Kanodo allows you to attach files to your cards, keeping relevant documents, images, and other files organised together with the tasks they relate to. Attachments can be stored locally on your Mac or in iCloud for access across devices.
Understanding attachments
Attachments are files associated with cards. When you are working on a task that involves specific documents, images, or other files, attaching them to the card keeps everything in one place. Instead of hunting through folders to find the relevant files, you can access them directly from the card.
Common uses for attachments include:
- Reference documents needed to complete a task
- Images or screenshots related to the work
- Files that will be delivered as part of the task
- Supporting materials like specifications or designs
Accessing attachments
Each card and mini-card has an Attachments tab in its details window. Click on a card or mini-card to open it, then select the Attachments tab to view and manage files.
Adding attachments
There are two ways to add files to a card.
1. Drag and drop
The most direct method is to drag files from Finder into the attachments area.
- Open the card details window
- Go to the Attachments tab
- Drag one or more files from Finder into the designated drop zone
- Release to upload the files
You can drag multiple files at once, subject to the limits configured in your settings.
2. File picker
Alternatively, click the browse or attach button in the attachments area to open a standard file picker. Navigate to the files you want to attach and select them.
Upload limits
Attachments have configurable limits to manage storage and prevent accidental large uploads.
Maximum file size
Each individual file must be smaller than the maximum file size limit. Files exceeding this limit are skipped during upload. You can adjust this limit in Settings.
Maximum files per upload
There is a limit on how many files you can upload in a single operation. If you try to upload more files than allowed, only the first files up to the limit are processed. You can adjust this limit in Settings.
When limits are exceeded
If any files are skipped due to limits, Kanodo displays a message explaining why. You can then:
- Adjust your limits in Settings and try again
- Upload the files in separate batches
- Compress or resize files that are too large
Viewing attachments
The Attachments tab shows all files attached to the card or mini-card. For each attachment, you see:
- Filename: The original name of the file
- File size: How large the file is
- File type: What kind of file it is
- Date added: When the file was attached
File type icons
Different file types display appropriate icons, making it easy to identify documents, images, archives, and other file types at a glance.
Opening files
To open an attachment in its default application:
- Find the attachment in the list
- Click on it or use the menu
- Select "Open File"
The file opens in whatever application your Mac uses for that file type.
Downloading files
To download an attachment to a specific location:
- Find the attachment in the list
- Open its menu
- Select "Download File"
The file is saved to your configured download location (or you may be prompted to choose a location depending on your settings).
Viewing file location
To see where an attachment is stored on your system:
- Find the attachment in the list
- Open its menu
- Select "Open File Location"
Finder opens to the folder containing the file.
Deleting attachments
To remove an attachment from a card:
- Find the attachment in the list
- Open its menu
- Select "Delete File"
- Confirm the deletion
Important: Deleting an attachment permanently removes the file from storage. This cannot be undone. If you might need the file later, download it before deleting.
Storage options
Kanodo offers two storage locations for attachments: local storage and iCloud storage.
Local storage
By default, attachments are stored locally on your Mac in the application's container. This means:
- Files are available immediately, even offline
- Files do not count against iCloud storage
- Files are only on this Mac (not synced to other devices)
- Files are included in Time Machine backups of your Mac
iCloud storage
If you enable iCloud storage in Settings, attachments are stored in your iCloud Drive. This means:
- Files sync across devices signed into the same iCloud account
- Files count against your iCloud storage quota
- Files may take time to download on other devices
- Files are backed up via iCloud
Choosing a storage option
Use local storage if:
- You only use Kanodo on one Mac
- You want to keep files completely private and local
- You have limited iCloud storage
- You prefer not to rely on cloud services
Use iCloud storage if:
- You use multiple Macs and want access to attachments from any of them
- You want cloud backup for your files
- You have sufficient iCloud storage space
Enabling iCloud storage
To enable iCloud storage:
- Open Settings
- Go to the Attachments section
- Toggle "Store attachments in iCloud" to on
When enabled, new attachments are stored in iCloud. Existing local attachments remain local unless you migrate them.
iCloud availability
If iCloud is not available (for example, if you are not signed into iCloud on your Mac), the option is disabled and you will see a message explaining that iCloud is not available. Sign into iCloud in System Settings to enable this option.
Migrating to iCloud
If you have existing local attachments and want to move them to iCloud, you can use the migration feature.
Starting migration
- Open Settings
- Go to the Attachments section
- Enable iCloud storage if not already enabled
- Look for the migration option showing how many files can be migrated
- Click "Migrate" to begin
Migration process
The migration copies each local file to iCloud storage. During migration:
- You see progress indicating how many files have been migrated
- The process continues until all files are copied
- Files that fail to migrate are reported
After migration
Once migration completes, your attachments are stored in iCloud. The local copies may be removed to save space, depending on how iCloud handles files.
Migrating from iCloud to local
If you disable iCloud storage after having used it, Kanodo offers to migrate iCloud attachments back to local storage. This ensures you do not lose access to your files.
- Toggle iCloud storage off in Settings
- If you have files in iCloud, a prompt appears
- Confirm to migrate files to local storage
- Wait for migration to complete
Linking files to mini-cards
When a card has both attachments and a mini-board, you can link attachments to specific mini-cards. This creates a reference showing which files relate to which subtasks.
How linking works
The attachment remains stored on the parent card. The link creates a reference from the mini-card to the attachment, allowing you to see which files are relevant to that subtask.
Creating links
Within a mini-card's details, you can select from the parent card's attachments to create links. See Mini-boards for details.
Link management
Links can be added and removed without affecting the attachment itself. Deleting a link does not delete the file.
Attachment limits
The basic version of Kanodo allows 5 attachments per card. The Pro version removes this limit, allowing unlimited attachments.
See Basic Vs Pro for details on version differences.
File organisation
Attachment storage structure
When using local storage, attachments are stored in the application container in an organised structure based on workspaces, boards, and cards. You generally do not need to interact with this structure directly.
When using iCloud storage, files are stored in your iCloud Drive in a similar organised structure.
What happens when cards are deleted
When you delete a card, all its attachments are also deleted from storage. Make sure to download any files you want to keep before deleting a card.
What happens when boards or workspaces are deleted
Deleting a board removes all cards and their attachments. Deleting a workspace removes all boards, cards, and attachments within it. Always download important files before major deletions.
Handling missing files
If an attachment file is missing (for example, if it was deleted outside of Kanodo or is unavailable in iCloud), the attachment entry remains but you cannot open or download the file. Kanodo may display a message indicating the file is unavailable.
To clean up missing attachments, you can delete their entries from the card.
