How to Use Not Started Statuses in ClickUp
Not Started statuses in ClickUp help you organize new tasks before any work begins, so every task clearly shows that it has not yet entered an active stage.
This guide explains how to enable, configure, and manage Not Started statuses so your workspace stays consistent from the moment tasks are created.
Understanding Not Started Statuses in ClickUp
In ClickUp, every task moves through stages that describe its progress. A Not Started status is used for tasks that are created, visible, and ready to be picked up, but where no actual work has begun.
You can choose to use a single default Not Started status or create multiple Not Started statuses to match your workflow and planning process.
- Not Started statuses appear at the beginning of a workflow.
- They indicate that the task has not yet moved into an In Progress or active stage.
- They are fully customizable by Workspace owners and admins.
Where Not Started Statuses Appear in ClickUp
In ClickUp, Not Started statuses are used in Spaces, Folders, and Lists that have custom task statuses enabled. When you configure a workflow for one of these levels, you define which statuses represent the Not Started phase.
The Not Started section appears at the top of the status configuration panel and must have at least one status when you use custom workflows.
How to Set Up Not Started Statuses in ClickUp
Follow these steps to set up or edit Not Started statuses in your workflows.
Step 1: Open the ClickUp Workflow Editor
- Go to the Space, Folder, or List where you want to manage statuses.
- Open the settings for that location.
- Find the task statuses or workflow section to open the status editor.
From here, you can see all current Not Started, active, and Done statuses for that part of your ClickUp hierarchy.
Step 2: Add a New Not Started Status in ClickUp
- In the workflow editor, locate the Not Started section at the top.
- Click the option to add a new status.
- Enter a status name that clearly describes the initial state of the task.
- Choose a color to visually distinguish it from other statuses.
- Save your changes.
New tasks created in that Space, Folder, or List can now be assigned to this new Not Started status in ClickUp.
Step 3: Edit Not Started Status Names and Colors in ClickUp
You can adjust existing Not Started statuses to make your workflow more intuitive.
- Open the workflow editor for the Space, Folder, or List.
- Hover over the Not Started status you want to change.
- Click to edit the name and color.
- Save your updates to apply them to all tasks using that workflow.
Renaming a Not Started status in ClickUp updates it everywhere that status is used within that workflow.
Step 4: Reorder Not Started Statuses in ClickUp
If you have multiple Not Started statuses, you can reorder them so the most common one appears first.
- Open the workflow editor.
- Click and drag a Not Started status within its section.
- Drop it in the order you prefer.
The order you set in ClickUp affects how statuses appear in dropdowns and views when team members select a Not Started status for a task.
Best Practices for Not Started Statuses in ClickUp
Well-structured Not Started statuses keep early task stages clear and prevent confusion about what is ready to begin.
Keep ClickUp Not Started Statuses Simple
Avoid creating too many Not Started statuses that are hard to distinguish. Use a small set of clear labels such as:
- Backlog
- Ready to Plan
- Pending Input
- Awaiting Approval to Start
Use only the Not Started statuses you really need to reflect the earliest steps in your workflow.
Align ClickUp Not Started Statuses With Your Process
Make sure each Not Started status matches a real stage of your planning process. For example:
- Use a backlog status for ideas that are captured but not yet reviewed.
- Use a ready status for tasks that are fully defined and waiting to be picked up.
- Use a pending status for tasks waiting for required details before work can begin.
This alignment helps every ClickUp user understand exactly what it means when a task is marked as Not Started.
Use Consistent Naming Across ClickUp
Use the same Not Started names across related Spaces and Folders whenever possible. Consistent naming makes reporting, filtering, and cross-team collaboration easier.
Before adding new Not Started statuses, review existing ones in other areas of your ClickUp Workspace and reuse working patterns whenever they fit.
How Not Started Statuses Work With Other Status Types in ClickUp
In a full workflow, Not Started statuses appear first, followed by active or In Progress statuses, and then Done or closed statuses.
When a task moves out of a Not Started status in ClickUp and into an active status, that change is visible in views, filters, and dashboards that track task progress.
- Use Not Started for tasks that have not begun.
- Use active statuses when work is underway.
- Use Done or similar statuses when work is complete.
Keeping clear boundaries between these status types helps ensure accurate progress tracking and reporting across your ClickUp Workspace.
Troubleshooting Not Started Statuses in ClickUp
Not Started Status Missing From a Workflow
If a workflow in ClickUp does not show any Not Started status, check whether it is using a simple or custom status setup. Custom workflows require at least one Not Started status, so you may need to add one in the status editor.
Tasks Skipping Not Started Statuses
If tasks are being created directly in an active status instead of a Not Started status, review the default status settings for that Space, Folder, or List and adjust them so new tasks start in the desired Not Started state.
More Resources on ClickUp Statuses
For the original product documentation about Not Started statuses, see the official support article on the ClickUp Help Center: Not Started Statuses.
If you want professional help optimizing your workspace structure, workflows, and documentation, you can also consult specialists at Consultevo.
By setting up clear Not Started statuses in ClickUp, you give every task a well-defined starting point, reduce confusion for your team, and keep projects organized from the moment work is planned.
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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