How to Manage Automation Testing in ClickUp

ClickUp can centralize your entire automation testing workflow, from planning and organizing test cases to tracking bugs and reporting results to stakeholders.

This how-to guide walks you step by step through setting up a structured testing space, creating repeatable processes, and using views, dashboards, and docs to keep QA work predictable and transparent.

Step 1: Plan Your Testing Structure in ClickUp

Before you add any tasks, decide how you want to structure your work in ClickUp. A clear hierarchy makes it easy for testers, developers, and managers to collaborate.

Choose a Space for Automation Testing

Create a dedicated Space for quality assurance so testing work is not lost among other projects.

• Name the Space something clear, like QA & Automation.
• Enable features relevant to testing, such as Custom Fields, Tags, and Docs.
• Use Space-level settings to standardize statuses and permissions.

Create Folders for Testing Types

Within your QA Space, divide work into Folders so each testing category stays organized.

• Functional Testing
• Regression & Smoke
• Performance & Load
• Integration & API
• Automation Framework

This folder structure mirrors the categories discussed in the automation testing tools guide, helping you map tools and processes directly into your project management flow.

Step 2: Build Lists for Test Suites in ClickUp

Use Lists in ClickUp to represent specific test suites, modules, or releases. This makes it easy to understand what is in scope for each cycle.

Set Up Lists by Module or Feature

For each Folder, add Lists based on logical groupings:

• By application module (e.g., Login & Authentication)
• By feature set (e.g., Billing & Subscriptions)
• By release or sprint (e.g., Release 1.4 Regression)

Each List will hold individual test case or test execution tasks, including manual checks and automated runs.

Define Custom Statuses for Testing

Configure List-level statuses so everyone sees where each test stands at a glance. A typical testing flow could include:

• To Do
• Ready for Execution
• In Progress
• Blocked
• Failed
• Passed
• Needs Review

Use clear colors and order so statuses read like a pipeline from left to right.

Step 3: Create Test Case Tasks in ClickUp

Each test case or test scenario should be represented as a task in ClickUp. This makes it easy to assign, schedule, and track results.

Design a Test Case Task Template

Create a reusable task template so every tester follows the same structure.

1. Open a new task in the appropriate List.
2. Add a clear title describing the scenario, such as “Verify user can reset password via email.”
3. Use the description to document:
   • Preconditions
   • Test steps
   • Expected result
   • Test data references
4. Add Custom Fields such as:
   • Test Type (Functional, Regression, Smoke, Performance)
   • Priority (Low, Medium, High, Critical)
   • Environment (Dev, QA, Staging, Production)
   • Automation Status (Not Automated, Planned, Automated)
5. Save as a template so your team can instantly spin up new test case tasks with a consistent format.

Link Bugs and Defects from ClickUp Tasks

When a test fails, quickly connect it to a defect so details are never lost.

• Create a new bug task in a dedicated Defects List or Folder.
• Use task relationships to link the failed test case to the bug.
• Attach logs, screenshots, and console output as task attachments.
• Mention developers in comments for quick triage and context.

This approach keeps your traceability chain intact from requirement to test case to defect.

Step 4: Track Execution Cycles Using ClickUp Views

Different ClickUp views let you manage automation and manual testing from the angles each role needs.

Use List and Table Views for Planning

Start with List or Table view to see all test case tasks in a structured format.

• Group by Status to see what is pending, running, or complete.
• Filter by Test Type to isolate regression or smoke suites.
• Sort by Priority to make sure critical tests run first.

Use Board View for Kanban-Style QA Management

Switch to Board view to visualize your testing flow like a Kanban board.

• Columns map directly to your test statuses.
• Drag tasks from “Ready for Execution” to “In Progress” to “Passed” or “Failed.”
• Quickly spot bottlenecks if cards pile up in “Blocked.”

Use Calendar and Gantt Views for Scheduling

For release managers and leads, Calendar and Gantt views show timing and dependencies.

• Assign due dates to key suites and critical test cases.
• Use Gantt to visualize testing windows aligned with development and deployment.
• Adjust timelines when scope changes or defects require re-testing.

Step 5: Document Your Automation Strategy in ClickUp Docs

Robust documentation keeps your tooling choices and automation strategy aligned with your testing tasks.

Centralize Testing Policies

Create Docs in ClickUp to store your:

• Automation testing strategy and scope
• Tool selection rationale (for UI, API, mobile, and performance)
• Coding standards for test scripts
• Onboarding checklists for new QA engineers

Link these Docs to relevant Spaces, Folders, or tasks so context is always one click away.

Map Tools to Processes

If your team uses automation tools covered in the source article, such as frameworks for UI or API testing, summarize how and when each one is used.

• Describe which test types are automated and which remain manual.
• List supported platforms and browsers.
• Explain where reports and logs are stored.

This keeps the implementation of your tooling aligned with the project management side housed in your work management platform.

Step 6: Use ClickUp Dashboards for QA Reporting

Dashboards in ClickUp help you present testing status to stakeholders in a clear, visual way.

Create a QA Dashboard

Build a Dashboard that pulls in widgets from your QA Space and specific Lists.

• Task status widgets to show counts of Passed, Failed, and Blocked tests.
• Pie charts for test distribution by Test Type or Priority.
• Burnup or burndown charts to track remaining tests against a release deadline.
• Table widgets filtered to open critical bugs.

Share the Dashboard with product managers, developers, and leadership so everyone sees the same real-time data.

Monitor Automation Coverage

Use Custom Fields and filters to track how much of your suite is automated.

• Show a percentage of tests with Automation Status set to “Automated.”
• Highlight high-priority areas that still rely on manual checks.
• Plan future automation work based on gaps surfaced on the Dashboard.

Step 7: Standardize and Improve Your Testing Workflow

Once your QA process is running, refine it with templates and recurring tasks.

Leverage Templates for Reusable Cycles

Speed up recurring regression or smoke test cycles by using templates.

• Convert Lists for major suites into templates to clone every release.
• Use task templates for common bugs or test types.
• Set up recurring tasks for environmental checks or routine maintenance.

Integrate With Other Tools

Connect your QA work with development and communication tools.

• Sync tasks with issue trackers used by development teams.
• Use automation to notify channels when critical bugs are created or resolved.
• Connect documents and results to external repositories if needed.

As your processes grow, consider expert guidance on workflow optimization. Services like Consultevo can help you design efficient end-to-end systems across tools.

Next Steps

By organizing your QA hierarchy, building structured test case tasks, and using views, Docs, and Dashboards effectively, you create a single source of truth for software quality work. Combine these steps with the insights from the automation testing tools overview to select the right tooling while keeping your testing process orchestrated in one place.

Need Help With ClickUp?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.

Get Help

“`