Managing everyday tasks, routines, and communication can be especially challenging for neurodivergent individuals, who may struggle with executive function, time estimation, or task initiation.
Enter Goblin Tools AI — a unique suite of intuitive, AI-powered microtools specifically created to help neurodivergent users break down complex tasks, communicate clearly, and feel more in control of their day.
Traditional productivity apps often miss the mark for those who think differently. Goblin Tools was designed with neurodivergent needs at its core, offering structure, simplicity, and a nonjudgmental space to get things done.
In this article, we’ll explore what Goblin Tools AI is, break down each tool within the suite, highlight real-world use cases, and explain how it stands apart from conventional productivity apps.
What is Goblin Tools AI?
Goblin Tools AI is a free, open-source digital toolkit powered by artificial intelligence. Its primary goal? To support neurodivergent people—particularly those with ADHD, autism, or executive functioning disorders—by making everyday task planning and communication more manageable.
Goblin Tools App is a productivity-focused AI tool designed to assist neurodivergent users with task planning, decision-making, and organization. It helps break down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps using simple, intuitive AI-powered features.
Availability
Goblin Tools is accessible through various platforms:
- Web App: goblin.tools
- Android: Google Play Store
- iOS: Apple App StoreApple
While the web version is free and ad-free, the mobile apps are offered at a low price to support ongoing development and maintenance.
User Feedback
Users have praised Goblin Tools for its effectiveness in breaking down daunting tasks and enhancing productivity:
“I used Goblin Tools for a few months and found it really helpful for breaking down tasks, analysis paralysis, tracking goals.” Reddit
However, some users have noted that the app’s customization options can be overwhelming, leading to procrastination:Reddit
“I didn’t like how much time was needed to set everything up and overwhelmed by the customization, causing me to procrastinate and eventually avoid the app altogether.”
Instead of a single-purpose app, Goblin Tools is a collection of micro-tools, including:
- Magic ToDo – Turns overwhelming tasks into step-by-step to-dos
- The Judge – Analyzes the tone of written messages
- Formalizer – Rewrites casual text into more formal or appropriate language
- Estimator – Gives rough time estimates for tasks
- Compiler – Bundles multiple small tasks into one master task
- Mind Declutter – Helps sort and organize chaotic thoughts
Developer Background:
Goblin Tools was created by Bram de Buyser, a Belgian AI engineer who saw the lack of tools truly made for neurodivergent brains. His mission was to build something free, simple, and useful—with accessibility and neuro-inclusivity baked into its core.
Key Features of Goblin Tools AI
Goblin Tools stands out by offering a suite of microtools designed with neurodivergent thinking in mind. Each feature targets a specific executive function challenge—from task initiation to emotional tone-checking—making it a powerful everyday companion. Below is a breakdown of the core tools and how they help simplify daily life.
Magic ToDo
Magic ToDo is the heart of Goblin Tools. It takes vague or overwhelming tasks like “clean the apartment” and breaks them down into clear, manageable steps—no manual planning required.
Benefits:
By turning large tasks into bite-sized actions, it helps users get started more easily, reduces decision paralysis, and creates a sense of progress without feeling overwhelmed.
Formalizer
The Formalizer transforms casual, emotional, or messy text into more structured and appropriately toned communication. Users can adjust the formality level, making it great for emails, messages, or documents.
Use Cases:
- Turning “Hey, I can’t come in today” into a polite sick note.
- Converting bullet points into professional email formats.
- Rephrasing messages to match formal, friendly, or concise tones.
The Judge
The Judge analyzes the emotional tone of a written message and provides feedback on how it might be perceived by others (e.g., rude, passive, enthusiastic).
Application:
This tool is particularly helpful for individuals who worry about how they come across in digital communication. It helps avoid misinterpretation, clarify intent, and promote healthier interactions—whether in personal or professional contexts.
Estimator
The Estimator predicts how long a task might take based on user input and context, offering a rough but useful timeline.
Advantage:
Many neurodivergent people struggle with time blindness. The Estimator aids in planning and reduces anxiety around under- or overestimating how long something will take
Compiler
The Compiler is designed to merge multiple tasks, notes, or ideas into a cohesive, organized plan. It’s perfect for users who tend to brain-dump or struggle with structuring thoughts.
Benefit:
It provides mental clarity by transforming scattered ideas into structured to-do lists, project outlines, or workflows.
The Chef
The Chef suggests recipes based on what ingredients you already have. It’s simple but genius for anyone who struggles with decision-making around meals.
Relevance:
Perfect for meal planning, reducing food waste, and overcoming decision fatigue—especially useful for those who find grocery shopping or cooking mentally taxing.
