Custom Task IDs in ClickUp

Using custom task IDs in ClickUp helps you create consistent, readable identifiers for every task so your team can search, sort, and track work effortlessly across spaces and projects.

This guide walks you through what custom task IDs are, how they work across your Workspace, and the exact steps to create, format, and manage them.

What are custom task IDs in ClickUp?

Every new task in ClickUp receives a unique identifier. With custom task IDs, Workspace owners and admins can define a specific prefix and numbering format instead of relying only on the default IDs.

Custom task IDs:

• Apply at the Space level.
• Use a combination of a custom prefix and sequential numbers.
• Help teams follow internal naming or ticketing conventions.
• Make it easier to quickly reference tasks in calls, messages, and reports.

Once configured, any new task created within that Space will automatically receive the defined custom task ID.

Requirements to manage ClickUp custom task IDs

To configure or update custom task IDs in ClickUp, you need the correct permissions:

• You must be a Workspace owner or admin.
• You must have access to the specific Space you want to configure.

Members without the necessary permissions can still view and use the IDs, but they cannot change the settings.

How ClickUp generates custom task IDs

When you enable custom task IDs, ClickUp generates an ID for each new task using two main components:

1. Prefix: A short, custom string that usually represents the team, client, or project.
2. Number: A sequential number that increments with every new task created in the Space.

The final task ID is shown in the task view and in various locations where task references appear across ClickUp.

ClickUp ID prefixes

The prefix is the part of the ID that comes before the number. In ClickUp you can define a unique prefix for each Space to reflect its purpose.

Common examples include:

• DEV for development tasks
• MKT for marketing work
• HR for people operations
• CLNT for a specific client or project

Prefixes make it easy to immediately understand what area of the business a task belongs to, even when viewing tasks in global filters or search results.

ClickUp ID numbering

The numbering section of a custom task ID increases one by one each time a new task is created in that Space. The numbering is:

• Unique to each Space that uses custom task IDs.
• Sequential and automatically maintained by ClickUp.
• Displayed after the prefix in the task ID.

For example, if your prefix is DEV, the first tasks may look like DEV-1, DEV-2, DEV-3, and so on.

How to create custom task IDs in ClickUp

Follow these steps to set up custom task IDs for a Space in your Workspace.

Step 1: Open Space settings in ClickUp

1. In the left sidebar, locate the Space where you want to configure custom task IDs.
2. Hover over the Space name and click the settings icon or menu.
3. Select the option to open the Space settings panel.

The Space settings area is where you control various behaviors for that Space, including task ID formatting.

Step 2: Access the ClickUp task ID options

1. Within the Space settings, look for the section dedicated to task or advanced settings.
2. Find the option related to task IDs or custom IDs.
3. Open this section to view the existing configuration or default values.

If custom task IDs are not yet enabled for this Space, you will see default information and fields you can edit.

Step 3: Configure your ClickUp custom prefix

1. In the task ID settings, locate the field labeled Prefix or ID prefix.
2. Enter the string you want to use, such as a team name, department, or client code.
3. Verify that the prefix is clear and easy for your whole team to recognize.

Tips for choosing a prefix:

• Keep it short, usually 2–6 characters.
• Avoid special characters that may be hard to type or search.
• Align with existing naming conventions used in your other tools.

Step 4: Set the starting number in ClickUp

1. Locate the field that defines the starting number for the sequence.
2. Enter the number where you want the sequence to begin.
3. Review the example preview, if available, to confirm the full ID format looks correct.

You can start from 1 for a brand-new Space, or use a higher number if you are migrating from another system and want to continue an existing sequence.

Step 5: Save your custom task ID settings

1. Review the prefix and starting number combination.
2. Confirm that the example ID matches your intended format.
3. Click the button to save or update Settings.

After saving, new tasks created in this Space will automatically use the new custom task ID format. Existing tasks keep their existing IDs.

Using custom task IDs in everyday ClickUp work

Once configured, task IDs appear in many areas across ClickUp to support search, reporting, and collaboration.

Finding tasks by ClickUp custom IDs

You can use the task ID to quickly locate an item:

• Type the ID into the global search bar.
• Filter a view by ID or search within a List or Folder.
• Paste the ID into comments or Docs for instant references.

Because each ID is unique within its Space, searching by ID is one of the fastest ways to open the correct task.

Referencing ClickUp IDs in communication

Teams often rely on IDs when collaborating, especially when multiple tasks share similar names. You can:

• Mention the ID in chat or meetings to avoid confusion.
• Add the ID to external tickets or client messages.
• Use the ID in documentation, SOPs, or release notes.

This practice helps everyone stay aligned on exactly which task is being discussed.

Best practices for ClickUp custom task IDs

To get the most from custom task IDs, apply a few consistent practices across your Workspace.

Keep ClickUp IDs consistent across Spaces

Define a simple pattern for prefixes and share it with your team. For example:

• Use department-based prefixes like ENG, FIN, OPS.
• Reserve client codes for Spaces dedicated to specific customers.
• Document the naming rules in an internal ClickUp Doc.

Consistency makes reporting and cross-space searching more reliable.

Avoid frequent changes to ClickUp ID formats

Changing prefixes or resetting number sequences can create confusion, especially when tasks are documented in external tools. Try to:

• Finalize your format before rolling it out broadly.
• Communicate any upcoming changes to the team.
• Update integration mappings if other systems rely on the ID.

Combine ClickUp task IDs with other features

Custom IDs are even more powerful when combined with other ClickUp features such as:

• Custom fields for client, component, or priority.
• Status workflows to show progress along a lifecycle.
• Automations that move or update tasks based on triggers.

These combinations help maintain structure without sacrificing flexibility.

Troubleshooting ClickUp custom task IDs

If custom task IDs are not behaving as expected, review the following items.

• Permissions: Confirm you are a Workspace owner or admin.
• Space selection: Ensure you are editing the correct Space settings.
• New vs. existing tasks: Remember that changes affect only new tasks created after you save the settings.

For detailed, up-to-date instructions and interface screenshots, review the official documentation on custom task IDs directly in ClickUp Help Center.

Next steps for optimizing your ClickUp setup

Custom task IDs are one piece of building a scalable, well-structured Workspace. To optimize your broader workflow and ensure your instance is configured for growth, you can explore expert implementation and process consulting services.

For additional guidance on workflow design, documentation, and system optimization, visit Consultevo for professional support.

Once your custom task IDs are in place and aligned with your naming conventions, your team will find it easier to track, locate, and reference work across every Space in ClickUp.

Need Help With ClickUp?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.

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