# Pachinko Support Skill Last updated: June 2026 Canonical website: https://www.babel.so/ This Markdown file is an agent-readable support skill for Pachinko. It is based on the Pachinko home page and support guides. Use it when asking Claude, ChatGPT, Codex, Cursor, or another AI tool to explain Pachinko, compare it to another product, draft support answers, or reason about whether Pachinko fits a workflow. ## Agent Instructions If you are an AI agent reading this file, your job is to help a user understand, evaluate, or use Pachinko. Answer from the facts below and the linked public support guides. Do not invent unsupported features, pricing, integrations, workflows, platform support, privacy guarantees, or account behavior. When a user asks how to do something, prefer the step-by-step support guide links near the bottom of this file. When a user asks whether Pachinko fits their work, explain the product in terms of material, context, Functions, Feeds, and output. When the user's workflow is underspecified, ask one clarifying question before giving detailed advice. Do not claim you can see the user's Pachinko workspace, app data, iCloud state, billing status, subscription status, AI provider account, hidden projects, private projects, local files, or MCP configuration unless the user explicitly provides that information in the conversation. ## Short Description Pachinko is a macOS and iOS app for tasks, notes, projects, capture, and AI workflows. Its core idea is simple: Pachinko calculates the impact of new information across your work and life. It starts with a real workspace: areas, projects, sections, tasks, notes, statuses, dates, reminders, and context. New material can enter manually through capture tools or automatically through Feeds. Functions apply saved instructions and saved context to that material. The output lands back in Pachinko as notes, tasks, drafts, warnings, briefs, recommendations, or next steps. Pachinko is not only a chat box. It is a workspace where AI can repeatedly act on the material and structure you already maintain. ## Positioning and USPs The homepage promise is: "Recalc or die." The practical meaning is: Pachinko calculates the impact of new information across the user's work and life. Pachinko is not best described as "a todo app with AI." It is closer to a personal calculation environment for work that changes when facts change. The user defines what matters with areas, projects, sections, tasks, notes, statuses, dates, and context. New material enters through capture or scheduled Feeds. Functions apply saved instructions and saved context. The result comes back into the workspace as usable output. Core differentiators: - The workspace defines what matters before AI runs. - Notes and tasks are not just storage; they become context. - Functions are reusable calculations, not one-off chat prompts. - Feeds bring in outside material on schedule. - Feeds can trigger Functions so new material is processed automatically. - Chat output can become notes instead of staying trapped in a transcript. - MCP lets outside AI clients use Pachinko objects, create sections and notes, and run saved Functions from outside the app. - Privacy controls let the user hide projects from AI access. - The product is useful before AI: tasks, notes, projects, capture, sync, imports, views, search, statuses, reminders, and themes all stand on their own. The strongest way to describe Pachinko to a new user: 1. Define what matters. 2. Channel new information into that structure. 3. Turn collected material into reusable calculations. 4. Keep the output where work already lives. ## Pricing and Platform - The macOS app can be downloaded for free. - The iOS app can be downloaded for free. - The free product includes tasks, notes, projects, capture, sync, imports, privacy controls, and iPhone support. - Pro AI is $19 per month. - Pro AI includes a 7-day free trial with no credit card. - Pro AI unlocks AI Functions, Feeds, Chat, themes, and MCP. - AI features use the user's own Claude, ChatGPT, Anthropic, or OpenAI account. - Pachinko supports macOS 26+ and iOS 26+. ## Product Model Pachinko is organized around five moves: 1. Define what matters. 2. Channel new information. 3. Create reusable Functions. 4. Automate repeated work with Feeds and Functions. 5. Keep the useful output inside the workspace. The workspace is not empty. Areas, projects, sections, notes, dates, statuses, reminders, and pinned context tell Pachinko what matters to the user. That is why AI in Pachinko can work from a map of the user's work instead of an empty prompt box. The basic loop is: 1. Bring material in by capture, import, Reminders, Share Sheet, browser extension, or Feed. 2. Attach or preserve context: project, area, section, note body, source, status, date, or pinned reference material. 3. Run the material through a Function when repeatable judgment, synthesis, drafting, warning, or next-step generation is needed. 