Create task relationships in ClickUp
Task relationships in ClickUp let you connect related work, visualize dependencies, and manage complex workflows without losing context between tasks.
This step-by-step guide explains how to create, use, and remove task relationships so your workspace stays organized and easy to navigate.
What task relationships are in ClickUp
In ClickUp, a task relationship is a link between two tasks that shows how they are connected. These connections help you understand impact, track blockers, and move work through your process more efficiently.
Task relationships can be used to:
- Show that one task depends on another.
- Indicate that two tasks are related but separate.
- Highlight potential duplicates or overlapping work.
- Connect tasks across different Lists, Folders, or Spaces.
You can manage these relationships directly from the task view or from inside the Relationships panel.
Types of task relationships in ClickUp
ClickUp offers different relationship types so you can choose the connection that best matches your workflow.
Related tasks in ClickUp
Use Related when two tasks share context but do not directly block one another. This is helpful when:
- Multiple tasks contribute to the same feature or project.
- Notes, research, or documentation tasks support other work.
- You want quick navigation between connected tasks.
Dependency relationships in ClickUp
Dependencies show that the status of one task affects another. Common dependency types are:
- Waiting on: The current task cannot start or finish until another task is completed.
- Blocking: The current task is preventing another task from making progress.
These dependency relationships in ClickUp can be used to monitor blockers, plan schedules, and adjust timelines when priorities change.
Other relationship options
Depending on your workspace configuration, additional relationship options may appear, such as links to tasks in different locations or special relationship types your team uses to track complex projects.
How to add relationships to a task in ClickUp
You can create task relationships directly from the task view. Follow these steps to add connections between tasks in ClickUp.
Open the task in ClickUp
- Go to the Space, Folder, or List that contains your task.
- Click the task name to open the full task view.
Add a relationship from the task sidebar
- In the task view, locate the right-hand sidebar or the section labeled Relationships (wording may vary depending on layout).
- Click the option to add or manage Relationships.
- Select the type of relationship you want to create, for example Related, Waiting on, or Blocking.
- Search for the task you want to connect by name or ID.
- Click the task in the search results to create the relationship.
Once added, the relationship appears in the relationship area of both tasks, making it easy to navigate between them.
Managing dependency relationships in ClickUp
Dependencies in ClickUp help your team see what work is blocked and what needs to happen first.
Create a dependency relationship
- Open the task that will either wait on or block another task.
- Open the Relationships section.
- Select a dependency type, such as Waiting on or Blocking.
- Search for and select the related task.
ClickUp will show both sides of the dependency so anyone can see which tasks are waiting and which are blocking.
View and understand dependency states
Within a task, you can quickly see:
- Which tasks must be completed before this task can move forward.
- Which tasks your current task is holding up.
- Whether there are multiple layers of dependencies you need to consider in your schedule.
Use these visual cues in ClickUp to adjust timelines, reassign work, or remove unnecessary blockers.
How to remove task relationships in ClickUp
You can detach a relationship if two tasks are no longer connected or if a dependency is no longer valid.
Remove a relationship from a task
- Open the task in ClickUp.
- Go to the Relationships area where the linked task is displayed.
- Locate the task relationship you want to remove.
- Click the remove or delete icon next to that relationship.
- Confirm the removal if prompted.
The relationship is removed from both tasks, and they are no longer linked in the Relationships section.
Best practices for using ClickUp task relationships
To keep your workspace efficient and clear, follow these best practices when working with task relationships in ClickUp.
Use consistent relationship types
- Reserve Related for tasks that share context but do not depend on each other.
- Use dependencies when the completion of one task directly affects another.
- Avoid mixing relationship types for the same purpose, as that can confuse your team.
Keep relationships focused
- Only create relationships that provide real value, such as navigation or dependency tracking.
- Avoid linking every task to everything else. Too many connections can make it hard to see what matters.
- Review relationships regularly and remove outdated links.
Communicate changes in dependencies
- Update relationships in ClickUp when priorities change.
- Notify assignees if a task becomes blocked or unblocked.
- Use comments in the task to explain why a dependency was added or removed.
Troubleshooting task relationships in ClickUp
If you have trouble creating or managing task relationships, check these common issues:
- Permissions: Make sure you have permission to edit the tasks you are trying to link.
- Task visibility: Confirm that the other task is visible in your current ClickUp Workspace, Space, or List.
- Search accuracy: Use exact task names or IDs when searching for tasks to relate.
- Layout changes: If you do not see the Relationships section, your workspace layout may be customized. Look for an option to expand or enable relationships in the task view.
For more detailed, official documentation on task relationships in ClickUp, you can refer to the original help article at this ClickUp support page.
Next steps and additional resources
Once you are comfortable using task relationships in ClickUp, you can streamline your workflows even more by combining relationships with features like custom fields, views, and automation.
If you want expert help improving your workspace structure, workflow design, or documentation strategy, you can explore additional resources and consulting services from Consultevo.
By using clear, intentional task relationships in ClickUp, your team gains better visibility into dependencies, avoids duplicate work, and keeps complex projects under control.
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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