How to Create a Folderless List from a Template in ClickUp
The ClickUp API lets you quickly spin up standardized Lists from existing templates so your workspaces stay consistent and easy to manage. This guide walks you through using the dedicated endpoint to create a Folderless List from a Template, explaining every required parameter and showing how to avoid common mistakes.
Understanding the ClickUp Folderless List From Template Endpoint
The endpoint you will use is the Create Folderless List from Template method, documented on the official ClickUp API reference. This operation creates a new List in a Space without placing it inside a Folder, while applying the structure and items stored in a template.
At a high level, the endpoint:
- Takes a
space_idto decide where the new List should live. - Requires a List
nameand atemplate_idin the request body. - Optionally accepts a
shared_witharray to share the List with specific users. - Returns the newly created List object on success.
Prerequisites for Using the ClickUp API
Before you call this ClickUp endpoint, make sure you have the following pieces in place:
- Workspace access: You must have permission to create Lists in the target Space.
- Personal API token: Generated from your ClickUp user settings.
- Space ID: The numeric identifier of the Space where the List will be created.
- Template ID: The ID of the List Template you want to use.
Keep your API token secure. Never embed it directly in client-side code that anyone can view.
Endpoint Details for ClickUp Folderless List Creation
Use the following HTTP details when building your integration.
ClickUp endpoint and method
- Method:
POST - Endpoint:
/api/v2/space/{space_id}/list/template
Replace {space_id} with the actual Space ID where you want the new List to be created.
Required ClickUp headers
Include these headers in your request:
Authorization: <your_api_token>Content-Type: application/json
The Authorization header must contain a valid token associated with a user who has permission to create Lists in the target Space.
Building the Request Body for the ClickUp Template Endpoint
The request body must be sent as JSON. The crucial fields for creating a Folderless List from a template in ClickUp are:
- name (string, required): The name of the new List that will be created.
- template_id (string, required): The identifier of the List Template to clone.
- shared_with (array of numbers, optional): User IDs that should have access to the List.
Minimal JSON example
This example shows the smallest valid request body:
{
"name": "Sprint 24",
"template_id": "1234-5678-ListTemplate"
}
In this case, the new List will be created in the target Space, based on the specified template, without sharing it with additional users beyond defaults.
JSON example with shared users in ClickUp
If you want to immediately share the List with specific users in ClickUp, provide their numeric IDs:
{
"name": "Client Onboarding",
"template_id": "abcd-template-id",
"shared_with": [12345678, 23456789]
}
Each value in shared_with must be a valid user ID that exists within the Workspace.
Step-by-Step: Create a Folderless List from a Template in ClickUp
Follow these steps to perform the full request from start to finish.
1. Gather required ClickUp identifiers
- Locate your Space ID from the ClickUp UI or API.
- Retrieve your Template ID for the List Template you want to use.
- Confirm the user IDs if you intend to use the
shared_withfield.
2. Construct the request URL
Insert the Space ID into the path:
https://api.clickup.com/api/v2/space/SPACE_ID/list/template
Replace SPACE_ID with the actual numeric Space ID.
3. Add authentication and headers
Set the following HTTP headers:
Authorizationwith your personal token.Content-Typeasapplication/json.
4. Send the POST request to ClickUp
Use your preferred HTTP client or programming language to send the POST request along with the JSON body. The server will process the template, create the new List, and return a JSON response describing the List.
5. Validate the response
On a successful call, the API returns details of the newly created List. Check fields such as:
- id: The new List ID.
- name: Confirms the List was named correctly.
- space or related fields: Confirms it was created in the right Space.
If an error is returned, review the status code and message to see whether the issue relates to authorization, a missing field, or an invalid template.
Best Practices for Using Templates with ClickUp
To make the most of this ClickUp endpoint, consider the following practical guidelines:
- Standardize names: Use a consistent naming scheme for Lists created from templates, for example including date ranges or client names.
- Manage templates centrally: Maintain a small, curated set of templates so you avoid confusion between similar ones.
- Test in a sandbox Space: Before rolling out new automations based on this ClickUp API method, create Lists in a test Space first.
- Log template usage: Keep simple logs of which template IDs are used in each automation to simplify debugging later.
Troubleshooting Common ClickUp API Issues
If you encounter problems when creating a Folderless List from a template, start by checking a few frequent causes.
Authentication and permission errors in ClickUp
- Ensure your
Authorizationheader is present and correct. - Confirm that the token belongs to a user with create permissions in the Space.
- Verify that the Workspace still has access to the template being used.
Invalid or missing fields in the request body
- Double-check that
nameandtemplate_idare included and not empty. - Confirm that
shared_withis an array of numeric user IDs. - Inspect the ClickUp API error message to see which field is causing the problem.
Template-related issues inside ClickUp
- Verify the template still exists and is a List Template.
- Check whether the template requires features not available in the target Space.
- Review any Workspace or Space-level restrictions that might block template usage.
Next Steps and Helpful Resources for ClickUp Users
After you are comfortable creating a Folderless List from a Template, you can extend your automation by integrating this method with other endpoints, such as updating tasks, assigning members, or managing custom fields across your ClickUp environment.
For more API details, always refer to the official Create Folderless List from Template documentation. If you want strategic guidance on designing workflows, automation logic, or AI-based documentation around ClickUp, you can learn more at Consultevo.
By following the steps above and aligning your template strategy with your internal processes, you can use the ClickUp API to create reliable, repeatable Lists that keep your teams organized and your workspace structure consistent.
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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