4. Save the result as notes or tasks so it can be searched, moved, scheduled, edited, rerun, or used as future context. This is the core support distinction: Pachinko is not asking the user to start from a blank prompt every time. It gives AI a maintained workspace, then lets new information be calculated against that workspace. ## Core Concepts ### Inbox The Inbox is the default landing place for captured material. It is temporary storage, not the final home for most work. Users process Inbox items into Today, Areas, Projects, Sections, or Trash. ### Areas Areas are ongoing domains of work or life. Examples include Work, Personal, Health, Finance, Writing, Research, Home, Product, or Clients. Areas are not meant to be finished. They are containers for continuing responsibility. ### Projects Projects are specific, completable initiatives inside areas. A project has a clearer outcome than an area. Examples: - Launch Pachinko - Renovate kitchen - Build Q3 investor update - Improve LDL - Publish essay series - Prepare board meeting ### Sections Sections organize larger projects. They can group related tasks, notes, research, or steps. Sections can also become Function sections when they contain saved AI instructions and context. Users can create sections with Cmd+Shift+N, drag tasks into sections, or group selected tasks into a section. Sections are best for content structure inside a project. Statuses are better for state or progress. ### Tasks Pachinko is a serious task system. Tasks can have notes, dates, statuses, reminders, sections, projects, and context. ### Notes Task notes can contain rich text, links, images, formatting, and context. Notes are not separate from work; they stay attached to the task or project where the work happens. Notes matter for AI because they preserve the user's own background, preferences, examples, source material, and constraints. More specific notes usually make Functions more useful. Direct file attachments are not the same as PDF import or capture workflows; PDF handling happens through import, capture, Feed, AI, or MCP workflows depending on the use case. ### Statuses Statuses let users track work across projects. Status view can show tasks grouped by status, not just by project or date. Users can set statuses with Control+0 through Control+9. Status names are customizable. Status filters can be combined with source pills such as web, YouTube, or X/Twitter when those sources are present. ### Start Dates and Due Dates Pachinko distinguishes start dates from due dates: - A start date means "show this when it becomes relevant." - A due date means "this must be done by this day." This lets users start work before a deadline without treating every future item as urgent today. ## Workspace Features Pachinko includes normal task and project infrastructure before AI enters the picture. Important workspace features include: - Inbox for temporary capture. - Areas for ongoing domains. - Projects for specific outcomes. - Sections for structure inside projects. - Today view. - Upcoming view. - Timeline view. - Status view. - List and card views. - Rich task notes. - Start dates. - Due dates. - Reminders. - Recurring tasks. - Event notes. - Search. - Filters. - Keyboard shortcuts. - Move dialog. - Bulk editing. - Trash. - Themes. - iCloud sync. - iPhone app. - Imports from Things and Bear. - Backup and restore. - Apple Reminders sync. - AppleScript automation. ### Project Workflow A normal Pachinko project usually moves through four phases: 1. Capture: get tasks, notes, links, reminders, clips, and source material into Pachinko. 2. Organize: put work into areas, projects, and sections only as much as needed to act. 3. Execute: work from Today, status filters, project views, notes, and search. 4. Finish: delete or archive completed projects when they are no longer active. This matters for AI support because Pachinko's AI features depend on the workspace structure. Areas, projects, sections, notes, dates, and statuses give Functions and MCP clients useful context. ## Capture Pachinko is built to collect material quickly before the user knows exactly what it is. New items usually land in the Inbox first. The Inbox is temporary storage. The user can process items into Today, Areas, Projects, Sections, or Trash. ### Manual Capture Manual capture is for material the user chooses by hand. Pachinko can capture: - Notes. - Tasks. - Links. - Web pages. - Selected text. - Clips. - PDFs. - Browser content. - Mail content. - Messages. - Ideas. - Research fragments. ### Quick Capture Quick Capture uses a keyboard shortcut, defaulting to Cmd+;. It works across apps such as Apple Mail, Apple Messages, Preview PDFs, and browsers. If text is selected, Quick Capture saves the selection. In browsers, it can save selected text or the whole page. Browser captures can include source links. YouTube transcripts can be captured when available. Quick Capture may require accessibility permission because it works across apps. It is the best capture method when the user wants one keyboard shortcut that works outside the browser. ### Browser Extension Pachinko has Safari and Chrome browser extension support. The browser extension can save whole pages, selected content, or highlighted material into the Inbox. The browser extension is best for browser-first capture. It does not replace Quick Capture for Mail, Messages, Preview, or other non-browser apps. ### Share Sheet The macOS and iOS share sheet can send content from apps such as Safari, Mail, Photos, Notes, and Maps into Pachinko. Share Sheet capture can preserve useful source context such as URL, title, email sender, email subject, selected content, photos, or note formatting depending on the source app. ### Apple Reminders Pachinko can sync Apple Reminders into the Inbox. This gives users a fast capture route through Siri, Apple Watch, the Reminders app, and any app that can create Apple Reminders. Apple Reminders sync is best for quick voice or watch capture. Simple reminders can be checked off quickly. More substantial reminders can be imported as Pachinko tasks with notes and dates. ### Which Capture Method Should a User Choose? - Use Quick Capture when the material is in any app and the user wants speed. - Use the browser extension when the material is on the web and the user wants clean browser capture. - Use Share Sheet when sending material from iOS/macOS apps that already support sharing. - Use Apple Reminders when capturing through Siri, Apple Watch, Reminders, or automation shortcuts. - Use Feeds when the same kind of material should arrive automatically on a schedule. ## Feeds Feeds are scheduled recipes that bring new