How Goblin Tools AI Stands Out
While there are many productivity apps on the market, Goblin Tools is uniquely tailored for neurodivergent minds. It’s not just a planner or task list—it’s a neuro-inclusive toolkit. Here’s how it compares and why it stands out:
| Feature | Goblin Tools AI | Traditional Productivity Tools | AI Writing Assistants |
| Task Breakdown | ✅ Magic ToDo with AI step-splitting | ❌ Manual subtask creation required | ❌ Limited task management |
| Tone Analysis | ✅ The Judge evaluates tone | ❌ Usually not available | ✅ Some tone adjustments possible |
| Time Estimation | ✅ Estimator tool | ❌ Requires user input or guesswork | ❌ Not a standard feature |
| Meal Planning | ✅ The Chef suggests recipes | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included |
| Accessibility | ✅ Neurodivergent-first design | ❌ Often overwhelming or cluttered | ❌ Text-focused, not holistic |
Synchronization and Backup
Goblin Tools offers experimental cloud synchronization, allowing users to sync their to-do lists across devices using a unique username and password. It’s recommended to back up your lists before enabling sync to prevent data loss.
For individuals seeking a supportive tool to manage daily tasks, enhance communication, and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed, Goblin Tools presents a valuable resource. Its user-friendly interface and AI-driven features cater to a wide range of needs, making it a noteworthy addition to personal productivity tools.
AI Tool Alternatives to Goblin Tools for Neurodivergent Individuals
1. Tiimo
Tiimo is a visual daily planner app designed with neurodivergent users in mind, especially those with ADHD or Autism.
Why It’s Great:
- Uses icons and color-coding to simplify scheduling
- Offers visual countdown timers for tasks
- Gentle reminders and positive reinforcement
- Available on mobile and smartwatch
Best For:
People who benefit from visual structure and routine-based planning.
2. Sunsama
A daily planning tool that integrates your calendar, tasks, and emails into one streamlined workflow.
Why It’s Great:
- Helps break tasks into small, actionable steps
- Encourages focus with a “one-task-at-a-time” layout
- Integrates with tools like Trello, Asana, and Gmail
Best For:
Professionals with ADHD or executive dysfunction needing a calm, structured workspace.
3. Notion + ADHD Templates
Notion is a flexible workspace, and with the right ADHD-focused templates, it becomes a powerful neurodivergent-friendly tool.
Why It’s Great:
- Customizable dashboards for routines, habits, and tasks
- Pre-made templates for ADHD/Autism planning
- Combines notes, calendars, and task lists in one
Best For:
Users who like to build their own system or want an all-in-one productivity hub.
4. Serene
Serene is a focus-based productivity tool that helps users set one goal per day and work in distraction-free blocks.
Why It’s Great:
- Single-tasking layout reduces overwhelm
- Built-in music and timers for flow-state work
- Encourages mindful planning and reflection
Best For:
Neurodivergent users who experience decision fatigue or task-switching overload.
5. Focusmate
Focusmate pairs you with a live accountability partner for 25–50 minute virtual work sessions.
Why It’s Great:
- Reduces procrastination through peer accountability
- Helpful for people with motivation challenges
- Builds routine and social connection without pressure
Best For:
Those who thrive on body doubling (a common ADHD technique for focus).
6. Taskade
An all-in-one productivity tool offering mind maps, task lists, collaboration, and calendar features.
Why It’s Great:
- Simple UI with colorful visuals
- Great for breaking down large projects
- Syncs across devices and teams
Best For:
Creative thinkers and visual learners who need to organize ideas visually.
7. Todoist + AI Assistants
A popular task manager, now integrating AI to help organize, prioritize, and schedule tasks.
Why It’s Great:
- Smart suggestions for task scheduling
- Tags and filters for reducing clutter
- Pairs well with ADHD productivity strategies
Best For:
Users who want lightweight task management with AI-enhanced planning.
Goblin Tools AI vs. Alternative Tools – Comparison Table
| Tool | Key Strengths | Neurodivergent-Friendly Features | Best For | Pricing |
| Goblin Tools | Task breakdown, tone detection, time estimation | Magic ToDo, Formalizer, The Judge, Estimator, Compiler, The Chef – all AI-based & low-clutter UI | ADHD, Autism, Executive Dysfunction | Free |
| Tiimo | Visual daily planning | Icon-based routines, timers, reminders, customizable interface | Visual learners, routine-lovers | Paid (Free trial) |
| Sunsama | Daily planning + calendar + focus blocks | One-task-at-a-time, calendar sync, task reflection | Professionals with ADHD or overload anxiety | Paid (Free trial) |
| Notion (w/ ADHD templates) | Custom dashboards + all-in-one workspace | Habit trackers, executive function templates, flexible structure | Creative planners who want customization | Free & Paid |
| Serene | Focused work sessions + mindfulness | One-goal-per-day, minimal UI, Pomodoro timers | Users needing structure without distraction | Paid |
| Focusmate | Peer accountability for work sessions | Body doubling, social support, low-pressure productivity | People with ADHD who work better with others | Free & Paid |
| Taskade | Visual lists, mind maps, collaboration | Easy to organize thoughts visually, drag-and-drop interface | Teams or individuals with scattered workflows | Free & Paid |
| Todoist + AI | Smart task management | AI-powered task suggestions, prioritization, integration with calendar | Users who like simple to-do lists with AI help | Free & Paid |
Key Comparison Notes:
- Goblin Tools stands out for being specifically designed for neurodivergent minds with multiple cognitive aids in one platform.
