timely
// Manage Apple Reminders from the command line with geofencing support. Use when creating reminders on macOS with optional location-based triggers (arrive/depart), due dates, or time-based alerts. Works with iCloud-synced reminder lists.
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updated:March 4, 2026
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SKILL.md Frontmatter
nametimely
descriptionManage Apple Reminders from the command line with geofencing support. Use when creating reminders on macOS with optional location-based triggers (arrive/depart), due dates, or time-based alerts. Works with iCloud-synced reminder lists.
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timely
A CLI for Apple Reminders with geofencing support. Create location-aware and time-based reminders without UI interaction.
Why timely?
- Location triggers — Remind when arriving at or departing from a place
- No UI prompts — Works silently via EventKit
- iCloud sync — Reminders appear on all devices
Installation
brew tap halbotley/tap
brew install timely
First run prompts for Reminders access (System Settings → Privacy → Reminders). One-time only.
Commands
List reminder lists
timely lists
View reminders
timely show Reminders # Show all in list
timely show Reminders 10 # Show last 10
Create time-based reminder
timely add Reminders "Call mom" --due "tomorrow 3pm"
timely add Reminders "Submit report" --due "friday 5pm"
Create location-based reminder (arrive)
timely add Reminders "Buy milk" \
--location "Trader Joe's" \
--address "123 Main St, Santa Barbara, CA" \
--arrive
Create location-based reminder (depart)
timely add Reminders "Text wife leaving" \
--location "Office" \
--address "456 Work Ave" \
--depart
Combined (time + location)
timely add Reminders "Pick up prescription" \
--due "today" \
--location "CVS" \
--address "789 Pharmacy Rd" \
--arrive
Due Date Formats
Natural language parsing:
"today","tomorrow""monday","next friday""tomorrow 3pm","friday 5pm""2025-03-15","2025-03-15 14:30"
Geofencing Notes
--locationis the display name (what you see in Reminders)--addressis used for geocoding (must be a real address)--arrivetriggers when entering the location--departtriggers when leaving the location- Default geofence radius is ~100 meters
Shared Lists
For shared iCloud reminder lists, use the exact list name as it appears in the Reminders app. The list syncs across all family members' devices.
Examples
# Simple reminder
timely add Reminders "Water plants" --due "saturday 9am"
# Reminder when getting home
timely add Reminders "Take out trash" \
--location "Home" \
--address "123 My Street, My City, CA" \
--arrive
# Reminder when leaving work
timely add Reminders "Pick up kids" \
--location "Office" \
--address "456 Work Blvd" \
--depart