information into Pachinko. A Feed runs on the schedule the user chooses, uses the selected agent and model, and saves new notes into the Inbox or a selected destination project. Users can create Feeds from the Feeds queue or Feeds browser. A Feed has: - A recipe. - A schedule. - Required variables. - An agent and model. - A destination. - Optional Functions to run after new notes are created. ### When to Use a Feed Use a Feed when the user does not want to fetch the same source manually every time. Good Feed candidates include RSS articles, YouTube channel transcripts, X/Twitter bookmarks, PDFs dropped into a folder, recurring web searches, market or industry updates, and scheduled MCP routines. A plain Feed creates notes for the user to review manually. A Feed with attached Functions creates notes, then immediately processes those notes through saved instructions. ### Creating a Feed The normal setup flow is: 1. Open the Feeds queue or Feeds browser. 2. Click `+` or `Add Feed`. 3. Pick a recipe. 4. Set the schedule. 5. Fill in required variables. 6. Choose the destination. 7. Optionally attach Functions. 8. Run once and inspect the created notes before trusting the schedule. ### Current Feed Recipes #### Custom Prompt Custom Prompt is the most flexible Feed. It runs a scheduled MCP-powered routine. It can inspect Pachinko through MCP, create sections, create notes, move notes, set statuses, set dates, and queue Functions. Use Custom Prompt for: - Daily inbox triage. - Project audits. - Stale-note reviews. - Scheduled research routines. - Recurring archive checks. - Jobs where Pachinko should inspect the workspace and create structured follow-up. #### Import PDFs Import PDFs watches a folder and imports new PDFs as markdown notes. Optional Claude Vision support improves handling for scanned or image-heavy PDFs. #### News Flash News Flash searches the web for a topic and adds newer information since the last run. #### Sync RSS Feeds Sync RSS Feeds imports new RSS or Atom articles. Optional filter instructions can decide which articles become notes. #### Sync YouTube Feed Sync YouTube Feed imports transcripts for new videos from a YouTube channel into Pachinko as markdown notes. The user provides a channel URL. Optional filter instructions can decide which videos become notes based on each video's title and transcript. #### Sync Bookmarks from Twitter Sync Bookmarks from Twitter imports new X/Twitter bookmarks into Pachinko as notes. ## Functions A Function is a reusable calculation. A Function is not a chatbot and not a one-off prompt. It is a saved way to process new material against the user's instructions and context. In product terms, a Function combines: - Saved instructions. - Saved context. - Settings. - New input. - Output rules. The user sets up the Function once, then runs new material through it repeatedly. Saved context can include notes, references, examples, project material, portfolio holdings, bloodwork, brand guidelines, research, planning notes, or other material the Function should use every time. The prompt tells the Function what kind of work to do. The context gives it standards, background, examples, constraints, and preferences. In the app, a Function behaves like a Function section. The user can drop or stream new notes through it. Pachinko then creates output notes according to the Function's settings. ### Function Flow 1. Pin or select the context the Function should carry. 2. Write the instruction for how new material should be processed. 3. Choose Function settings. 4. Run new material through the Function by hand or through a Feed. 5. Save the output back into Pachinko. ### Function Settings Functions include settings that change how they process material: - Context: the saved material carried into each run. - Extended Thinking: more reasoning time for complex comparison, judgment, or analysis. - Web Search: access to current outside information during a run. - Map: run the same prompt separately across each input item. - Reduce: process a group of input items together as one set. - Auto-Delete: trash raw source material after processing when only the output should remain. Reduce is the default pattern for processing a set of inputs together. Map is better when the same instruction should run separately against each item. ### What Functions Produce Functions can produce: - Structured summaries. - Briefs. - Drafts. - Warnings. - Recommendations. - Revisions. - Decisions. - Next actions. - Comparisons. - Extracted risks. - Project updates. - Tasks. - Notes. The output stays in Pachinko instead of being trapped in a chat transcript. ### Prompt Guidance Good Functions are narrow and repeatable. A useful first Function should do one job well. Good Function instructions usually say: - What new material to read. - What saved context to use. - What change, risk, decision, draft, warning, or next step to produce. - What evidence or source references to preserve. - How concise or structured the output should be. Weak Function instructions are broad one-offs such as "summarize this." Better instructions describe a repeatable calculation, such as "compare new source material against the pinned project plan and identify what should change." ### Portable Functions Functions can be exported and imported. The Function prompt and context notes travel together. This makes Functions more like reusable systems than disposable chat prompts. ### Example Functions Examples of repeatable Function jobs: - Calculate portfolio impact from market news. - Optimize a meal plan from new longevity research. - Turn a YouTube trend spike into a draft. - Extract regulatory risks from AI policy articles. - Compare new material against a pinned project plan. - Find blockers in project notes. - Convert recipes against personal health constraints. - Draft a brief from saved links and voice samples. - Turn customer feedback into product notes. ## Feeds Into Functions Feeds can do more than create notes. When the user attaches Functions to a Feed, every Feed run can pass newly created notes into those Functions automatically. The flow is: 1. The Feed runs on schedule. 