Manage Reference Relationships in ClickUp
Reference Relationships in ClickUp help you connect tasks, Docs, Whiteboards, Dashboards, and views so your team can quickly see how work is related and navigate between important items without losing context.
This guide explains what Reference Relationships are, where they appear, and how to create and use them inside your Workspace.
What are Reference Relationships in ClickUp?
A Reference Relationship in ClickUp is a visual connection created automatically when one object links directly to another. This happens when you paste or insert a direct link between items in supported locations.
These relationships make it easier to:
- See which tasks, Docs, or views mention or depend on another item.
- Navigate between related work with a single click.
- Maintain context when collaborating across multiple features.
Where ClickUp Reference Relationships appear
When a Reference Relationship is created in ClickUp, you will see a small reference badge and the linked item in a dedicated area depending on the feature you are using. Below is an overview of where you can view these references.
References in ClickUp tasks
In tasks, Reference Relationships typically appear as a section or badge that lists other items connected to the task. These might include:
- Other tasks that link to the current task.
- Docs that mention or link to the task.
- Whiteboards, Dashboards, or specific views that contain a direct link to the task.
This allows you to open related items quickly and understand the broader context behind the task.
References in ClickUp Docs
When a Doc includes a link to another object, a Reference Relationship is created and listed on the referenced item. From that item, you can see which Docs are associated with it.
Common examples include:
- Docs that describe requirements for a specific task or project.
- Internal knowledge base Docs that link to multiple tasks or views.
- Meeting notes Docs that reference tasks or Dashboards.
References in ClickUp Whiteboards and Dashboards
Whiteboards and Dashboards can also create Reference Relationships in ClickUp when you paste direct links to tasks, Docs, or views.
These references help your team jump from high-level planning or reporting surfaces directly to the work items they represent.
References in ClickUp views
Views that include direct links to tasks, Docs, or other objects will also show up as references on those items. This is useful when you want to know which specific view or report highlights a task or resource.
How to create Reference Relationships in ClickUp
Reference Relationships are created automatically in ClickUp when you add a qualifying link to a supported location. You do not need to enable an additional feature or setting.
Supported locations for creating references
Reference Relationships are created when you paste or insert a link to a supported item in one of these locations:
- Task description.
- Task comments.
- Doc content blocks.
- Whiteboard items or shapes that support links.
- Dashboard widgets that allow direct URLs.
The exact supported locations can vary slightly depending on current platform updates. Always make sure you are adding a direct link to the item, not a general page or shared link that does not resolve to a specific task, Doc, or view.
Step-by-step: create a Reference Relationship in a task
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Open the task that will contain the link.
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Click into the description or a comment field.
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Paste the direct URL of another task, Doc, Whiteboard, Dashboard, or view.
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Save the description or post the comment.
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Open the item you linked to and look for the references section or badge. You should now see a Reference Relationship back to the original task.
Step-by-step: create a Reference Relationship in a Doc
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Open the Doc where you want to place the link.
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Click into a text block.
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Paste the direct URL of the task, Doc, Whiteboard, Dashboard, or view.
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Optionally, convert the URL into a hyperlink with readable anchor text.
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Open the referenced item to confirm the new relationship appears in its references section.
How to view Reference Relationships in ClickUp
Once Reference Relationships are created, you can view them from the item being referenced. The exact layout depends on the feature, but the behavior is similar across the platform.
Viewing references from a ClickUp task
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Open the task.
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Look for a references area or badge, often in the sidebar or near the activity section.
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Expand this area to see a list of items that reference the task, such as Docs, other tasks, views, or Whiteboards.
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Click any listed reference to open it in a new pane or tab, depending on your layout settings.
Viewing references from a ClickUp Doc
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Open the Doc that you suspect is referenced elsewhere.
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Open the details panel or side panel if it is not already visible.
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Locate the references section to see any tasks, views, or other Docs that link to this one.
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Select a reference to navigate directly to the related item and review its context.
Viewing references from Whiteboards, Dashboards, and views
For other features, the process is similar:
- Open the Whiteboard, Dashboard, or view.
- Access its details or info panel.
- Find the references or linked items area.
- Click through to open the related tasks or Docs.
Best practices for using ClickUp Reference Relationships
To get the most value from Reference Relationships in ClickUp, encourage your team to follow a few simple practices.
Use consistent direct links
Always use direct URLs from the address bar or item sharing menu when linking tasks, Docs, or views. This ensures ClickUp can recognize and create a Reference Relationship.
Link key documentation and requirements
When you have important Docs or planning Whiteboards, link them from the main tasks they support. This makes it easier for collaborators to find background information from the task itself.
Review references before major updates
Before changing or archiving a high-impact item, check its references section. This helps you understand which other tasks, Docs, or reports depend on it and avoid breaking important connections.
More resources and support
For additional details on Reference Relationships in ClickUp, including the latest supported locations and visuals, refer directly to the official documentation at this ClickUp help article.
If you want expert implementation assistance, workspace structure consulting, or SEO-driven documentation support around ClickUp, you can explore professional services from Consultevo.
By using Reference Relationships consistently, your team can keep work connected, reduce context switching, and navigate complex projects in ClickUp with greater confidence and clarity.
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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