How to Use Relationships in ClickUp
Relationships in ClickUp let you connect tasks, Docs, and Custom Items so you can see how work fits together without jumping between locations. This guide walks you through how to set up, manage, and use Relationships step by step.
What Are Relationships in ClickUp?
Relationships in ClickUp link one item to another, giving you quick context about dependencies, references, and related work.
You can use Relationships to:
- Connect tasks across different Lists and Spaces
- Link Docs or Whiteboards to tasks or Custom Items
- Reference custom types like clients, assets, or campaigns
- Display important fields from related items without opening them
Relationships appear as fields on your items, so teammates can see key info at a glance.
Types of Relationships in ClickUp
In ClickUp, Relationships are usually created as Custom Fields that connect to other items. There are two main approaches:
- Task Relationships: connect tasks to other tasks.
- Custom Item Relationships: connect tasks to Custom Items created from Custom Field types.
You can also link Docs, views, and other resources using relationship fields to centralize related work.
How to Create a Relationship in ClickUp
To build a new Relationship in ClickUp, you typically use the Custom Fields panel. The exact options depend on your Workspace settings and plan.
Step 1: Open the Custom Fields menu
- Open any task or item where you want to add a Relationship.
- Click the + icon or Customize button to open the Custom Fields panel.
- Choose the option to add a new Custom Field.
Step 2: Choose a Relationship-style field
Depending on your configuration, you may see options like:
- A field that links to other tasks
- A field that links to Custom Items (for example, Clients or Campaigns)
- Fields that can reference Docs or other assets
Select the field type that allows you to connect to the items you need. This sets up the basic Relationship in ClickUp.
Step 3: Configure the Relationship
Once you select a Relationship-style field, configure its options:
- Name the Relationship: use a clear label like Related Task, Parent Campaign, or Client.
- Choose allowed item types: decide whether the field should link to tasks, Docs, or specific Custom Items.
- Set visibility: make the field visible at the List, Folder, or Space level as needed.
Save your settings. The new Relationship field will now be available across the location where you created it.
How to Add Related Items in ClickUp
After setting up a Relationship field, you can start connecting items in ClickUp.
Step 1: Open the item
- Open the task, Doc, or Custom Item where you added the Relationship field.
- Locate the Relationship field in the item view.
Step 2: Link a related item
- Click the Relationship field.
- Search for the item you want to link, or browse from the suggested list.
- Select one or more items, depending on whether the field supports multiple values.
The connected items now appear in the Relationship field, giving you quick access when you review the item in ClickUp.
Viewing and Using Relationship Data in ClickUp
Relationships in ClickUp do more than just link items. They also let you surface important details directly from related items.
Show key fields from related items
Depending on your configuration, you may be able to display fields from the related item directly in the Relationship area. Common examples include:
- Status of a related task
- Due date of a linked deliverable
- Assignee of a connected task or Custom Item
- Custom Fields like budget, priority, or client tier
This allows you to scan related information quickly without opening every item.
Use Relationships in views
In many ClickUp views, you can display Relationship fields as columns. This makes it easier to manage connections at scale, because you can:
- Sort or filter by related items
- See which tasks are connected to a specific client, asset, or campaign
- Update links directly from the List or Table view
Customize each view so teams see the most relevant Relationships.
Best Practices for Relationships in ClickUp
To keep your Workspace clean and efficient, plan how you will use Relationships in ClickUp before adding many fields.
Standardize naming conventions
- Use consistent field names across Spaces, such as Client, Campaign, or Epic.
- Avoid creating multiple fields that serve the same purpose.
Limit Relationships to what you truly need
- Only create Relationship fields that support clear workflows.
- Review existing fields regularly and remove unused ones.
Train your team
- Explain when and how to link items using Relationships in ClickUp.
- Share examples of correct usage so associations remain consistent.
Troubleshooting Relationships in ClickUp
If Relationships in ClickUp do not behave as expected, review these common checks.
Check permissions and access
- Ensure you have permission to edit Custom Fields in the relevant Space or Folder.
- Confirm that team members can view both the source and target items.
Verify field scope
- Open the Custom Fields panel and confirm the Relationship field is enabled in this List or Space.
- If needed, adjust the field’s scope so it appears where you want to use it.
Confirm item types
- Make sure the Relationship field is configured to connect to the type of item you are trying to link.
- Adjust the settings if you need to include additional types.
Additional Resources for ClickUp Relationships
For deeper technical details and the most accurate, up-to-date options for Relationships in ClickUp, review the official documentation provided by ClickUp support.
- Official Relationships section: ClickUp Relationships help center
If you need strategic help designing your workspace structure, including how to set up Relationships that support complex workflows, you can also consult implementation experts such as Consultevo.
By planning your structure, configuring the right fields, and training your team, you can use Relationships in ClickUp to create a connected, transparent view of work across projects and teams.
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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