How to Use ClickUp as a FigJam Alternative

ClickUp can replace or complement FigJam by giving teams visual collaboration tools, task management, and documentation in one flexible workspace. This how-to guide walks you step-by-step through building a FigJam-style system using ClickUp features.

The instructions below are based on the workflows and comparison ideas highlighted in the review of FigJam alternatives on ClickUp’s FigJam alternatives guide.

1. Plan Your ClickUp Workspace Structure

Before creating whiteboards or diagrams, set up a clear workspace structure so visual ideas connect directly to tasks.

1.1 Choose a Workspace for Collaboration

Use one main workspace in ClickUp for cross-functional work, similar to a shared brainstorming hub.

• Create a workspace for your company or department.
• Invite all collaborators who would normally join a FigJam session.
• Define basic permissions so editors, commenters, and viewers are clear.

1.2 Organize Spaces for Different Use Cases

Spaces in ClickUp act like themed boards for different collaboration needs.

Create spaces such as:

• Product Discovery & Research
• Design & Prototyping
• Sprint Planning & Retrospectives
• Marketing Campaigns & Briefs

This mirrors separate FigJam boards while keeping everything inside one ClickUp account.

2. Set Up ClickUp Whiteboards for Visual Collaboration

Whiteboards in ClickUp give you an infinite canvas where you can sketch flows, map ideas, and attach real tasks.

2.1 Create a New Whiteboard

1. Open the correct space or folder.
2. Click to add a new view and select Whiteboard.
3. Name the whiteboard after the activity, for example, “Sprint 12 Planning” or “UX Flow Brainstorm.”

You now have a visual space similar to a FigJam board but embedded inside ClickUp.

2.2 Add Shapes, Connectors, and Sticky Notes

Use built-in objects to recreate FigJam-style diagrams.

• Drag shapes to outline user flows and system diagrams.
• Use connectors to show relationships or dependencies.
• Add sticky notes for quick ideas, comments, or questions.

Keep notes short and clear, and group them by category or theme to avoid clutter.

2.3 Convert Whiteboard Items into ClickUp Tasks

One advantage over many FigJam-only workflows is the ability to turn visual objects into actionable work.

1. Select a sticky note, card, or shape.
2. Choose the option to convert it into a task.
3. Assign an owner, due date, and status.

Now, brainstorming artifacts on the ClickUp whiteboard become trackable tasks in the same system.

3. Build a FigJam-Style Brainstorming Process in ClickUp

Use ClickUp to standardize how your team runs ideation, workshops, and retrospectives so the process is repeatable.

3.1 Create Reusable Whiteboard Templates

Save time by building templates for common sessions inspired by the FigJam alternatives overview.

Template ideas:

• Product discovery mind map
• UX research synthesis board
• Design critique and feedback board
• Retrospective with “Start / Stop / Continue” columns

Save each whiteboard as a template so you can duplicate it for new projects directly in ClickUp.

3.2 Define a Step-by-Step Brainstorm Workflow

Turn unstructured whiteboard use into a consistent process.

1. Prep: Add a whiteboard view to the relevant ClickUp list or folder and share the agenda.
2. Collect ideas: Ask teammates to drop sticky notes or shapes with their suggestions.
3. Group ideas: Cluster notes into themes and name each group.
4. Score or vote: Use comments, reactions, or custom fields on related tasks to prioritize.
5. Convert to tasks: Turn the best ideas into ClickUp tasks and link them back to the whiteboard.

This gives you a full cycle from idea to execution without leaving ClickUp.

4. Connect ClickUp Whiteboards to Tasks and Docs

To move beyond simple FigJam-style visuals, connect your diagrams to tasks, docs, and roadmaps inside ClickUp.

4.1 Link Whiteboards to Task Lists

Attach whiteboards to the lists where work will be managed.

• Create a list for each project or sprint.
• Add a whiteboard view to the same list.
• Convert or link shapes on the whiteboard to tasks in that list.

Anyone visiting the list in ClickUp can open the related whiteboard and see the original ideas behind each task.

4.2 Attach Docs for Requirements and Research

Use docs to hold detailed information that supports your visual boards.

1. Create a doc in your ClickUp space for each initiative.
2. Summarize research, decisions, and requirements.
3. Link the doc from the whiteboard or embed screenshots when needed.

This gives you a single environment where diagrams, tasks, and documentation live together.

5. Use ClickUp Views to Replace Multiple FigJam Boards

ClickUp offers additional views beyond whiteboards that help turn ideas into plans and roadmaps.

5.1 Use List and Board Views for Execution

After brainstorming, switch to execution views.

• List view for detailed task breakdowns.
• Board view for Kanban-style workflow management.
• Calendar view for scheduling deadlines.

These ClickUp views reflect the same items you created on whiteboards, so there is no manual duplication.

5.2 Use Gantt or Timeline to Map Roadmaps

Where FigJam might store a high-level visual roadmap, ClickUp can turn it into a living plan.

1. Open a Gantt or Timeline view in the same project.
2. Drag tasks onto the timeline to show start and end dates.
3. Set dependencies between tasks that were originally mapped on the whiteboard.

This makes your visual concepts operational, with clear ownership and milestones.

6. Collaborate in Real Time with ClickUp

Effective FigJam alternatives need real-time collaboration. ClickUp provides this through comments, live editing, and notifications.

6.1 Comment, Mention, and Assign

Use built-in collaboration tools to keep context near the work.

• Add comments directly on whiteboard items and tasks.
• Mention teammates with @ mentions to pull them into the conversation.
• Assign comments when a decision or update is required.

This replaces scattered chat threads with targeted, contextual communication within ClickUp.

6.2 Share Boards Securely

Decide who can view or edit each board.

1. Open the share settings on your ClickUp whiteboard.
2. Grant edit access to collaborators who contribute ideas.
3. Give view-only access to stakeholders who need visibility but not editing rights.

This mirrors external sharing features offered by other FigJam alternatives while keeping control centralized.

7. Integrate ClickUp into Your Broader Tool Stack

To fully replace scattered FigJam boards, connect ClickUp with the rest of your ecosystem.

• Integrate communication tools so notifications appear where your team works.
• Sync with development platforms so whiteboard ideas lead to tickets.
• Use automation to update statuses when tasks move between stages.

For additional optimization, teams can reference specialist resources such as Consultevo to refine their workflows and documentation.

8. Review and Improve Your ClickUp Collaboration Process

As you use ClickUp for visual collaboration, continuously refine your method so it stays efficient and easy to follow.

8.1 Run Regular Retrospectives

At the end of each project or sprint, open a retrospective whiteboard.

• Collect feedback about what worked and what did not.
• Group comments into themes.
• Convert key improvements into tasks in ClickUp.

This maintains a cycle of continuous improvement similar to agile teams using FigJam-style boards.

8.2 Standardize Templates and Naming

Keep your environment clean and discoverable.

1. Adopt a naming convention for whiteboards, docs, and lists.
2. Archive old boards once work is complete.
3. Maintain a small library of approved ClickUp templates for recurring sessions.

Over time, this structure makes ClickUp a single source of truth for both brainstorming and execution.

By following these steps, your team can use ClickUp as a full-featured, FigJam-style collaboration space while gaining the added power of integrated tasks, documentation, and project management in one platform.

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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