How to Build Powerful Comparison Templates in ClickUp
ClickUp makes it easy to turn messy spreadsheets and scattered notes into clear, reusable comparison templates that help you make better decisions faster. This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to structure and customize comparison workflows so your team can confidently evaluate tools, vendors, strategies, and more.
The instructions below are based on the best practices shared in the ClickUp comparison templates guide and adapted into an actionable how-to article.
Why Use ClickUp for Comparisons?
Comparison work is more than a simple checklist. You need structure, context, and collaboration. A dedicated comparison template in ClickUp helps you:
- Centralize all options, data, and notes
- Apply consistent criteria across decisions
- Score and prioritize choices visually
- Collaborate with stakeholders in real time
- Reuse a proven framework for new decisions
Instead of rebuilding the same tables every time you evaluate a new tool or vendor, you can rely on standardized templates that live inside ClickUp.
Step 1: Plan Your ClickUp Comparison Template
Before building your template in ClickUp, clarify what you are comparing and what matters most.
Define the Goal of Your ClickUp Template
Start with a simple question: what decision is this comparison meant to support?
- Choosing between software tools
- Selecting vendors or partners
- Comparing marketing strategies
- Prioritizing projects or features
Your answer shapes the fields, views, and scoring model you will create in ClickUp.
List the Core Comparison Criteria
From the source comparison-templates article, the most effective templates focus on clear, repeatable criteria. Brainstorm and group your criteria into categories such as:
- Cost (price, licensing, implementation)
- Capabilities (features, integrations, limitations)
- Usability (learning curve, support, documentation)
- Impact (ROI, time saved, risk reduction)
These categories will become custom fields and columns inside your ClickUp comparison template.
Step 2: Create a Comparison List in ClickUp
Next, turn your plan into a structured List that you can convert into a reusable template inside ClickUp.
Set Up a New ClickUp Space, Folder, or List
- Create or open a Space where you manage evaluations and decisions.
- Add a Folder called something like “Evaluations & Comparisons.”
- Within that Folder, create a List named “Comparison Template – Master.”
This master List will eventually be saved as a template so you can clone it for each new decision.
Add Tasks for Each Option You Will Compare
In this ClickUp List, each task represents one option, such as a product, vendor, or initiative.
- Create a task for each option (for example, each software tool).
- Use the task name for the option’s title.
- Use the task description for background notes, links, and documentation.
Keeping one option per task allows you to filter, sort, and group options easily across different views in ClickUp.
Step 3: Configure Custom Fields in ClickUp
Custom fields are the engine of any strong comparison template in ClickUp. They turn subjective notes into structured, scorable data.
Choose the Right Field Types
Based on the comparison templates described in the source article, the following field types work especially well:
- Number fields for cost, scores, or ratings
- Dropdown fields for categories, tiers, or decision status
- Checkbox fields for must-have requirements
- Text fields for short notes or links
Map each of your earlier criteria to one of these field types in ClickUp.
Create a Simple Scoring System in ClickUp
To make comparisons easy to interpret, design a scoring model that is consistent across tasks.
- Add a custom Number field called “Score” or “Fit Rating.”
- Define a clear scale (for example, 1–5 or 1–10).
- Add separate score fields if you want to rate sub-areas like “Features Score” or “Support Score.”
This approach, inspired by the comparison-templates guidance, keeps your evaluation process structured while giving you flexibility inside ClickUp.
Step 4: Build Helpful ClickUp Views
The original comparison templates article emphasizes using different visual layouts to understand trade-offs. ClickUp views make that possible with a single set of data.
Create a Table View for Side-by-Side Comparisons
The Table View in ClickUp is ideal for classic comparison tables.
- Add a new Table View to your comparison List.
- Show only the most important custom fields (price, score, must-haves).
- Resize columns so you can scan options side by side.
This replicates traditional spreadsheet-style comparisons, but with the added power of tasks, comments, and automation in ClickUp.
Use a Board View to Track Decision Status
For decisions that unfold over time, create a Board View in ClickUp grouped by a “Decision Status” dropdown field.
- Create a custom field called “Decision Status” with values like “Researching,” “Shortlisted,” “Approved,” and “Rejected.”
- Add a Board View and group it by “Decision Status.”
- Drag tasks across columns as options move through your process.
This method connects comparison data with your broader workflows in ClickUp, keeping stakeholders aligned.
Step 5: Turn Your Comparison List into a ClickUp Template
Once your List structure, fields, and views are in place, save it as a template inside ClickUp so you can reuse it.
Save the Master List as a Template
- Open your “Comparison Template – Master” List.
- Use the List settings menu and choose the option to save as a template.
- Name it clearly, such as “Standard Comparison Template.”
- Select which elements to include: tasks, fields, views, automations, and descriptions.
Now, anytime you face a new decision, you can create a fresh List from this ClickUp template instead of starting from scratch.
Customize the ClickUp Template per Use Case
The comparison-templates blog explains that no single structure fits every scenario. After creating a new List from your master template, adjust it for the current decision:
- Remove fields that are not relevant
- Add new criteria specific to this decision
- Tweak views (for example, add a Gantt or Calendar view if timelines matter)
- Refine scoring rules as you gather feedback
This balance of standardization and flexibility is where ClickUp templates are most effective.
Step 6: Collaborate and Refine Inside ClickUp
A comparison template is only as good as the input it receives. Use ClickUp collaboration features to gather insights and finalize decisions.
Gather Feedback with Comments and Assigned Comments
Invite stakeholders into your ClickUp List and use comments to capture discussions:
- Ask subject-matter experts to review specific tasks (options).
- Use assigned comments to request missing data.
- Attach files, screenshots, and proposals directly to tasks.
This keeps all comparison context connected to the options themselves, as suggested by the source comparison article.
Track Final Decisions and Follow-Up Tasks
Once you select an option, update your ClickUp fields and create any follow-up tasks.
- Update “Decision Status” to reflect the final choice.
- Add a “Decision Rationale” text field and record the reasoning.
- Create implementation or onboarding tasks linked to the winning option.
This turns your ClickUp comparison template into a full decision-making and execution framework.
More Resources for Optimizing ClickUp Comparisons
To see example comparison templates and ideas straight from the source, review the original guide here: ClickUp comparison templates examples. You can adapt those layouts into your own Lists, views, and templates as described in this article.
If you need expert help structuring complex evaluations, integrating data, or optimizing your ClickUp setup for decision-making, consider working with a dedicated productivity and systems consultancy such as Consultevo.
By planning your criteria, structuring Lists, configuring custom fields, building views, saving templates, and collaborating effectively, you can turn ClickUp into a reliable decision engine for every comparison your team needs to make.
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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