Use Button Custom Fields in ClickUp

Button Custom Fields in ClickUp let you trigger powerful, automated actions with a single click directly from your tasks. They are ideal for streamlining routine work, launching automations, and giving your team a quick way to run repeatable actions without leaving the task view.

This guide explains how Button Custom Fields work, how to add them to your ClickUp tasks, and how to combine them with Automations for faster workflows.

What are Button Custom Fields in ClickUp?

A Button Custom Field is a clickable button that appears on your tasks, docs, or other supported locations in ClickUp. Instead of manually performing a sequence of actions, you can click the button to trigger a predefined workflow.

Button Custom Fields are often used to:

Start or run Automations on demand
Update task details like status, assignees, or priorities
Create or link related tasks or subtasks
Run consistent processes without manual steps

Each button is configured with specific options that determine what happens when a user clicks it.

Access requirements for Button Custom Fields in ClickUp

Before using Button Custom Fields in ClickUp, verify the following access requirements:

Plan and permissions: Button Custom Fields are available in workspaces that support Custom Fields and Automations. You must have permission to edit settings where Custom Fields are managed.
Location: You need access to the Space, Folder, or List where you want to add or use the field.
Automation access: To connect a button to an Automation, your role must allow you to create or edit Automations.

If you are unsure whether Button Custom Fields are included in your ClickUp plan, contact your workspace owner or admin.

How Button Custom Fields work in ClickUp

Button Custom Fields in ClickUp are configured at the Space, Folder, or List level, then used on tasks that inherit those settings. When someone clicks the button, ClickUp immediately performs the linked action or triggers the associated Automation.

At a high level, the process is:

Create a new Button Custom Field on a location (Space, Folder, or List).
Choose what the button does, such as running a specific Automation.
Add the field to views or layouts where your team works.
Click the button from individual tasks whenever you need to perform the action.

Buttons can be reused across many tasks, making them especially powerful for standardized workflows.

How to create a Button Custom Field in ClickUp

Follow these steps to create a Button Custom Field in ClickUp. Exact labels or menus may vary slightly depending on your workspace layout, but the setup flow remains consistent.

Step 1: Open the location settings in ClickUp

Navigate to the Space, Folder, or List where you want to use the button.
Open the location settings or view settings where Custom Fields can be managed.
Find the option to manage or add Custom Fields.

This is where you define which fields are available to tasks in that part of your ClickUp hierarchy.

Step 2: Add a new Button Custom Field in ClickUp

In the Custom Fields area, choose to add a new field.
Select the Button field type.
Enter a clear name for the button so your team understands what it does, such as “Start Review” or “Send for Approval”.

Short, action-focused names work best for Button Custom Fields in ClickUp because they appear directly on tasks as clickable controls.

Step 3: Configure button options

After creating the Button Custom Field, configure its behavior. While exact options depend on your workspace and available automation features, you typically will:

Choose whether the button triggers an Automation or a direct action.
Link the button to an existing Automation or create a new one dedicated to this button.
Confirm which tasks or items are affected when the button is clicked.

Once configured, save your Button Custom Field so it becomes available across the selected ClickUp location.

Using Button Custom Fields in ClickUp tasks

After you add and configure a Button Custom Field in ClickUp, you can use it from tasks that belong to the location where the field is active.

Where the button appears in ClickUp

Depending on your view and configuration, Button Custom Fields may appear:

In the task details panel
As a column in List view
Within other supported views that show Custom Fields

Look for the button labeled with the name you assigned when configuring the Custom Field.

How to trigger actions with a Button Custom Field

Open a task that uses the Button Custom Field.
Locate the button in the Custom Fields area or task view.
Click the button to run the configured action.
Wait for ClickUp to complete the automation or update. In many cases, changes (such as status updates or new tasks) appear immediately.

If the button is tied to an Automation, it will run exactly as designed every time, helping maintain consistent processes.

Best practices for Button Custom Fields in ClickUp

To get the most value from Button Custom Fields in ClickUp, follow these tips:

Use descriptive names: Make button labels action-oriented and clear, such as “Mark as Ready for QA” or “Notify Client”.
Limit the number of buttons per task: Too many buttons can confuse users. Focus on the actions that are most important to your workflow.
Combine buttons with Automations: Buttons are most powerful when they trigger Automations that update tasks, move items between Lists, or handle handoffs between teams.
Test in a sample List: Before rolling out to the entire workspace, test new Button Custom Fields in a smaller ClickUp location to confirm they behave as expected.
Document internal usage: Provide a short internal guide so team members know what each button does and when to use it.

Troubleshooting Button Custom Fields in ClickUp

If your Button Custom Fields in ClickUp are not working as expected, review the following areas:

Permissions: Confirm that you have permission to view and use Custom Fields and Automations in that location.
Location scope: Verify the button was created at the correct Space, Folder, or List level.
Automation status: If the button triggers an Automation, make sure the Automation is active and not paused or disabled.
Task type: Ensure the task or item supports the Button Custom Field and is part of the location where it was configured.

For detailed, official reference and any recent updates, you can review the original help article on Button Custom Fields directly in the ClickUp Help Center: Use Button Custom Fields.

Learn more about optimizing ClickUp workflows

Button Custom Fields are just one way to optimize your processes in ClickUp. When combined with well-designed Automations, clear task structures, and consistent naming, they can significantly reduce manual work.

If you want help designing scalable workflows, automation strategies, or AI-assisted processes around ClickUp, you can explore consulting and implementation services from Consultevo.

By thoughtfully configuring Button Custom Fields in ClickUp and documenting how your team should use them, you create a reliable, repeatable way to run your key processes with a single click.

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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