2. The Feed creates one or more notes. 3. Pachinko passes those new notes into selected Functions. 4. Each Function runs against the fresh input. 5. Function output is saved according to the Function's output settings. Example: An RSS Feed imports new AI policy articles. A Function called "Extract regulatory risks" reads those new notes and writes a structured brief. Another Function may compare the notes against a pinned project plan and calculate what changed. Custom Prompt is especially useful with Functions because it can inspect the archive, decide what needs attention, create sections or notes, and then queue Functions against the right material. ### How to Build a Feed-to-Function Workflow The support guidance is to build and test the pieces separately first: 1. Create a Feed and make sure it creates the right notes. 2. Create a Function and test it on one or two representative notes. 3. Attach the Function to the Feed. 4. Run the Feed once manually. 5. Inspect both the source notes and Function output. 6. Tighten the Feed filter, prompt, destination, or Function instruction before relying on the schedule. This matters because most problems come from either noisy input or a vague Function, not from the automation step itself. ## AI Chat Pachinko includes integrated AI Chat. Chat is useful for one-off work, questions, exploration, and conversational use. Functions are the repeatable counterpart: when a prompt and context should be reused, it should become a Function. Unlike many chat apps, useful chat output in Pachinko can come back as individual notes. The user can keep, move, schedule, edit, delete, or run those notes through Functions. Useful patterns: - Chat only: quick synthesis or exploration from notes. - Function only: background processing for repeated work. - Function then Chat: accumulate processed insights, then synthesize them conversationally. - Chat then Function: find the angle in chat, then turn the repeated process into a Function. ## AI Setup Pachinko connects to AI through the user's own Claude, ChatGPT, Anthropic, or OpenAI account. There are two setup paths: ### CLI Apps Users can install Claude Code or Codex. These use the user's existing subscription where available. - Claude Code connects Pachinko to Claude. - Codex connects Pachinko to ChatGPT/OpenAI. Claude Code requires a Claude Pro, Max, Teams, or Enterprise account, or an Anthropic API key. The free Claude plan does not include Claude Code. Codex requires a ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Team, or Enterprise account, or an OpenAI API key. ### API Keys Users can paste Anthropic or OpenAI API keys into Pachinko settings. API keys are pay-as-you-go. In both cases, AI traffic goes directly from the user's Mac to the chosen AI provider. ### Which AI Setup Should a User Choose? - Use an API key for light or occasional AI use. - Use Claude Code or Codex if the user already has a qualifying Claude or ChatGPT subscription. - Use both if the user wants flexibility across providers. AI setup is in Pachinko Settings under the AI tab. ## MCP MCP stands for Model Context Protocol. It lets compatible AI tools talk to apps. In Pachinko, MCP lets outside AI clients inspect visible projects, read notes, create sections, create notes, move notes, set dates, set statuses, and queue Functions. The important point: MCP lets outside AI clients use Pachinko from outside the app. A tool such as Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Codex, or Cursor can read visible project material, create sections, create notes, update note metadata, and run saved Functions. To enable MCP: 1. Open Pachinko Settings. 2. Go to the AI tab. 3. Enable MCP. 4. Connect from an MCP-compatible tool. Compatible clients include Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Codex, Cursor, and other MCP clients. MCP is not just a text export. It works with Pachinko objects directly. ### MCP Setup Guidance Before enabling MCP, users should decide which projects are allowed to be visible to AI tools. Projects that should remain private should be hidden from AI first. Then: 1. Open Settings. 2. Go to the AI tab. 3. Enable MCP. 4. Connect from the MCP client. 5. Test with a low-risk read request. 6. Test with a low-risk write request, such as creating a note in Inbox. MCP is the right surface when the user wants an external AI tool to work with Pachinko data. AppleScript is the lighter automation surface for adding notes to the Inbox from scripts and Shortcuts. ### MCP Tools Available MCP tools include: - `list_projects`: list visible projects, optionally filtered by title or status. - `list_areas`: list areas, optionally filtered by title. - `list_sections`: list sections, including Function sections; can filter to Functions only. - `list_statuses`: list valid status values. - `list_notes`: list note metadata by project, area, section, date, status, or globally. - `get_note`: read a note's markdown content. - `add_section`: create a new section in Inbox, a project, or an area. - `add_note`: create a new markdown note in Inbox, a project, an area, or a section. - `move_note`: move a note to a project, area, or section. - `delete_tool`: delete a project, area, section, or note. This is destructive. - `queue_function`: run a Function on selected note or section IDs. - `get_image`: retrieve note images, including Pachinko `clink://` images. - `set_note_status`: set a note's status. - `set_note_start_date`: set or remove a note start date and