Archive Folders in ClickUp
In ClickUp, archiving Folders and Lists helps you keep your Workspace organized without permanently deleting important items. This guide explains how to archive and restore Folders and Lists so you can clean up views while still keeping your task data available when you need it.
What archiving means in ClickUp
Archiving in ClickUp removes Folders and Lists from everyday views while preserving their tasks, comments, and history. Archived items can be restored at any time, which makes archiving ideal for completed projects and temporary initiatives.
When you archive a Folder or List:
- The item is hidden from most views and sidebar navigation.
- All tasks inside the Folder or List are archived as well.
- Data is not deleted and can be restored later.
- Archived items can be reviewed in dedicated archive views.
This behavior allows teams to maintain a clear structure in ClickUp while still retaining access to past work.
How ClickUp handles archived Folders and Lists
Understanding what happens after you archive an item in ClickUp will help you decide when to archive instead of delete.
- Archived Folders and Lists do not appear in standard navigation.
- Tasks within archived Folders and Lists no longer appear in most task views unless filters include archived items.
- You can still open archived Folders, Lists, and tasks from archive views and restore them if needed.
Archiving is best for work that is finished but may need to be referenced later, such as closed projects, completed campaigns, or previous sprints.
How to archive a Folder in ClickUp
Use these steps to archive a Folder in ClickUp so it stops cluttering your Space while all its data remains intact.
Steps to archive a Folder in ClickUp
- Open your Workspace and navigate to the correct Space in the sidebar.
- Locate the Folder you want to archive beneath that Space.
- Hover over the Folder name to reveal more options.
- Click the ellipsis button (three dots) next to the Folder name.
- From the menu, select Archive.
- Confirm the action if a confirmation prompt appears.
After archiving, the Folder and all its Lists and tasks are archived together. They are removed from primary views in ClickUp but can still be accessed and restored.
What happens to tasks when you archive a Folder in ClickUp
When you archive a Folder in ClickUp:
- Every List inside the Folder is archived.
- All tasks contained in those Lists are archived.
- Dependencies, comments, attachments, and activity history are preserved.
- Reporting and historical references can still use data from archived tasks where supported.
This keeps your Workspace tidy while retaining context for audits, retrospectives, or future reference.
How to archive a List in ClickUp
You can also archive individual Lists in ClickUp without archiving the entire Folder. This is useful when one phase or project is finished but the Folder is still active.
Steps to archive a List in ClickUp
- Open the relevant Space and Folder in the sidebar.
- Locate the List you want to archive.
- Hover over the List name to show more actions.
- Click the ellipsis button (three dots) next to the List.
- Select Archive from the menu.
- Confirm the archive action if prompted.
The List is now archived, along with all tasks inside it, while the parent Folder and other Lists remain active in ClickUp.
Why archive a List instead of deleting it in ClickUp
Archiving a List in ClickUp is safer than deleting because:
- You can restore the List later with all its tasks and data.
- Team members keep access to historical conversations and decisions.
- Past performance, checklists, and references remain available.
Delete only when you are certain the data will never be needed again; otherwise, use archiving for better Workspace hygiene.
How to find archived Folders and Lists in ClickUp
After archiving, you may need to review or restore items. ClickUp provides ways to locate archived Folders and Lists quickly.
- Open the relevant Space and look for an archived or hidden items section if available.
- Use search and filters to include archived tasks when looking for specific items.
- Use dedicated archive views where provided to browse archived structures.
Exact navigation options may vary depending on updates to the platform. For the most current interface details, refer to the original product guide on archiving and restoring Folders and Lists.
How to restore a Folder in ClickUp
If you archived a Folder too early or need to resume work, you can restore it in ClickUp. Restoring brings back the Folder, its Lists, and all tasks to active views.
Steps to restore an archived Folder in ClickUp
- Navigate to the area or view that displays archived items for your Space.
- Locate the archived Folder you want to restore.
- Click the ellipsis button (three dots) or similar action control next to the Folder.
- Select Restore.
- Wait for the Folder, its Lists, and tasks to reappear in the sidebar and related views.
Once restored, the Folder behaves like any other active Folder in ClickUp, and you can continue editing tasks, adding comments, and updating statuses.
How to restore a List in ClickUp
Individual Lists can be restored in ClickUp without affecting other archived items. This is helpful if only one project or phase needs to be reactivated.
Steps to restore an archived List in ClickUp
- Open the archive or relevant Space view where archived Lists are displayed.
- Find the List you want to restore.
- Click the ellipsis button (three dots) or available action next to the List name.
- Select Restore.
- Verify that the List and all its tasks appear again in the Folder.
After restoration, the List is fully functional, and its tasks return to normal task views and reporting in ClickUp.
Best practices for archiving in ClickUp
To keep your Workspace lean and efficient, follow these practical tips when using archiving in ClickUp:
- Archive completed projects regularly: When a project finishes, archive the related List or Folder to avoid clutter.
- Group work by lifecycle: Use Folders for major initiatives and Lists for phases, then archive Lists as each phase ends.
- Standardize your process: Document when teams should archive vs. delete to avoid accidental data loss.
- Review archives periodically: Revisit archived Folders and Lists to decide if anything can be permanently removed.
These practices support a consistent structure in ClickUp and make it easier for team members to find current work quickly.
Learn more about ClickUp setup and optimization
If you want expert help planning Spaces, Folders, and Lists for scalable growth in ClickUp, consider working with a dedicated productivity and systems consultancy like Consultevo. Proper structure from the beginning makes archiving and restoring much simpler over the long term.
For the most up-to-date product details, interface changes, and step-by-step visuals, always refer to the official guide on how to archive or restore Folders and Lists.
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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