of your day, less scrolling
- 30-minute slots: Balanced view for most users
- 15-minute slots: Granular time-blocking for detailed schedules
Card Display Modes
Each task card can be displayed in different modes based on your needs:
Device-Specific Layouts
HyperPlanner remembers different layouts per device. Your desktop might have a three-panel split, while your phone automatically switches to single-column focus mode.
5. Customizing Your Theme
Make HyperPlanner visually yours. Start with a base theme and adjust every token, or dive into the Theme Lab for complete control.
Base Themes
Glassy & Warm
Frosted glass panels with purple-pink gradients. The default aesthetic.
Midnight Focus
Deep blacks, high contrast. Zero distractions for night owls.
Neon Edge
Vibrant accents and bold gradients. Electric energy.
Nordic Light
Clean, light theme with soft blues. Easy on the eyes.
Quick Theme Changes
Access theme controls from the top-right corner:
-
Click the palette icon
Opens the quick theme switcher with preset options -
Choose a base theme
Select from Glassy, Midnight, Neon, or Nordic -
Adjust blur and glow
Use the sliders to fine-tune the glass effect intensity
Theme Lab (Advanced)
For complete control, open Settings > Theme Lab. You can customize:
Export and Share Themes
Created a theme you love? Share it with others:
- Export as JSON: Download your theme configuration
- Import themes: Load themes from files or URLs
- Share link: Generate a link that others can use to import your theme
Accessibility Guardrails
HyperPlanner automatically adjusts text contrast to maintain WCAG AA compliance. You stay creative; we ensure readability.
6. What's Next?
You've learned the basics! Here's where to go next to master HyperPlanner:
Smart Capture Guide
Master natural language input and custom phrase mappings.
Automations 101
Create "When X, Do Y" rules to automate your workflow.
Templates Guide
Build reusable task and project templates.
Privacy & Security
Learn about encryption, data storage, and export options.
Quick Links
- Video Tutorial: 5-Minute Overview
- All Keyboard Shortcuts
- Layout Customization Deep Dive
- Theme Lab Tutorial
- API Documentation
- Community Forum
Need Help?
Join our Community Forum to ask questions, share your setups, and connect with other users. For direct support, visit our Contact Page.
Feedback Welcome
HyperPlanner is built for thinkers, makers, and planners like you. If you have suggestions, feature requests, or found a bug, we'd love to hear from you:
- Feature requests: Submit on our feedback board
- Bug reports: Open an issue on GitHub
- General questions: Post in the community forum