I have discovered org-mode in the last year but have been using it for the last two months with increasing enthusiasm and commitment. I will be honest and tell you that it is the sole reason to learn and use Emacs on daily basics.

Visit org screenshots page for exciting screenshots.

What am I using it for?

Currently, I am adapting to the new workflow, so I use a small part of the available functionality for the following use cases:

  • to store ideas and plan ahead blog posts
  • to write a simple journal and manage tasks
  • to store important bookmarks
  • to keep notes

Why am I using it?

This question is straightforward to answer as it is a compelling, fast, and effective way to organize things, so I will just mention the most important reasons:

  • it is text-based, so I can edit it however and whenever I want
  • lightweight syntax supports many advanced features like tags, tables
  • seamless encryption support
  • it supports templates
  • it supports graphs, diagrams
  • it supports scheduling
  • it is fully customizable
  • it supports many export options

How am I using it?

Look below for my initial Emacs configuration (~/.emacs configuration file). It changes from time to time as it strongly depends on gained experience.

;; require org-mode
(require 'org)

;; log when task is DONE
(setq org-log-done t)

;; set org directory
(setq org-directory "~/Organizer")

;; file to store general notes
(setq org-default-notes-file "~/Organizer/notes.org")

;; use remember
(setq remember-annotation-functions '(org-remember-annotation))
(setq remember-handler-functions '(org-remember-handler))
(add-hook 'remember-mode-hook 'org-remember-apply-template)
(define-key global-map "\C-cr" 'org-remember)

;; remember templates
(setq org-remember-templates
    '(("Todo"      ?t "** TODO %^{Description} %^g\n   CREATED: %U\n%?" "~/Organizer/todo.org" "Tasks")
      ("Journal"   ?j "** %U %^{Description} %^g\n%i\n%?" "~/Organizer/journal.org")
      ("Snippet"   ?s "** %U %^{Description} %^g\n%c\n%?" "~/Organizer/snippets.org")
      ("Blog task" ?b "** TODO %^{Description} %^g\n   CREATED: %U\n%?" "~/Organizer/blog.org" "Blog tasks")
      ("Blog idea" ?i "** %^{Description} %^g\n   CREATED: %U\n%?" "~/Organizer/blog.org" "Blog ideas")
      ("Receipt"   ?r "** %U %^{Description} %^g\n%?"   "~/Organizer/finances.org")
      ("Link"      ?l "** %^{Description} %^g\n   CREATED: %U\n   LINK: %^{URL}\n   NOTE: %^{NOTE}%?" "~/Organizer/links.org")
     )
   )

I assume that you might want to look at template expansion for further reference.

Where to learn about it?

Just remember that the more you use it, the more you can achieve.