How to Use ClickUp Adjacency Matrices for Projects

ClickUp helps teams turn complex project relationships into clear visual systems using adjacency matrices. This how-to guide walks you step by step through building these matrices so you can map connections, plan dependencies, and manage work with confidence.

What an Adjacency Matrix Is in ClickUp Terms

An adjacency matrix is a table that shows how items in a system relate to one another. In project work, those items can be:

Tasks and their dependencies
Features and user journeys
Teams and communication channels
Risks and mitigation actions

When you model this in ClickUp, each row and column represents an item, and the cell where they intersect shows whether a relationship exists and how strong it is.

Why Build Adjacency Matrices in ClickUp

Creating adjacency matrices inside ClickUp lets you connect high-level planning with day-to-day task execution. This approach helps you:

Spot hidden dependencies before they become blockers
Standardize how you evaluate relationships between items
Align product, design, and engineering on shared structures
Track changes to relationships over time in one workspace

The source guide to adjacency matrix templates highlights that these tables quickly reveal both structure and gaps in your system.

Step 1: Define Your Use Case Before Building in ClickUp

Before opening ClickUp, clarify what your adjacency matrix needs to show. Common use cases include:

Product features vs. user flows – identify which features support each journey.
Tasks vs. tasks – map dependencies across a project plan.
Teams vs. communication channels – document who talks to whom and how.
Requirements vs. test cases – ensure coverage and traceability.

Write down the two dimensions for your matrix (rows and columns) and the type of relationship you want to track, such as “depends on,” “communicates with,” or “supports.”

Step 2: Set Up a List Structure for Your Matrix in ClickUp

Next, create a dedicated structure in ClickUp that will hold the matrix items. A simple way to start is with a List inside an appropriate Folder or Space.

Create or open the Space where this matrix belongs.
Add a new Folder if you want to group several matrices.
Create a new List dedicated to your adjacency matrix (for example, “Feature–Journey Matrix”).
Add tasks representing each unique item that will appear on any axis of your matrix.

For example, if your matrix maps features to user journeys, each task might represent a single feature or a single journey, depending on how you choose to organize it.

Step 3: Add Custom Fields in ClickUp to Capture Relationships

To convert your List into a functional adjacency matrix, use ClickUp Custom Fields to describe relationships between items.

Choosing ClickUp Custom Field Types

Common fields that work well for adjacency matrices include:

Dropdown – store relationship strength (None, Weak, Medium, Strong).
Checkbox – indicate if a relationship exists at all.
Number – capture a score (for example, impact from 1–5).
Text – add short notes about the connection.

Create one or more Custom Fields that match how you plan to score or tag relationships in the matrix.

Linking Related Items in ClickUp

Use task relationships to model connections between rows and columns:

Open a task that represents an item from your matrix.
Use task relationships (such as “Depends on,” “Relates to,” or “Blocks”).
Search for and link the corresponding task from the opposite axis.
Update your Custom Field to describe the strength or type of the relationship.

This creates a consistent way to navigate from one item to its connected items directly inside ClickUp.

Step 4: Turn Your Data Into a Matrix View in ClickUp

Once your tasks and relationships are in place, create views that behave like adjacency matrices.

Using Table and List Views in ClickUp

To get a grid-like display:

Switch your List to Table view.
Show the Custom Fields that define your matrix relationships.
Group or sort items so that rows represent one dimension of your matrix.
Filter to display only the items that belong in this matrix.

This gives you a structured grid where each row is an item and each column shows relationship attributes, mirroring a classic adjacency matrix layout.

Enhancing the Matrix With ClickUp Views

To analyze your matrix from different angles, layer on additional ClickUp views:

Board view – drag and drop items between relationship strength columns.
Gantt view – visualize how dependencies influence timelines.
Mind Map view – see network-like connections that originate from matrix data.

These views translate your matrix into visual workflows that are easier for stakeholders to interpret.

Step 5: Score and Prioritize With ClickUp Adjacency Data

After the structure is in place, use your adjacency matrix data in ClickUp to drive decisions.

Identify items with many strong connections (critical nodes).
Flag high-risk relationships, such as single points of failure.
Prioritize work that unlocks multiple related tasks or features.
Identify isolated items that might be unnecessary or misaligned.

For example, if a single feature supports many journeys and has several “Strong” relationships in your matrix, you may want to secure extra testing or monitoring for it.

Step 6: Maintain and Evolve Your ClickUp Adjacency Matrix

An adjacency matrix is most powerful when it stays current. Build lightweight maintenance into your ClickUp processes.

Keep the ClickUp Matrix Updated

Incorporate updates into your regular workflows:

During grooming or planning, adjust task relationships when requirements change.
In retrospectives, review the matrix to identify new dependencies discovered during the sprint.
When adding a new feature, immediately place it into the matrix structure.

Small, continuous updates prevent your matrix from becoming outdated or misleading.

Use ClickUp Templates and Documentation

Standardize your approach so teams can reuse it:

Turn your List into a template that includes Custom Fields and views.
Document how to read and update the matrix in a task description or a doc.
Share guidance links and best practices with your team.

For additional strategic advice around structuring work and systems, you can also review resources from specialized consultancies such as Consultevo.

Practical Tips for Better ClickUp Adjacency Matrices

To keep your matrices useful and readable, follow these guidelines:

Limit dimensions – avoid tracking too many relationship types in one matrix.
Use consistent scales – define clear meanings for each level (for example, 1–5 impact).
Clarify ownership – assign a task owner for each row or group.
Review regularly – schedule recurring reviews in ClickUp so matrices stay aligned with reality.

As you refine your system, your adjacency matrices can evolve into central tools for impact analysis, release planning, and cross-team coordination.

Next Steps

With this approach, you can model complex relationships in ClickUp using adjacency matrices that connect strategy to execution. Start with one focused use case, build out your tasks, configure Custom Fields, and then choose views that best represent the matrix structure you need. Over time, your workspace becomes a living map of how every part of your project influences the rest.

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