Set Default Custom Task Types in ClickUp
In ClickUp, you can set default custom task types so that new tasks automatically follow the structure your team needs. This helps standardize work, speed up task creation, and keep reporting consistent across your Workspace.
This guide explains who can manage default task types, where defaults can be set, and the exact steps to configure them at the Workspace, Space, Folder, and List levels.
What are custom task types in ClickUp?
Custom task types let you rename the basic task type and create additional task-level types tailored to your workflows. For example, you might create types like Bug, Request, or Feature to better categorize work.
Default custom task types determine which type is automatically selected whenever someone creates a new task in a location. You can configure defaults globally or override them in specific parts of your hierarchy.
Where ClickUp default task types can be set
You can set default custom task types at multiple levels of your ClickUp hierarchy:
- Workspace level: Global defaults for everything in the Workspace.
- Space level: Override Workspace defaults in specific Spaces.
- Folder level: Override Space defaults for certain project Folders.
- List level: Override Folder defaults for a particular List.
Defaults cascade down the hierarchy. If a lower level doesn’t have its own default, it will inherit the default from the level above.
Who can manage default task types in ClickUp?
To configure or change default custom task types, you need the right permissions in ClickUp:
- Only Workspace owners and admins can manage the global defaults from Workspace settings.
- Members with the appropriate permissions in a Space, Folder, or List can adjust defaults at that specific level, depending on your permission settings.
If you do not see the options described below, contact a Workspace owner or admin to review your access.
Set default custom task types for your ClickUp Workspace
Setting a Workspace-level default ensures every new location starts with the same set of task type rules. To configure it, follow these steps:
- Open your Workspace settings.
- Go to the area where you manage Custom task types.
- From the list of available task types, choose which type should be the default.
- Confirm your changes to apply the default for the entire Workspace.
Once set, all Spaces, Folders, and Lists that don’t have their own overrides will use this Workspace default when new tasks are created.
Set default custom task types for a ClickUp Space
If a team or department has different workflows, you can override the Workspace default within a Space. To set a Space-level default in ClickUp:
- Navigate to the Space where you want a specific default.
- Open the Space settings.
- Find the section for Custom task types or Task types.
- Select the task type you want as the Space default.
- Save your changes.
All Folders and Lists inside that Space will now use this Space default unless they have their own overrides.
Set default custom task types for a ClickUp Folder
Some projects within a Space may require a more specific default. In those cases, you can set a Folder-level default task type in ClickUp:
- Open the Folder you want to configure.
- Access the Folder settings.
- Go to the area for managing Custom task types.
- Choose which task type should be the default for this Folder.
- Confirm and save.
Lists in that Folder will inherit this Folder default unless a List-level default is set.
Set default custom task types for a ClickUp List
Use a List-level default when you have a very specific workflow that applies only to one List. To configure it in ClickUp:
- Open the List where you want a unique default.
- Open the List settings.
- Locate the Custom task types configuration for this List.
- Select the default task type that best fits the work in this List.
- Save your changes.
New tasks created directly in this List will now use the List default instead of Folder, Space, or Workspace defaults.
How default task type inheritance works in ClickUp
Understanding how inheritance works will help you predict which default applies when a new task is created:
- If a List has a default, that default is used for new tasks in the List.
- If the List has no default, ClickUp checks the Folder default.
- If the Folder has no default, ClickUp uses the Space default.
- If the Space has no default, ClickUp falls back to the Workspace default.
This cascading behavior ensures a default is always available, even if you only configure it at the Workspace level.
Tips for managing custom task types in ClickUp
To keep your setup efficient and easy to maintain, use these best practices:
- Standardize naming: Use clear, consistent names for task types so everyone understands how to use them.
- Limit the number of types: Too many types can confuse users. Focus on the core types that reflect your key workflows.
- Align with reporting: Create types that support how you plan to filter and report on work.
- Review regularly: As your processes change, revisit your defaults and update them to match your current workflows.
Learn more and related resources
For the full official documentation on default custom task types, see the original ClickUp help article: Set default custom task types.
If you need expert help designing scalable task structures, automation, and AI workflows around ClickUp, you can also explore consulting and implementation services at Consultevo.
By configuring default custom task types at the right levels in ClickUp, you ensure that every new task starts with the correct structure, improving consistency, saving time, and supporting more accurate reporting across your 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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