Managing Tasks in Roam Research? Here's What's Missing
Written By The Aftertone Team
Why people leave Roam Research
Managing tasks in Roam via TODO blocks and daily notes is common. The ceiling is the same as every notes-as-task-manager approach: the system is only as good as the maintenance it gets. No calendar integration, no focus mode, and no productivity reporting.
How to cancel Roam Research
In Roam Research, go to Settings, then Billing, and cancel your subscription.
Go to Roam Research billing settings
What to look for in a Roam Research alternative
The right replacement depends on why Roam Research stopped working for you:
If you need better calendar integration. Look for a tool where tasks and calendar live in the same view — not two separate apps you have to manually sync.
If you need less manual overhead. Auto-scheduling (where the tool suggests a plan and you confirm it) cuts the time spent maintaining your system. Avoid tools that reschedule without your input.
If you need clearer output data. A weekly report that shows whether your protected time produced real work is more useful than a productivity score or a streak counter.
What Aftertone does differently
Aftertone is the execution layer for Roam users who want their task management handled separately. Copy tasks from your Roam daily notes, paste into Smart Capture, and Aftertone schedules the week and runs the focus sessions.
How to get your data out of Roam Research
Step 1. Roam stores tasks as {{TODO}} blocks. Use the query {{query: {and: [{TODO}]}}} to surface all open tasks.
Step 2. Copy the task names and paste into Aftertone's Smart Capture.
Roam is strong for networked thought — keep it for your knowledge graph. Aftertone handles the execution and scheduling layer.
How to set up Aftertone
2. Download Aftertone. Free 14-day trial at aftertone.io/get-started. No card required.
3. Connect Google Calendar. Your existing events pull in immediately. Your calendar and tasks are now in one view.
4. Plan your first week. Use Auto Plan to schedule your tasks. The weekly report will tell you at the end of the week whether it worked.
Full migration guide: aftertone.io/university/coming-from-another-tool
Frequently asked questions
How do I cancel Roam Research?
In Roam Research, go to Settings, then Billing, and cancel your subscription. Direct link: https://roamresearch.com/#/billing
How do I export my data from Roam Research?
Most Roam Research data can be exported from Settings or as a CSV. Once exported, paste your task list into Aftertone's Smart Capture and it structures everything automatically. See aftertone.io/university/coming-from-another-tool for a step-by-step guide.
Is there a free trial for Aftertone?
Yes. 14 days, no card required. Download at aftertone.io/get-started.
What does Aftertone do that Roam Research doesn't?
Aftertone is the execution layer for Roam users who want their task management handled separately. Copy tasks from your Roam daily notes, paste into Smart Capture, and Aftertone schedules the week and runs the focus sessions.
Try Aftertone free -- 14 days, no card required
See the full comparison: Aftertone vs other productivity tools
