How to Configure Default Security in ClickUp

Configuring default security in ClickUp helps Workspace owners quickly control how items are shared, which features members can access, and what guests can see before any custom permissions are applied.

This how-to guide walks you step-by-step through setting up default security settings so your Workspace starts from a safe, consistent baseline.

Understand Default Security in ClickUp

Default security defines the initial permissions that apply when someone joins your Workspace or when new items are created. These settings affect:

• Public sharing and links
• Who can create or manage Workspaces
• Guest and member access scopes
• Role-based module permissions

You can later override defaults with more granular sharing or custom role configurations, but starting with solid defaults keeps your account secure from day one.

Access Default Security Settings in ClickUp

To adjust default security, you must be a Workspace owner. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to your ClickUp Workspace.
2. Open the Settings menu from your avatar or sidebar.
3. Navigate to the Security or Permissions section, depending on your plan layout.
4. Locate the panel for Default security or similar wording.

The exact labels and options can vary by plan and updates, so use the descriptions on the page of your ClickUp Workspace to confirm you are editing the correct section.

Control Public Sharing Defaults in ClickUp

Public sharing governs whether items can be accessed through public links without signing in.

Step 1: Decide If Public Links Are Allowed

1. In the default security area, find settings for public sharing or public links.
2. Choose whether public sharing is enabled or disabled by default.

Disabling public links by default is often best for organizations that handle sensitive data. You can still enable sharing case by case later.

Step 2: Configure Public Link Capabilities

If public links are allowed, configure what visitors can do:

• View-only access or interactive access where available
• Whether comments or form submissions are permitted
• Whether embedded views are allowed on external sites

Set these options conservatively so that a new public link created in ClickUp never exposes more than your security policy allows.

Set Workspace Access Controls in ClickUp

Workspace access settings determine how people can join and what they can see when they first arrive.

Step 3: Choose Who Can Create Workspaces

1. Find the setting that controls Workspace creation.
2. Limit Workspace creation to owners or admins if you want tight structural control.
3. Allow members to create Workspaces only if your organization benefits from more autonomy.

Restricting Workspace creation helps keep data more centralized and easier to administer.

Step 4: Review Default Member Visibility

Next, inspect how broadly content is visible by default:

• Can new members see all Spaces, or only those they are invited to?
• Are private Spaces or folders hidden automatically?
• Do new members get access to shared templates or only public ones?

Update these defaults so new members see only what they need in ClickUp, reducing the risk of accidental data exposure.

Configure Guest Access Defaults in ClickUp

Guests are typically external collaborators such as clients, contractors, or partners. Their default permissions should be more limited than full members.

Step 5: Set Guest Permissions

1. Locate the Guest permissions or Guest access section in the default security panel.
2. Define whether guests are limited to specific Lists, Folders, or tasks.
3. Ensure guests cannot see Workspace-level or billing information.

Use the most restrictive guest default settings that still allow collaboration. You can extend access on a per-guest basis when needed.

Step 6: Limit Guest Actions

Decide what guests can do by default in ClickUp:

• Create or edit tasks
• Comment on tasks or documents
• Upload or download attachments
• Use chat or whiteboards if enabled

Disable any high‑risk actions by default to prevent accidental changes from external users.

Adjust Role and Feature Defaults in ClickUp

Default security also includes how roles interact with core features and modules.

Step 7: Configure Role-Based Defaults

1. Find the list of roles such as Owner, Admin, Member, and Guest.
2. Review what each role can do with core areas like tasks, Docs, Dashboards, and Goals.
3. Update defaults so that higher roles maintain control while members have enough access to work efficiently.

These settings create a predictable permission structure every time you add someone new to ClickUp.

Step 8: Review Module-Level Security

Some plans allow turning specific modules on or off per role by default. When available:

• Disable advanced modules for roles that do not need them.
• Restrict administrative tools such as importing, exporting, or bulk editing.
• Limit access to sensitive reporting or time tracking when required by policy.

This helps prevent misuse of powerful features while keeping the experience simple for most users.

Apply and Test Your ClickUp Security Settings

Once you configure your default security choices, verify that they behave as expected.

Step 9: Save and Confirm Your Changes

1. Click the Save or Update button in the security settings page.
2. Wait for confirmation that settings have been applied to your Workspace.

Changes generally apply immediately to new invites and newly created items in ClickUp.

Step 10: Test with Sample Accounts

To validate your configuration:

• Invite a test member to confirm default member visibility and access.
• Invite a test guest to confirm limited permissions.
• Create a public link to ensure sharing behavior matches your security policy.

Adjust your defaults again if the test accounts see too much or too little.

Maintain a Secure ClickUp Workspace

Security is not a one-time setup. You should revisit your default security settings regularly, especially after major platform updates or organizational changes.

• Audit public links and remove any that are no longer needed.
• Review inactive members and guests and revoke access when necessary.
• Update role permissions when your team structure changes.
• Document your security configuration so your admins manage ClickUp consistently.

For ongoing optimization of your workspace processes and documentation, you can also consult external experts such as Consultevo for broader workflow strategy.

More Resources on ClickUp Security

For the most accurate and current details about default security behavior, visit the official help article used as the basis for this guide: ClickUp default security settings.

Combine this how-to guide with the official documentation to configure secure, consistent defaults that protect your data while keeping collaboration smooth inside ClickUp.

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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