Use Start Dates in ClickUp

ClickUp offers flexible start dates so you can plan when work begins, keep tasks on schedule, and clearly track timelines from start to finish.

This how-to guide explains what start dates are, how they relate to due dates, and how to set, edit, and remove them for tasks and subtasks.

What start dates do in ClickUp

Start dates define when work should begin. When paired with due dates, they show the full time window for a task, making it easier to manage workloads and priorities.

Start dates are especially helpful when you need to:

• Visualize work windows on views like Gantt or Calendar.
• Coordinate task handoffs between team members.
• Reserve time for long-running work, not just deadlines.

In the platform, a task can have:

• No dates.
• Only a due date.
• Only a start date.
• Both start and due dates.

How ClickUp start dates work with due dates

When you set both a start date and a due date, they form a date range. This range is used across different views and features to show how long a task spans.

Key details about this behavior include:

• The start date is the first day the task is considered active.
• The due date is the last day the task is expected to be completed.
• Some views highlight the full bar from start to due, giving you a clear visual timeline.

If you only add a due date, the task will appear on that single day. Adding a start date expands it to cover a period, which can better reflect real work effort.

Where you can use ClickUp start dates

Start dates can appear in many places in your workspace. Typical areas include:

• Tasks on the List view, where you can see or edit start dates in a column.
• Board view cards, which show the date details for each card.
• Calendar and Gantt views, which rely on ranges to draw task durations.
• Task details panels, where all date settings are managed.

You can also use filters and sorting options to group items by start date, helping you understand what begins this week or month.

How to set a start date in ClickUp

Use the following steps to add a start date to any task:

1. Open the task where you want to set a start date.

2. Click the date field in the task header or in the List view date column.

3. In the date picker, select the desired start day on the calendar.

4. If a due date already exists, your new selection will update the range so the task now has a start and a due date.

5. Click the confirmation or save button in the date picker to apply your changes.

Once saved, the task will display its new start date alongside the due date where applicable.

Edit or remove ClickUp start dates

Sometimes plans change and you need to move or clear a start date. You can easily adjust it using the same date control.

Change an existing start date

1. Open the task with the date you want to modify.

2. Click the date field to open the date picker.

3. Select a new start day on the calendar.

4. Review the resulting start-to-due range to ensure it reflects your updated timeline.

5. Save the change to update the task across all views.

The new start value will instantly update wherever the task is shown, including Gantt and Calendar views.

Remove a start date while keeping a due date

1. Open the task and click its date field.

2. In the date picker, look for an option to clear or remove the start part of the range.

3. Apply the change so that only the due date remains.

The task will now be treated as if it only has a due date, which can simplify timelines when you only care about deadlines.

Remove all dates from a task

1. Open the task that currently has a start and/or due date.

2. Click the date field to open the calendar panel.

3. Use the clear or remove option to delete all dates.

4. Save your changes to fully remove the date range.

The task will no longer appear on date-based views until you add a new start or due value.

Best practices for ClickUp start dates

To get the most value out of start dates, consider these tips:

• Use ranges for longer tasks. If work will take several days, always set both start and due to show an accurate span.
• Align with sprints or milestones. Pick start days that match the beginning of a sprint, week, or milestone for clearer reporting.
• Keep dates realistic. Avoid setting very early start times that do not reflect actual work periods.
• Regularly adjust dates. When priorities or resources change, update the start values so schedules remain trustworthy.

Clear and accurate date ranges help your team understand when to begin work and how their tasks fit into the larger plan.

Troubleshooting ClickUp start date issues

If a task does not appear where you expect, review these details:

• Confirm that a start date is set, not just a due date.
• Check if you have filters that hide items outside a certain date range.
• Verify time zone settings if dates appear shifted.
• Ensure the correct Space, Folder, or List is selected for your view.

For full, up-to-date instructions on start dates and related features, see the official guide on the vendor’s site: Intro to start dates.

More resources beyond ClickUp basics

Once you are comfortable with start dates, you can explore additional tools and services that help connect your workspace with broader workflows. For strategy, training, and implementation support, you can visit Consultevo to discover consulting options that complement your setup.

By using start dates effectively, you can turn simple tasks into well-structured plans, improve time management, and gain better visibility into how work progresses from beginning to end.

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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