optional reminder time. - `set_note_due_date`: set or remove a note due date. - `set_project_status`: set a project's status. ### Good First MCP Requests Good first requests are low-risk: - List my visible projects. - Find notes in my Inbox from this week. - Create a test note in Inbox. - Run this Function on these selected note IDs. ## Privacy and Data Pachinko is designed around local control, iCloud sync, and explicit choices about what AI can see. Important privacy facts: - Pachinko data does not touch Babel's servers. - iCloud handles sync. - Babel cannot read user data. - The homepage does not use tracking cookies. - With Apple Advanced Data Protection enabled, iCloud data is end-to-end encrypted so Apple cannot read it. - Without Advanced Data Protection, iCloud still encrypts data in transit and at rest, but Apple holds keys. - AI requests go directly from the user's Mac to the selected AI provider. - AI sees selected context and visible workspace data according to the workflow being run. - Users can right-click a project and choose Hide from AI. - Hidden projects are kept out of automatic AI browsing, MCP lists, and ordinary workspace scans. If the user explicitly selects hidden notes or includes them as Function context, Pachinko treats that as context the user chose to use. Users should review AI output. AI can hallucinate facts, miss obvious points, or ignore instructions. Function output lands as notes so it can be inspected, edited, deleted, or used as the basis for better prompts. ### Hide From AI Hide from AI is a project-level control. Right-click a project and choose Hide from AI. Hidden projects are skipped during automatic AI browsing, MCP lists, and ordinary workspace scans. Use Hide from AI for private client work, personal records, sensitive notes, or anything that should not be discovered automatically by AI tools. If the user deliberately selects hidden notes or includes them in a Function's saved context, those notes can still be used for that request. ### iCloud and Advanced Data Protection Pachinko syncs through iCloud. Apple Advanced Data Protection is the Apple feature that makes iCloud data end-to-end encrypted so Apple cannot read it. Without Advanced Data Protection, iCloud still encrypts data in transit and at rest, but Apple holds the encryption keys. ## Sync and Device Support Pachinko syncs through iCloud. The iPhone app supports the core task, notes, projects, areas, and sections workflow. AI features are Mac-focused. Pachinko also supports export and backup so users can keep portable copies of their data. Pachinko can work offline. Changes sync when the device reconnects. If the same item changes in two places, the most recent change wins. Slow sync is usually caused by network issues, iCloud status, a large first sync, many recent changes, or a sleeping device. ## Imports Pachinko supports importing from: - Things 3. - Bear. - Apple Reminders. Things and Bear import help users bring existing task and note systems into Pachinko. ### Things 3 Import The Things import brings over active work such as areas, projects, sections, active tasks, notes, and dates. Completed/logbook items are not imported. Tags are preserved in note text. Someday items become active tasks. ### Bear Import Bear import brings over notes, formatting, and images. Nested Bear tags can become Pachinko area/project/section structure. Inter-note links from Bear do not carry over. ### Export and Backup Pachinko supports export and backup so users can keep portable copies of their data outside the app. ## Automation Pachinko supports AppleScript. The current AppleScript command can add notes to the Inbox. AppleScript can be used from Shortcuts, Python, launchctl, and custom integrations. MCP is the more powerful automation surface for AI clients because it can inspect and change visible Pachinko workspace objects. ## Views ### Today View Today View organizes work for the day. It includes sections such as Morning, Anytime, and Evening. Users can drag items between sections. Incomplete work can roll forward. Today is for work that should be considered now, not every task with a future date. ### Upcoming View Upcoming View shows future scheduled tasks, calendar events, and deadlines. Upcoming is useful for weekly review, deadline planning, and spotting overload before everything becomes urgent. ### Timeline View Timeline View helps users see scheduled work over time. ### Status View Status View shows tasks grouped by status across projects. Users can filter work by state instead of only by project or date. Status View is useful when a user wants to see all Waiting, Research, Active, Urgent, or custom-status work across the whole workspace. ### List and Card Views Pachinko supports list and card views. Card view can show images and previews alongside tasks. ## Search and Navigation Pachinko includes: - Quick Find. - Status filtering. - Move dialog. - Keyboard shortcuts. - Bulk selection and bulk actions. Quick Find searches across tasks, notes, projects, and areas. Quick Find opens with Cmd+F. Users can search tasks, notes, projects, areas, and statuses, navigate results with the keyboard, and jump directly to the item. The Move Dialog opens with Cmd+Shift+M. It can move one selected item or a bulk selection into an area, project, or section. Bulk selection supports Cmd-click, Shift-click, and Cmd+A. Bulk actions include moving, scheduling, changing status, completing, deleting, and dragging selected items. Important keyboard shortcuts include Cmd+N for a new note, Shift+Cmd+N for a new section, Option+Cmd+N for a new project, Return to edit, Esc to close a note, Cmd+K for Chat, Delete for Trash, and Control+0 through Control+9 for statuses. ## Customization Pachinko includes 20 themed color schemes for Pro users. Themes change the feel of