Edit Task Statuses in ClickUp

Task statuses in ClickUp control how work moves through your process, from creation to completion. Learning how to edit these statuses helps you keep every Space, Folder, and List aligned with your team’s workflow.

This guide explains which status changes are allowed, how to update them at different levels, and what to watch for so your existing tasks stay accurate.

How ClickUp task statuses work

Statuses define the stages a task can move through. They are organized under a single required type called Active. Within that type, you can add as many steps as your workflow needs.

Before editing, keep these key rules in mind:

• You can only use the Active status type.
• Statuses are configured separately for each Space, Folder, and List.
• Some workflows are unique and cannot be changed.

Existing tasks keep their current status values, even if you alter or delete those statuses later.

Status editing options available in ClickUp

Within a Space, Folder, or List, you can update how statuses look and behave. In ClickUp, you are allowed to:

• Rename an existing status.
• Reorder statuses within the Active group.
• Change the color of a status.
• Remove an existing status from the workflow.
• Add a new status to the Active group.

These options give you flexibility to adjust workflows as your processes evolve.

Status configurations you cannot edit in ClickUp

Some parts of the status system are fixed. You cannot change:

• The status type name Active.
• The order or configuration of status types (because only Active is available).
• The statuses used in Home.
• Statuses in the proprietary Work Management and Catalyst Spaces.
• The status used by Reminders.

These restrictions help maintain consistent behavior for key ClickUp features.

How to access status settings in ClickUp

Follow these steps to open the status editor for any location:

1. Open the Space, Folder, or List whose statuses you want to edit.
2. Click the ellipsis menu or settings option for that location.
3. Select the workflow or statuses settings section.
4. Open the status configuration panel for that specific Space, Folder, or List.

Each location has its own configuration, so repeat these steps wherever you need custom workflows.

Rename statuses in ClickUp

Renaming statuses lets you match terminology to your team’s language. To rename:

1. Open the status settings for the Space, Folder, or List.
2. Locate the status you want to rename in the Active group.
3. Click the status name.
4. Type the new name.
5. Save or confirm your changes.

The new name immediately appears on tasks using that status and across views that display it.

Reorder statuses in ClickUp

Reordering statuses changes how work flows visually from left to right or top to bottom, depending on your view. To reorder:

1. Go to the status configuration for the chosen Space, Folder, or List.
2. Find the list of statuses under the Active type.
3. Drag and drop statuses into the desired order.
4. Release to confirm their new positions.

All tasks keep their current status values, but they will appear in the updated sequence throughout your ClickUp views.

Change status colors in ClickUp

Colors help your team quickly recognize where a task stands. To update colors:

1. Open status settings at the Space, Folder, or List level.
2. Hover over or select the status you want to change.
3. Click the color picker or color indicator.
4. Choose a new color from the palette or options provided.
5. Save your changes if needed.

Updated colors apply everywhere that status appears, such as boards, lists, and dashboards.

Remove statuses from a ClickUp workflow

Removing statuses streamlines your process when certain steps are no longer needed. To remove a status:

1. Open the status editor for the chosen location.
2. Locate the status in the Active group.
3. Click the delete or remove icon next to the status.
4. Confirm that you want to remove it.

Tasks that currently use the removed status are handled according to rules in the workflow editor. Review your configuration carefully so nothing is lost and every task still has a valid status.

Add new statuses to ClickUp workflows

Adding new statuses lets you define additional steps in your process. To add one:

1. Open status settings in the relevant Space, Folder, or List.
2. Find the option to add a new status in the Active group.
3. Enter a clear, descriptive status name.
4. Pick a color that matches your conventions.
5. Place it in the correct sequence using drag and drop if available.

New statuses are instantly available, so your team can start using them on tasks right away.

Managing status changes across ClickUp

When you update statuses, consider how they affect your broader setup. Changing workflows can impact:

• Saved views and filters based on specific statuses.
• Automations that trigger on status changes.
• Dashboards and reports tracking status metrics.

Make a plan before you edit critical workflows. For optimization support, you can explore implementation guidance from partners such as Consultevo.

Special status scenarios in ClickUp

Home status limitations in ClickUp

Statuses shown in the Home area have fixed behavior. You cannot change their configuration, even if you adjust statuses elsewhere. This ensures consistency for personal work management.

Work Management and Catalyst Spaces in ClickUp

Proprietary Work Management and Catalyst Spaces include built-in workflows. Their statuses are locked and cannot be edited. For custom processes, configure statuses in your other Spaces, Folders, or Lists.

Reminder status behavior in ClickUp

Reminders use a defined status that cannot be modified. Editing main workflows does not change how Reminder statuses work.

Learn more from the official ClickUp documentation

For full details and the most up-to-date instructions, refer to the official help article on editing task statuses: Edit task statuses in ClickUp.

By understanding these options and limitations, you can confidently configure task statuses in ClickUp so they match your team’s workflow and scale with your projects.

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