- Tools like Tiimo and Focusmate are more specialized in visual planning and social motivation, respectively.
- Notion is highly flexible but may require setup, which can be overwhelming for some.
- Sunsama and Serene are ideal for professionals needing focused, guided workflows.
- Goblin Tools is currently free, making it a fantastic entry point for those trying out neurodivergent-supportive tools without investment.
Applications and Real-World Case Studies of Goblin Tools AI
Goblin Tools AI isn’t just a collection of clever productivity features — it’s a lifeline for many neurodivergent individuals who struggle with executive functioning, task initiation, and day-to-day organization. Let’s explore how real users are putting this powerful toolset into practice across different areas of life:
Enhancing Academic Performance
User Scenario:
A college student diagnosed with ADHD faced challenges in staying on top of assignments and long-term projects. Traditional to-do lists often led to overwhelm or avoidance.
Tool Used: Magic ToDo
Application:
- Automatically broke complex assignments into smaller, actionable tasks.
- Helped the student focus on one step at a time instead of the full workload.
Result:
- Improved assignment completion rates
- Lower anxiety around deadlines
- Greater academic confidence
Professional Communication Improvement
User Scenario:
An autistic employee struggled with drafting emails that met professional tone expectations, often worrying if their messages sounded too blunt or informal.
Tool Used: Formalizer
Application:
- Reworded casual or direct messages into professional communication.
- Provided multiple tone adjustments (e.g., more formal, assertive, or friendly).
Result:
- Clearer, more polished workplace emails
- Better team collaboration and fewer misunderstandings
- Increased self-confidence in communication
Domestic Task Management
User Scenario:
A busy neurodivergent parent found meal planning mentally exhausting and time-consuming, especially when trying to use ingredients they already had at home.
Tool Used: The Chef
Application:
- Suggested recipe ideas based on what’s in the pantry.
- Eliminated the daily stress of deciding what to cook.
Result:
- Reduced food waste
- Faster, more efficient meal prep
- Lower mental load for everyday routines
FAQ’s
Do Goblin Tools use AI?
Yes. Goblin Tools is a suite of AI-powered tools designed to assist neurodivergent individuals (especially those with ADHD and autism) with executive functioning. It uses artificial intelligence to break down tasks, estimate time, analyze tone, and more.
Are Goblin Tools good for ADHD?
Absolutely. Goblin Tools is specifically praised for its effectiveness in helping people with ADHD. Its features like Magic ToDo, Estimator, and Compiler help users:
- Break complex tasks into manageable steps
- Estimate how long tasks will take
- Organize scattered ideas into structured plans
These tools directly target common ADHD challenges like overwhelm, procrastination, and task paralysis.
What are Goblin Tools for autism?
Goblin Tools is useful for autistic individuals who may struggle with task management, social communication, and executive dysfunction. Tools like:
- The Formalizer helps in rephrasing communication to suit different social contexts
- The Judge helps interpret emotional tone in writing
- Magic ToDo and The Chef assist with routine planning and task breakdowns
This makes the platform particularly supportive for autistic users who benefit from structure and clarity.
Are Goblin Tools safe?
Yes. Goblin Tools is considered safe to use. It is web-based, does not require login or data collection, and prioritizes user privacy. There is no account creation needed, which also reduces the risk of personal data misuse.
Is Goblin real or fake?
Goblin Tools is real. It’s a legitimate, functional web app created by Bram de Buyser, a Belgian software and data engineer. The tool is widely used and respected in neurodivergent communities.
What is the ADHD app that breaks down tasks?
That would be Goblin Tools, specifically its Magic ToDo feature. It takes one overwhelming task and automatically breaks it into smaller, step-by-step actions.
Other helpful ADHD-friendly apps include:
- Todoist (with templates)
- Structured
- Sunsama
- Motion
What is the AI that breaks down assignments?
Again, Magic ToDo from Goblin Tools is an AI designed for exactly that — breaking complex assignments into simpler chunks. It’s helpful for students or professionals who struggle with planning and task initiation.
What is ADHD broken down?
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by:
- Inattention (difficulty focusing, forgetfulness)
- Hyperactivity (restlessness, fidgeting)
- Impulsivity (acting without thinking)
It’s not just about being “distracted” — ADHD impacts executive functioning, which includes task planning, prioritizing, and regulating emotions.
How to hack ADHD procrastination?
Here are practical ways to combat ADHD-related procrastination:
- Use tools like Goblin Tools to break down tasks automatically.
- Set micro-deadlines — break tasks into 10-15 min actions.
- Use body doubling — work alongside someone virtually or in person.
- Time blocking + alarms — allocate chunks of time for tasks.
- Reward-based motivation — use a “work then treat” system.
- Reduce task friction — prep materials in advance, create easier starts.
Conclusion
Goblin Tools AI is an innovative, neurodivergent-friendly toolkit. It supports better productivity with AI-powered breakdowns, tone adjustment, and emotional analysis.
Ready to take control of your schedule and tasks with a little AI magic? Try Goblin Tools AI and experience effortless productivity today.