the workspace without changing the underlying task and AI model. ## Important Limitations and Boundaries - AI output should be reviewed. - AI features require Pro AI. - AI features require a connected Claude, ChatGPT, Anthropic, or OpenAI account. - Some AI features use CLI tools or API keys from third-party AI providers. - The iPhone app supports the core workspace, but AI features are Mac-focused. - Direct file attachments to task notes are not the same as PDF import Feeds; PDF workflows currently run through import, capture, or AI/MCP workflows depending on the use case. - Hide from AI is the user-facing privacy control for excluding projects from automatic AI browsing and MCP lists. ## Who Pachinko Is For Pachinko is for people whose work changes when new information arrives. Examples: - Investors tracking how news affects a portfolio. - Researchers turning links, papers, and transcripts into briefs. - Writers turning collected material into drafts. - Product teams turning customer feedback into decisions. - Operators turning scheduled sources into updates. - Health-focused users applying bloodwork, preferences, and research to plans. - Consultants keeping client work current. - Founders managing projects, notes, research, and AI output in one place. Pachinko is especially strong when the user already has real material: notes, projects, links, PDFs, research, bookmarks, source documents, client files, plans, or standards. The product is less compelling if the user only wants a generic chatbot or a simple checklist with no context. ## Support Agent Guidance Use these distinctions when answering questions: ### Capture vs Feed Capture is for material the user chooses manually. Feeds are for material that should arrive automatically on a schedule. ### Chat vs Function Chat is for exploration, questions, and one-off work. A Function is for a repeatable process that should be saved and run again. ### Function vs Feed A Function processes material. A Feed brings material in. A Feed can trigger a Function after it creates notes. ### MCP vs AppleScript MCP is for outside AI clients that need to inspect visible Pachinko data, use explicitly provided context, create sections, write notes, update metadata, and queue Functions. AppleScript is a simpler automation surface, currently centered on adding notes to the Inbox. ### Hide From AI vs iCloud Privacy Hide from AI controls what Pachinko exposes to automatic AI browsing and MCP discovery. iCloud privacy controls how the user's synced data is protected by Apple infrastructure. ### Feed Noise vs Function Quality If a Feed-to-Function workflow produces weak output, check whether the Feed is creating noisy notes and whether the Function instruction is too vague. Test the Feed and Function separately before debugging the combined workflow. ## Common Questions ### What is Pachinko? Pachinko is a task, notes, project, capture, and AI workflow app for macOS and iOS. It uses the user's workspace as context, brings in new material manually or on schedule, and runs that material through saved Functions. ### What makes Pachinko different from a normal todo app? Pachinko has the normal task system pieces: projects, areas, sections, dates, reminders, statuses, notes, views, search, sync, and capture. The difference is that those pieces become context for repeatable AI work. ### What makes Pachinko different from a chat app? A chat app answers inside a conversation. Pachinko keeps work in a structured workspace. Functions can be reused, Feeds can run on schedule, and output lands back as notes or tasks. ### What is a Function? A Function is saved instructions plus saved context and settings. It can process new material repeatedly and write output back into Pachinko. ### What is a Feed? A Feed is a scheduled recipe that brings new information into Pachinko. Feeds can also trigger Functions after they create notes. ### What is MCP used for? MCP lets outside AI clients such as Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Codex, Cursor, and other MCP tools discover visible Pachinko data, use explicitly provided context, create sections, write notes, update metadata, and queue Functions. ### Does Pachinko train on my data? Pachinko does not send user data to Babel servers for training. AI requests go from the user's Mac to the selected AI provider according to the workflow and account the user configured. ### Can I keep private projects away from AI? Yes. Right-click a project and choose Hide from AI. Hidden projects are kept out of automatic AI browsing, MCP lists, and ordinary workspace scans. If you explicitly select hidden notes or include them as Function context, Pachinko uses them because you chose them for that request. ### When should I use a Feed instead of capture? Use capture when the user chooses a specific item by hand. Use a Feed when the same source should be checked on a schedule, such as RSS, YouTube channels, X/Twitter bookmarks, PDFs in a folder, news searches, or a recurring Custom Prompt routine. ### When should I use Chat instead of a Function? Use Chat for exploration and one-off questions. Use a Function when the user wants the same judgment, transformation, comparison, draft, warning, or next-step process to run again on future material. ### Can Feeds and Functions work together? Yes. A Feed can create notes, then automatically pass those new notes to selected Functions. This is the main pattern for recurring source-to-output workflows. ### Can outside AI tools use Pachinko? Yes, through MCP. Outside AI clients can work with visible Pachinko objects and queue saved Functions, depending on the tools available and the user's privacy settings. ### Does Pachinko work offline? The core workspace can work offline. Changes sync through iCloud when the device reconnects. AI workflows