# Move from Todoist to Done Bear

*Last updated: 2026-09-22*

> Done Bear imports Todoist from a project CSV, the CSVs inside a backup ZIP, or Todoist JSON. Projects, sub-tasks, due dates and repeating rules come across in one pass, and the preview shows every record before anything is written. A JSON file also brings labels, comments and nested projects, whose parent becomes the team.

## What to export from Todoist

1. In Todoist on the web or desktop, open a project, choose the three dots, then Manage data, then Export as CSV.
2. On Pro or Business, Settings → Backups downloads a ZIP with one CSV per project. Extract it first.
3. Upload one project's .csv at a time. Todoist JSON from the API works too.

## What Todoist concepts become in Done Bear

| Todoist | Done Bear | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Project | Project | A CSV becomes one project named after the file. From JSON, archived projects stay archived. |
| Parent project | Team | From JSON only. |
| Section | Not imported | Add headings by hand. |
| Label | Label | From JSON only. In a CSV, labels stay as @label text in the name. |
| Sub-task | Checklist item | When a checklist item can hold it and its parent is in the file. Otherwise its own task. |
| Comment | Appended to the description | From JSON only. |
| Priority | Not imported | Done Bear has no priority. |
| Due date | Deadline | A due time becomes a reminder. |
| Recurring due date | Repeat rule | Kept when Done Bear can run it, otherwise narrowed or kept as text. |

## What comes across

- Areas and folders (become teams)
- Completed tasks
- Tags and labels
- Projects and lists
- Repeating tasks
- Sub-tasks

## What does not come across

- Attachments
- Comments are appended to the task description.
- Todoist sections are not recreated as headings.

## Running the import

On the web, open Settings, then Import, choose Todoist and upload your file. Nothing is written until you confirm the preview. Re-importing adds only what is new, and the completion screen offers an undo that keeps your later edits ([import documentation](/docs/help/importing)). To try it without an account, use the [import playground](/playground/import).

## FAQ

### Do completed Todoist tasks come across?

Usually not: project CSVs and backup ZIPs exclude them. The Export to Google Sheets extension can include them.

### Why do my recurring tasks look wrong?

Todoist says a CSV does not save the start date of a recurring date, so a task that repeats every year from a set date can become every year. Check them before you leave.

### Does importing change my Todoist account?

No. Done Bear reads the file you upload and never signs in to Todoist.

## Related

- [Todoist for Windows](/blog/todoist-for-windows)
- [How to export Todoist](/guides/how-to-export-your-todoist-data)
- [Done Bear vs Todoist](/todoist-alternative)
- [Every migration](/migrate)

---

Done Bear is free to start, with no trial and no credit card. [Create a workspace](/sign-up) or see [pricing](/pricing).

---

Every Done Bear page is listed at https://donebear.com/llms.txt. Any page has a markdown copy at its URL plus `.md`. Start from the map rather than guessing a path.