Subtasks

Subtasks help you break down complex tasks into smaller, trackable steps.

What is a Subtask?

A subtask is:

• A smaller step within a task
• A simple checkbox item (done/not done)
• A way to track partial progress

Subtask Properties

Creating Subtasks

1. Click on a task to open the detail view
2. Scroll to the Subtasks section
3. Click + Add Subtask
4. Type the subtask name
5. Press Enter to add another, or click outside to finish

Completing Subtasks

Click the checkbox to toggle completion:

• ☐ → ☑ (mark complete)
• ☑ → ☐ (mark incomplete)

Subtask Progress

The parent task shows subtask progress:

Subtasks show checkboxes:

• ☑ Completed subtask
• ☐ Pending subtask

The progress (e.g., “2/4”) is displayed on the task card as a small indicator.

Subtask vs Task

When to use subtasks:

Example: Good Use of Subtasks

Task: Write blog post about new feature

Subtasks:
☐ Research topic
☐ Write outline
☐ Write first draft
☐ Add images
☐ Review and edit
☐ Publish

Example: Should Be Separate Tasks

Project: Launch marketing campaign

Tasks (not subtasks):
○ Design social media graphics
○ Write email copy
○ Create landing page
○ Set up analytics

Editing Subtasks

Rename

1. Click on the subtask text
2. Edit inline
3. Click outside or press Enter to save

Reorder

Drag subtasks to reorder them:

1. Click and hold the drag handle
2. Drag to new position
3. Release to drop

Delete

1. Hover over the subtask
2. Click the delete icon (🗑)
3. Subtask is removed immediately

Note: Subtask deletion is immediate and doesn’t go to trash.

Subtasks and Task Deletion

When a task is deleted:

• All subtasks are deleted with it
• Subtasks go to trash with the parent task
• Restoring the task restores all subtasks

Subtask Limits

There’s no hard limit on subtasks per task, but for best performance:

• Keep under 50 subtasks per task
• If you need more, consider splitting the task

Best Practices

Keep Subtasks Small

Each subtask should be:

• Completable quickly (minutes to hours)
• Clearly defined
• Binary (done or not done)

Use Action Words

Start with verbs:

• ✅ “Write introduction”
• ✅ “Review design”
• ✅ “Send to client”
• ❌ “Introduction”
• ❌ “Design review”

Order Logically

Arrange subtasks in the order you’ll complete them:

1. Research
2. Draft
3. Review
4. Finalize
5. Deliver

Don’t Over-Subtask

Not every task needs subtasks. Use them when:

• The task has multiple clear steps
• You want to track intermediate progress
• You might forget a step

Related Topics

• Tasks - Parent work items
• Progress Tracking - How completion is calculated