Create Lists From Templates in ClickUp

The ClickUp API lets you create Space-level Lists directly from existing templates so you can standardize workflows, automate setup, and keep your workspace consistent across teams and projects.

This how-to guide walks you through the official POST /space/{space_id}/list_template endpoint, explaining each field, headers, example payloads, and best practices for reliable integrations.

Understanding the ClickUp List Template Endpoint

The ClickUp developer platform exposes a dedicated endpoint to create a List from a List template within a specific Space. This is part of the Space-level API and is designed for automation, integrations, and bulk configuration.

Official reference documentation is available on the ClickUp Developer site at Create Space List from Template.

Endpoint Overview in ClickUp

• HTTP method: POST
• Base path: /api/v2 (depending on your environment)
• Endpoint: /space/{space_id}/list_template
• Authentication: Personal token or OAuth token in the Authorization header
• Content type: application/json

The endpoint creates a new List in the target Space based on an existing List template that already lives in that same ClickUp Workspace.

Prerequisites for Using the ClickUp API

Before sending a request, confirm that you have the following in place in your ClickUp environment:

• A valid ClickUp Workspace with API access enabled.
• A Space ID where the new List should be created.
• An existing List template accessible in that Workspace.
• API token or OAuth access with permission to manage Lists in the Space.

You can obtain your API token from your ClickUp profile settings and your Space ID from the URL or via other API endpoints.

Authentication and Headers in ClickUp

The endpoint requires authorization headers and JSON content. Typical headers include:

• Authorization: <your-clickup-token>
• Content-Type: application/json

Make sure to keep your ClickUp token secret and never commit it directly to public repositories.

Request Body Fields for ClickUp List Templates

The JSON body controls which template to use and how the new List should be configured. Common fields supported by this ClickUp endpoint include:

• name (string): The name of the new List created from the template.
• space_id (string or number): The Space ID is supplied as a path parameter, not in the body, but is conceptually required.
• list_template_id or template_id (string): Identifier of the List template to clone.
• include_tasks (boolean, optional): Whether to copy tasks from the template when creating the new List.
• assignee or other assignment options (optional): Control who is assigned to tasks, if supported by your current ClickUp API version.

The exact parameter names and available options are described on the official ClickUp reference page, so always check that documentation for the latest schema.

Example JSON Payload for ClickUp

Here is a simplified conceptual payload to illustrate how a request might look:

{
  "name": "Onboarding - Q1",
  "list_template_id": "template_12345",
  "include_tasks": true
}

Adjust field names and values according to the current ClickUp API specification for this endpoint.

Step-by-Step: Create a List From a Template in ClickUp

Follow these steps to automate List creation based on templates in your ClickUp Space.

1. Locate the Space ID in ClickUp

1. Open the ClickUp web app.
2. Navigate to the Space where you want the new List.
3. Capture the Space ID from the URL or retrieve it from a Space-related API endpoint.

2. Identify the List Template in ClickUp

1. Open the Templates area in ClickUp.
2. Confirm the List template exists and note its template ID if available from the UI or via the template-related endpoints.
3. Ensure your account or app has permissions to use this template.

3. Configure Your API Request to ClickUp

1. Set the HTTP method to POST.
2. Use the endpoint path /space/{space_id}/list_template, replacing {space_id} with the actual Space ID.
3. Add the required headers, including your ClickUp authorization token.
4. Prepare a JSON body with the List name, template ID, and any optional flags such as whether to include tasks.

4. Send the Request to ClickUp

1. Use a tool like cURL, Postman, or your preferred HTTP client library.
2. Send the POST request with the JSON payload and headers.
3. Check the HTTP status code and response body returned by ClickUp.

5. Verify the New List in ClickUp

1. Open the Space in the ClickUp interface.
2. Confirm that the new List appears with the specified name.
3. Verify that tasks, views, and any template-defined structure were copied as expected.

Handling Responses and Errors in ClickUp

The ClickUp API will respond with a JSON object describing the newly created List on success, often including fields like:

• id: The unique List ID.
• name: The List name.
• space: Information about the parent Space.
• Additional metadata about statuses, priorities, and other configuration items.

On error, ClickUp typically returns an HTTP error code (such as 400, 401, or 404) with a message field explaining the issue. Common causes include invalid Space ID, missing template ID, or insufficient permissions.

Common Troubleshooting Tips for ClickUp

• 401 Unauthorized: Verify the ClickUp token, ensure it is active, and confirm it is passed in the Authorization header.
• 404 Not Found: Check that the Space ID and template ID are valid and belong to the same ClickUp Workspace.
• 400 Bad Request: Validate your payload keys and data types against the latest ClickUp API reference.

Best Practices for Automating Templates in ClickUp

To get the most from this endpoint when scaling your ClickUp integrations, keep these practices in mind:

• Validate templates regularly: Ensure templates are maintained and updated before using them in automated workflows.
• Use consistent naming: Adopt a naming convention for Lists created from templates so they are easy to filter and report on.
• Log response data: Store the new List IDs for downstream automation, such as creating tasks, adding comments, or attaching documents through other ClickUp endpoints.
• Rate limit awareness: Respect ClickUp rate limits and add retry logic where necessary.

Additional ClickUp Resources

To explore more developer features, consult the official ClickUp documentation at the endpoint reference: ClickUp Create Space List from Template.

If you need implementation help, architecture planning, or SEO-focused content around ClickUp integrations, you can also visit Consultevo for consulting and technical guidance.

By using this List-from-template endpoint effectively, you can standardize project structures, accelerate onboarding, and keep every ClickUp Space aligned with your organization’s best practices.