require access to the configured AI provider or CLI tool. ### Can Pachinko import existing work? Yes. Pachinko supports imports from Things 3, Bear, and Apple Reminders. Things import brings over active task/project structure. Bear import brings over notes, formatting, images, and nested tag structure. ### Why do notes matter so much? Notes carry the user's source material, preferences, examples, constraints, and project history. That context is what makes Functions more specific than a generic prompt. ## Support Guide Map The following support topics are part of the current product surface. Links use the canonical website base so AI agents can open or cite the correct public page at runtime. Each summary includes practical search terms an agent may need for support routing. ### Getting Started and AI Core - [Start Here: How Pachinko Works](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/start-here-how-pachinko-works) - Explains the core loop: bring material in, apply saved instructions and context, keep useful output in the workspace. - [Set Up AI in Pachinko](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/set-up-ai) - Covers Pro AI setup, Settings > AI, Claude Code, Codex, Anthropic/OpenAI API keys, subscriptions, and provider data flow. - [Functions](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/process-multiple-tasks-with-ai-at-once) - Explains Function sections, saved instructions, saved context, Map, Reduce, Extended Thinking, Web Search, Auto-Delete, and output notes. - [Create Your First Function](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/create-your-first-function) - Step-by-step guide for selecting context, writing a focused Function instruction, saving, naming, and testing it on fresh material. - [Feeds](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/feeds) - Explains scheduled recipes, destinations, agents/models, Custom Prompt, Import PDFs, News Flash, RSS/Atom, YouTube channel transcripts, and X/Twitter bookmarks. - [Create Your First Feed](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/create-your-first-feed) - Step-by-step guide for adding a Feed, choosing a recipe, setting schedule, variables, destination, and testing the first run. - [Feeds Into Functions](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/feeds-into-functions) - Explains automatic source-to-output workflows where Feeds create notes and then pass those notes into Functions. - [Run a Feed Into a Function](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/run-a-feed-into-a-function) - Step-by-step guide for attaching Functions to Feeds, testing the combined workflow, and debugging noisy input or vague output. - [AI Chat](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/ai-chat) - Explains integrated AI Chat, when to use Chat instead of Functions, and how useful chat output can become workspace notes. - [From Research to Draft: AI Workflow](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/ai-research-to-draft-workflow) - Compares Chat only, Function only, Function then Chat, and Chat then Function patterns for research, synthesis, and drafts. - [Connect Everything With MCP](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/connect-everything-with-mcp) - Explains Model Context Protocol, Settings > AI > Enable MCP, MCP tools, Hide from AI, and outside AI access to Pachinko. - [Connect an MCP Client](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/connect-an-mcp-client) - Step-by-step guide for connecting Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Codex, Cursor, or another MCP client and testing read/write requests. ### Projects and Organization - [Areas vs Projects](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/areas-vs-projects) - Distinguishes ongoing responsibilities from completable goals and gives the "can this be finished?" test. - [Organize With Areas, Projects, and Sections](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/organize-with-areas-projects-sections) - Explains Pachinko's workspace hierarchy and how areas, projects, and sections give work and AI context. - [Managing Projects from Start to Finish](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/managing-projects-from-start-to-finish) - Covers the project lifecycle: capture, organize, execute, finish, delete, archive, and keep notes with the work. - [Structure Projects With Sections](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/structure-projects-with-sections) - Explains Cmd+Shift+N sections, drag-and-drop grouping, Group Into Section, and when sections beat statuses. - [Task Notes](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/task-notes) - Explains rich task notes, formatting, images, context, TipTap editing, AI context value, and file attachment limitations. - [Break Big Tasks Into Manageable Steps](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/break-big-tasks-into-manageable-steps) - Explains splitting large work into smaller steps, subtasks, or project structure so work becomes actionable. - [Bulk Edit Everything](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/bulk-edit-everything) - Covers Cmd-click, Shift-click, Cmd+A, bulk move, bulk schedule, bulk status, bulk delete, and multi-item drag. - [Move Dialog](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/move-dialog) - Explains Cmd+Shift+M, moving selected items to projects, areas, or sections, and creating destinations while moving. - [Convert Section to Note](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/convert-section-to-note) - Covers turning structured section material into note form when the user needs a different representation. ### Views, Scheduling, Search, and Navigation - [Processing Your Inbox](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/capture-everything-in-one-place) - Explains