Create Nested Subtasks in ClickUp

Nested subtasks in ClickUp allow you to break work into multiple levels so every detail is tracked and organized inside a clear task hierarchy.

This how-to guide walks you through enabling nested subtasks, creating them, and managing how they appear across your Workspace.

Understand Nested Subtasks in ClickUp

Before you start, it helps to understand what nested subtasks are and how they behave in ClickUp.

• Task: The main parent item where work begins.
• Subtask: A child task linked directly to the parent.
• Nested subtask: A subtask of another subtask, creating additional hierarchy levels.

You can create multiple levels of subtasks inside a single task, but some views show only one level at a time depending on your Workspace settings.

Enable Nested Subtasks in ClickUp Settings

To fully use nested subtasks in ClickUp, you should confirm the hierarchy settings for subtasks in your Workspace.

1. Open your Workspace and click your Avatar in the lower-left corner.
2. Select Settings from the menu.
3. In the settings sidebar, locate the section that controls Subtasks or task hierarchy behavior.
4. Review available options for subtasks and nested subtasks, including how they appear in views and how they inherit features such as statuses or assignees.
5. Save any changes you make so your preferred subtask behavior applies across spaces, folders, and lists.

These global options determine how nested subtasks are displayed and rolled up through parent tasks in ClickUp views and reporting.

How to Create Nested Subtasks in ClickUp

You can add nested subtasks directly from an existing task or subtask. The process is the same at each level of the hierarchy.

Create a Subtask Under a Parent Task in ClickUp

1. Open the task where you want to add subtasks.
2. Locate the Subtasks section in the task view.
3. Click + Add subtask.
4. Enter a name for the subtask and press Enter.
5. Repeat to add as many first-level subtasks as needed.

These first-level subtasks become the foundation for adding deeper nested subtasks.

Create a Nested Subtask Under an Existing Subtask in ClickUp

1. Open a subtask created under your main task.
2. Inside that subtask, locate the Subtasks area again.
3. Click + Add subtask to create a nested subtask.
4. Name the nested subtask and press Enter.
5. Continue adding more nested subtasks as required for your workflow.

You can repeat this process for any subtask level that supports additional nesting, allowing you to build a detailed hierarchy for complex work.

View and Navigate Nested Subtasks in ClickUp

After creating nested subtasks in ClickUp, you need to be able to navigate and manage them efficiently in different views.

Use the Task View to Explore the Hierarchy

The simplest way to see nested subtasks is from the task view.

• Open the main parent task.
• Look for the list of subtasks below the task description.
• Click a subtask to open it and reveal its own subtasks.
• Follow this pattern down the hierarchy, opening each level as needed.

This click-through experience lets you move from parent tasks to nested subtasks while always understanding where each item sits in the structure.

Control Subtask Display in ClickUp Views

Different views can show subtasks and nested subtasks in different ways, depending on your configuration.

• List view: Can show subtasks either nested under their parent or as separate items, based on view settings.
• Board view: Cards can represent tasks and, if enabled, subtasks may be shown or hidden.
• Other views: Timelines, calendars, and dashboards may have additional controls for including or excluding subtasks from rollups.

Look for options such as Show subtasks or filters that include or exclude subtasks. Adjust these to display nested subtasks the way your team prefers.

Manage and Organize Nested Subtasks in ClickUp

Once nested subtasks are created, managing them in ClickUp helps keep your projects clear and actionable.

Edit and Update Nested Subtasks

You can edit nested subtasks just like any other task.

• Change the name to clarify the work.
• Assign owners responsible for completion.
• Set due dates that align with parent task timelines.
• Apply statuses to track progress at every level.
• Add comments and attachments with important details.

Updating these fields ensures that nested subtasks provide accurate, real-time status information.

Reorder and Restructure Nested Subtasks

As work evolves, you may want to reorder or reorganize nested subtasks in ClickUp.

• Drag and drop subtasks to change their order under a parent.
• Promote or demote items between task and subtask levels when supported by your current configuration.
• Merge or split work by creating or removing nested levels where appropriate.

Restructuring keeps your hierarchy relevant and easy to follow over the lifecycle of a project.

Best Practices for Nested Subtasks in ClickUp

Using nested subtasks responsibly in ClickUp can improve clarity without overwhelming your team.

• Limit hierarchy depth: Use enough levels to describe the work, but avoid so many that navigation becomes confusing.
• Use consistent naming: Standardized task and subtask names make search and reporting more reliable.
• Align with views: Configure List, Board, and other views so subtasks and nested subtasks appear where they are most useful.
• Review regularly: Periodically clean up outdated subtasks and simplify hierarchies that are no longer needed.

Following these practices helps nested subtasks enhance, rather than complicate, your task management.

More Resources on ClickUp Nested Subtasks

For a detailed reference from the official documentation, see the original guide on how to create nested subtasks in ClickUp at this support article.

If you want expert help designing scalable ClickUp hierarchies and workflows, you can also explore consulting services at Consultevo.

By configuring your settings, creating clear hierarchies, and managing each level thoughtfully, nested subtasks in ClickUp can give your team a powerful way to break down and deliver complex work.

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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