1 #+OPTIONS: H:3 num:nil toc:nil \n:nil @:t ::t |:t ^:t -:t f:t *:t TeX:t LaTeX:t skip:nil d:(HIDE) tags:not-in-toc
2 #+STARTUP: align fold nodlcheck hidestars oddeven lognotestate
3 #+SEQ_TODO: TODO(t) INPROGRESS(i) WAITING(w@) | DONE(d) CANCELED(c@)
4 #+TAGS: Write(w) Update(u) Fix(f) Check(c)
5 #+TITLE: Org: Frequently Asked Questions
7 #+EMAIL: bzg AT altern DOT org
12 [[file:index.org][{Back to Worg's index}]]
14 Do we need a FAQ for Org?
16 Yes, and the FAQ can be build by answering questions in the [[file:org-survey.org][survey]].
18 I think apart from the survey, we should use the faq to provide
19 pointers to especially useful posts on emacs-orgmode. For example:
21 # Feel free to restructure this file
23 - *How can I keep track of changes in my Org files?*
25 Use git to track the history of the files, use a cronjob to check in
26 changes regularly. Such a setup is described by Bernt Bernt Hansen
27 in [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/6233][this message]] on [[http://dir.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode][emacs-orgmode]].
29 - *What is the difference between Org and TaskPaper?*
31 There is really no difference. Org is as /simple/ as [[http://hogbaysoftware.com/products/taskpaper][TaskPaper]]. It
32 is just that, when using Org within Emacs, it lets you do many things
33 that you wouldn't be able to do with TaskPaper. Yes, TaskPaper is
34 fiddle-proof and people using Emacs tends to like fiddling (which is
35 orthogonal to the idea of using todo-list efficiently), but this is
36 just a matter of discipline and common sense, not one of Org's design.
38 Read [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/6224][Carsten's enlightening statement]] on this.
40 - *Can I use the remember buffer for taking notes during a customers
41 call and clock that call in the remember buffer?*
43 Yes, you can. Take a look at the [[http://thread.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/5482][setup described by Bernt Hansen]]
44 and check out (in the same thread) what Nick Docos had to fix to
45 make Bernt's set-up work for him.
47 - *Can I implement a GTD workflow with Org-mode?*
49 Yes, you can. Check for discussions and pointers [[http://orgmode.org/#sec-5.5][here]].
51 - *How can I cycle through the TODO keyword of an entry ?*
53 =C-c C-t= or =S-<left/right>= is what you need.
55 - *How can I quickly set the tag of an entry ?*
57 Yes. Use =C-c C-c= on the headline.
59 - *Can I select the TODO keywords with an interface similar to the one
62 Yes. Use =(setq org-use-fast-todo-selection t)=
64 - *I want to isearch to find strings in links, but those are hidden.
67 M-x =visible-mode= will display the full link, making them searchable.
69 - *C-k is killing whole subtrees! I lost my work!*
71 =(setq org-special-ctrl-k t)= before losing your work.
73 - *How can I set up automatic reminders based on Org information?*
75 See [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/5271][this post]] by N. Dokos on the list.
77 - *Is there a good way to create a description list?*
79 Yes, by enforcing a line break in a plain list using :\\:, like this
80 (following a suggestion by Sebastian Rose):
83 : Description of this item 1
85 : Description of this item 2
87 : Description of this item 3
89 - *I want to add my Org scheoduled/deadlined entries in my diary!*
91 Put this in your ~/.diary:
93 :&%%(org-diary :scheduled :timestamp :deadline)
95 - *How can I make =appt= notice my Org appointments?*
97 :M-x org-agenda-to-appt RET
99 - *How do I track state changes for tasks in Org?*
101 Take a look at the [[http://thread.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/6082][post by Bernt Hansen]] for setting up TODO keyword
102 states and logging timestamps for task state changes.
104 - *Can I send myself an email containing tasks or other agenda
107 Yes. See [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/6112][this thread]] on the list.