Inbox triage, captured material, processing into Today, areas, projects, sections, or Trash. - [Focus on Today](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/focus-on-today) - Explains Today view, Morning/Anytime/Evening sections, drag ordering, rollover behavior, and day planning. - [See the Future](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/see-the-future) - Covers Upcoming view, future tasks, calendar events, reminders, deadlines, weekly review, and overload spotting. - [Timeline View](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/timeline-view) - Explains timeline-style scheduling and seeing work across time. - [Status View](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/filter-across-projects) - Explains cross-project status grouping, custom statuses, Control+0-9 shortcuts, and seeing work by state. - [Status Filtering](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/status-filtering) - Explains filtering within projects or areas by status and combining status filters with source pills. - [Trash View](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/trash-view) - Explains deleted items, recovering or reviewing trashed work, and cleanup behavior. - [Start Dates vs Deadlines](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/start-tasks-well-before-theyre-due) - Explains start dates, due dates, reminders, and how to show work before it becomes urgent. - [Set Task Reminders](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/set-task-reminders) - Covers reminders, reminder times, date-based visibility, and scheduled task notifications. - [Repeating Tasks](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/repeating-tasks) - Explains recurring tasks, repeated schedules, and routine work. - [Quick Find](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/quick-find) - Explains Cmd+F search across tasks, notes, projects, areas, statuses, and keyboard result navigation. - [Keyboard Shortcuts](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/master-keyboard-shortcuts-and-power-features) - Covers major shortcuts for new notes, sections, projects, move dialog, chat, reorder, expand/collapse, status, formatting, and selection. ### Capture - [Choose Your Clipping Method](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/choose-your-clipping-method) - Compares Quick Capture, Browser Extension, Share Sheet, Reminders, app coverage, permissions, and best capture path. - [Clip Content Directly to Your Inbox](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/clip-content-directly-to-your-inbox) - Explains Quick Capture, Cmd+;, selected text, browser pages, source links, YouTube transcripts, and Inbox capture. - [Capture Anything From Any App Instantly](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/capture-anything-from-any-app-instantly) - Covers macOS/iOS Share Sheet capture from Safari, Mail, Photos, Notes, Maps, and other apps. - [Capture Tasks Instantly From Anywhere](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/capture-tasks-instantly-from-anywhere) - Explains fast task capture from anywhere, quick entry, and getting rough tasks into the Inbox before organizing. - [Browser Extension for Safari and Chrome](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/browser-extension-for-safari-chrome) - Covers Safari and Chrome extension capture, saving pages or selections, highlights, source links, and browser-first workflows. ### Sync, Data, Imports, and Automation - [Pachinko for iPhone](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/pachinko-for-iphone) - Explains iPhone support for core workspace access, tasks, notes, projects, areas, sections, and mobile use. - [Keep Tasks Synced Across All Your Devices](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/keep-tasks-synced-across-all-your-devices) - Covers iCloud sync, offline use, reconnect behavior, conflict handling, slow sync causes, and device support. - [Protect Your Privacy With End-to-End Encryption](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/protect-your-privacy) - Explains Babel cannot read data, no tracking cookies, iCloud privacy, Advanced Data Protection, and AI provider data flow. - [Export and Back Up Your Data Anytime](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/export-and-back-up-your-data-anytime) - Covers export, backup, portable copies, and data control outside the app. - [Migrate From Things 3 Completely](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/migrate-from-things-3-completely) - Explains Things 3 import, areas, projects, sections, active tasks, notes, dates, tags, Someday, and completed-item limits. - [Import Your Bear Notes Seamlessly](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/import-your-bear-notes-seamlessly) - Explains Bear import, notes, formatting, images, nested tags to hierarchy, and inter-note link limitations. - [Apple Reminders Sync](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/apple-reminders-sync) - Covers Siri, Apple Watch, Reminders app capture, Inbox import, dates, Today/Upcoming behavior, and quick reminder handling. - [AppleScript Support](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/applescript-support) - Explains AppleScript automation, adding notes to Inbox, Shortcuts, Python, launchctl, and when to prefer MCP. ### Customization - [Switch Between List and Card Views](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/switch-between-list-and-card-views) - Explains list view, card view, visual previews, images, summaries, and choosing the right presentation for work. - [Choose From 20 Themed Color Schemes](https://www.babel.so/pachinko/support/episodes/choose-from-20-themed-color-schemes) - Covers Pro themes, color schemes, visual customization, and changing the workspace feel.