How to Use Dependency Relationships in ClickUp

Dependency relationships in ClickUp help you control the order of work, prevent blockers, and keep projects moving smoothly. This guide shows you step by step how to set up, understand, and manage dependencies so every task is completed at the right time.

What Are Dependency Relationships in ClickUp?

In ClickUp, a dependency relationship connects two tasks so that one task’s progress affects the other. Dependencies are ideal when one activity cannot start or finish until another is done.

Dependencies are always created between two separate tasks. These tasks can be in the same List or different Lists, as long as they are within the same Workspace.

Types of ClickUp Dependency Relationships

ClickUp supports three main types of dependency relationships. Each one changes how tasks are allowed to move through your workflow.

Waiting On: Task A is waiting on Task B. Task A cannot be marked complete until Task B is finished.
Blocking: Task A is blocking Task B. Task B cannot be marked complete until Task A is finished.
Linked: Tasks are linked by dependency, but do not directly block completion. This is used to show a relationship without enforcing strict order.

The relationship is always reciprocal: if one task is set to be waiting on another, the other task automatically shows that it is blocking.

How Dependency Logic Works in ClickUp

ClickUp applies specific rules when dependencies are configured. These rules help you understand what happens when tasks are started, blocked, or completed.

Completion Rules for ClickUp Dependencies

When dependency relationships are in place, ClickUp can prevent tasks from being completed too early.

A task that is Waiting On another task cannot be marked complete until all blocking tasks are completed.
A task that is Blocking another task can be completed at any time, but its completion may unlock the tasks that are waiting on it.
When all blocking tasks are done, waiting tasks can be completed without restriction.

These rules ensure that work only moves forward when prerequisite work has been finished.

Start Date and Due Date Behavior in ClickUp

Dependencies in ClickUp can also help you manage scheduling. When tasks have Start and Due Dates, dependency relationships make it easier to see if anything is at risk.

If a task is Waiting On a task with a later Due Date, you can quickly spot potential delays.
Dependencies help you confirm that a dependent task does not start before its prerequisite work is scheduled.

This scheduling awareness lets you adjust dates early and avoid bottlenecks.

How to Add Dependencies in ClickUp

You can create dependency relationships in ClickUp directly from the task view. The following steps outline the standard approach.

Step-by-Step: Create a Dependency Between Two Tasks

Open the task that you want to connect.
Locate the Relationships or Dependencies section in the task sidebar or task toolbar.
Click the option to add a new dependency or relationship.
Search for and select the task you want to connect to.
Choose how the tasks relate, for example:
- Set the current task as Waiting On another task.
- Set the current task as Blocking another task.
Confirm the selection to create the dependency link.

Once created, both tasks show the relationship so you can see what is blocked or waiting at a glance.

Adding Multiple ClickUp Dependencies to One Task

Any single task in ClickUp can have multiple dependency relationships. This is useful when a large task depends on several smaller tasks being completed first.

Add more than one Waiting On relationship to indicate that a task cannot be completed until all prerequisites are finished.
Define multiple Blocking relationships if your task is preventing progress on several other tasks.

The task sidebar will list all related tasks, making it clear how work is connected.

How to View Dependencies in ClickUp

Once your dependency relationships are set, ClickUp gives you several ways to visualize them so you can manage project flow effectively.

Viewing Dependencies in Task View

Each task in ClickUp shows its dependencies in the task details area. Here you can:

See which tasks it is Waiting On.
See which tasks it is Blocking.
Open related tasks directly from the dependency list.
Remove or edit a dependency if project needs change.

This makes it quick to investigate why a task is blocked and what needs to happen first.

Viewing ClickUp Dependencies in List and Board Views

In List and Board views, ClickUp indicates where dependencies exist so you can spot them without opening each task.

Icons or labels show that a task has a dependency relationship.
You can filter or sort to focus on tasks that are blocked or waiting.

This gives managers and team members a high-level understanding of project blockers.

Using Timeline and Gantt Views for ClickUp Dependencies

Timeline and Gantt views in ClickUp are especially powerful when working with dependencies.

Tasks are displayed along a timeline with their Start and Due Dates.
Dependency relationships appear as lines connecting tasks, making workflow order easy to understand.
You can adjust dates and immediately see how changes affect related tasks.

This visual layout supports better planning and helps you prevent schedule conflicts.

How to Edit or Remove ClickUp Dependencies

Project plans change often, so you may need to adjust dependency relationships in ClickUp as work evolves.

Editing a Dependency Relationship

Open the task that has the dependency you want to change.
In the dependency or relationships section, find the task you want to modify.
Change the relationship type if needed (for example, from Blocking to Waiting On).
Save or confirm your edits.

Editing dependencies keeps your project plan aligned with real-world progress.

Removing a ClickUp Dependency

Open the task with the dependency you want to remove.
Locate the dependency entry in the list of related tasks.
Use the remove or delete option next to the dependency.
Confirm removal when prompted.

Once removed, the tasks are no longer linked by that dependency relationship, and ClickUp will no longer enforce completion rules between them.

Best Practices for Using Dependencies in ClickUp

To get the most value from dependency relationships in ClickUp, apply these simple practices:

Map critical paths: Add dependencies to all tasks that affect your main project milestones.
Keep task sizes reasonable: Use smaller, well-defined tasks so dependencies remain clear and easy to manage.
Review dependencies regularly: Check dependencies in Gantt or Timeline views to ensure they still reflect project reality.
Avoid unnecessary links: Only add a dependency when one task truly relies on another. This keeps the system clean and prevents confusion.

Learn More About ClickUp Dependencies

For a deeper technical overview of dependency relationships, including current interface options and visual examples, see the official ClickUp documentation on dependencies at this support article.

If you need strategic guidance on structuring work and optimizing how your team uses ClickUp in complex environments, you can explore expert consulting services at Consultevo.

By setting up clear dependency relationships, regularly reviewing them, and using the visual views available in ClickUp, you can keep tasks unblocked, protect timelines, and deliver projects more predictably.

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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