Focus Chain is a task management enhancement feature in Cline that provides automatic todo list management with real-time progress tracking throughout your tasks.
Focus Chain todo list management with real-time progress tracking
This enables Cline to work on long-horizon tasks, seamlessly managing the context sent to LLMs, and keeping Cline on track across many context window resets.
Focus Chain works particularly well with Cline’s Deep Planning slash command, providing seamless progress tracking for implementation tasks created through the planning process.

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Key Features

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Automatic Todo List Generation

Cline analyzes your task and automatically creates a comprehensive todo list with:
  • Clear, actionable items in markdown checklist format
  • Logical breakdown of complex tasks into manageable steps
  • Real-time updates as work progresses

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User-Editable Todo Lists

Todo lists are stored as editable markdown files:
  • Direct editing through your preferred markdown editor
  • Automatic detection of changes you make
  • Seamless integration back into Cline’s workflow
  • Quick access through the edit button in the task header

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Visual Progress Tracking

The task header displays clear progress indicators:
  • Step counters showing current progress (e.g., “3/8”)
  • Completed items clearly marked with checkmarks
  • Current work highlighted with indicators
  • Expandable view to see the full todo list

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Smart Reminder System

Configurable reminders ensure todo lists stay current:
  • Default reminder every 6 messages (customizable 1-100)
  • Automatic prompts when switching from Plan Mode to Act Mode
  • User-triggered updates when todo lists are manually edited

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Getting Started

1

Open Cline Settings

  • Click the gear icon in the Cline sidebar
  • Navigate to the “Features” section
2

Enable Focus Chain

  • Check “Enable Focus Chain”
  • Optionally adjust “Remind Cline Interval” (default: 6 messages)
3

Start a New Task

  • Begin a new task
  • Cline will automatically start creating and managing todo lists
SettingDefaultRangeDescription
Enable Focus ChainDisabledOn/OffEnables enhanced task progress tracking
Remind Cline Interval61-100 messagesHow often Cline updates the todo list

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Usage Examples

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1. Task Initiation

When you start a new task with Focus Chain enabled:
User Request
User: "Create a user authentication system for my React app"

Cline: [Analyzes request and creates todo list]

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2. Todo List Created

Cline creates a comprehensive plan for the task, stored in a markdown file:
Todo List Created
- [ ] Set up project structure
- [ ] Install authentication dependencies
- [ ] Create user registration component
- [ ] Implement login functionality
- [ ] Add password validation
- [ ] Set up user database schema
- [ ] Write authentication tests
- [ ] Deploy to staging environment

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3. Progress Tracking

As Cline works, the task header shows real-time progress:
Todo List Header
[3/8] Implement login functionality     ⌄
Click to expand and see the full list:
Full Todo List
✓ Set up project structure
✓ Install authentication dependencies
✓ Create user registration component
○ Implement login functionality  ← Currently working
○ Add password validation
○ Set up user database schema
○ Write authentication tests
○ Deploy to staging environment

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4. User Editing

Need to tweak the todo list? No problem.
1

Open the todo list

Click the edit button in the expanded todo view
2

Edit the markdown file

A markdown file opens in your editor:
Editing Todo List
# Focus Chain Todo List for Task abc123

<!-- Edit this markdown file to update your focus chain todo list -->
<!-- Use - [ ] for incomplete items and - [x] for completed items -->

- [x] Set up project structure
- [x] Install authentication dependencies (e.g., Firebase Auth)
- [x] Create user registration component
- [ ] Implement login functionality
- [ ] Add password reset feature
- [ ] Set up protected routes
- [ ] Implement logout functionality
- [ ] Add user profile page
- [ ] Write authentication tests
- [ ] Deploy to staging environment

<!-- Save this file to update the task's todo list -->
3

Make your changes

Add, remove, or reorder items as needed
4

Save the file

Cline automatically detects and uses your updates

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File Structure

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Todo List Storage

Todo lists are stored as markdown files in your task directory: 
<VSCode Global Storage>/
  tasks/
    <taskId>/
      focus_chain_taskid_<taskId>.md
      ... other task files

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Markdown Format

Todo files use standard markdown checklist syntax:
Example Todo Syntax
# Focus Chain Todo List for Task abc123

<!-- Edit this markdown file to update your focus chain todo list -->
<!-- Use the format: - [ ] for incomplete items and - [x] for completed items -->

- [x] Set up project structure
- [x] Install authentication dependencies
- [ ] Create user registration component
- [ ] Implement login functionality
- [ ] Add password validation
- [ ] Set up user database schema
- [ ] Write authentication tests
- [ ] Deploy to staging environment

<!-- Save this file and the todo list will be updated in the task -->

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Integration with Plan/Act Mode

Focus Chain works seamlessly with Cline’s Plan/Act mode:
  • Plan Mode: Optional todo lists for presenting concrete steps
  • Act Mode: Automatic todo creation when switching from Plan Mode
For complex projects, start in Plan Mode to discuss and refine your approach before switching to Act Mode for implementation.

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Best Practices

  1. Start with Clear Requests
  • Provide detailed initial task descriptions
  • Include specific requirements and constraints
  • Mention any preferred technologies or approaches
  1. Review Generated Lists
  • Check that Cline’s breakdown aligns with your expectations
  • Verify that all important steps are included
  • Ensure the order makes sense for your project
  1. Edit When Needed
  • Add missing steps you identify
  • Remove unnecessary items
  • Reorder steps for better workflow
  • Add more specific details to general items
  1. Use Plan Mode First
  • Discuss the approach before implementation
  • Refine requirements through conversation
  • Switch to Act Mode when ready to begin work
  1. Break Down Large Tasks
  • Split complex projects into smaller, manageable tasks
  • Create separate todo lists for different components
  • Focus on one major area at a time
  1. Regular Reviews
  • Check progress periodically during long tasks
  • Update todo lists as requirements evolve
  • Communicate changes to Cline through edits
  1. Share Todo Files
  • Todo markdown files can be shared with team members
  • Include in version control for project documentation
  • Use as basis for project planning discussions
  1. Consistent Format
  • Follow the standard markdown checklist format
  • Keep item descriptions clear and actionable
  • Use consistent terminology across todo lists

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Troubleshooting

Having issues? Try these quick fixes:
  • Check that Focus Chain is enabled in settings
  • Focus Chain may not work as well with smaller, less capable models
  • Ensure file permissions are correct in the task directory
  • Verify your editor supports markdown
  • Check VSCode has write permissions for the directory
  • Ensure todo items use correct syntax (- [ ] and - [x])
  • Verify the markdown file is properly formatted
Still stuck? Use the /reportbug command in Cline to get help.

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Technical Details (for the curious)

  • Real-time file watching detects changes to todo markdown files
  • Automatic synchronization between file edits and UI updates
  • Graceful handling of file creation, modification, and deletion
  • Dynamic counting of completed vs. total todo items
  • Support for both - [x] and - [X] completion syntax
  • Unicode symbols (✓, ○) for enhanced visual display
  • Todo lists stored locally in VSCode workspace
  • No todo content transmitted to external services
  • Usage telemetry (can be disabled in settings)
Focus Chain turns Cline into your personal project manager, keeping you on track and your tasks organized. Give it a try on your next project!