How to Use ClickUp as a Redmine Alternative

ClickUp can replace Redmine as your central hub for project management, issue tracking, and collaboration when you configure it the right way. This how-to guide walks you through setting up a workspace, organizing tasks, and recreating common Redmine workflows inside a modern, user-friendly platform.

The steps below are based on the capabilities highlighted in the ClickUp Redmine alternatives overview and translate them into a practical, step-by-step setup process.

Step 1: Plan Your ClickUp Workspace Structure

Before creating tasks, design a structure that mirrors the way you used Redmine projects, trackers, and modules.

1. Create a Workspace: Start with a single Workspace for your organization or department.

2. Set Up Spaces: Use Spaces to group major business areas or product lines. For example:

   • Software Development
   • IT Operations
   • Client Projects

3. Organize Folders: Under each Space, create Folders to map to Redmine projects or major epics, such as:

   • Web App Platform
   • Mobile App
   • Internal Tools

4. Create Lists: Use Lists inside Folders to represent specific workflows or components, like:

   • Backlog
   • Sprint 01
   • Bug Tracking
   • Change Requests

This hierarchy lets you keep work structured and scalable while still being flexible enough to adapt to changing requirements.

Step 2: Configure ClickUp Task Types and Custom Fields

Redmine uses trackers such as Bug, Feature, and Support. You can recreate this classification using ClickUp task types and custom fields.

1. Define Task Types: Use standard tasks for issues, bugs, and features. Optionally, use subtasks for smaller, related work items.

2. Add Custom Fields: In each relevant List, add fields like:

   • Issue Type (Dropdown: Bug, Feature, Support, Improvement)
   • Priority (Dropdown: Low, Normal, High, Urgent)
   • Severity
   • Affected Version
   • Environment (Production, Staging, QA)

3. Map Redmine Attributes: Any Redmine fields you relied on (category, target version, estimated hours) can be recreated as custom fields in ClickUp for consistent reporting.

Step 3: Build ClickUp Statuses to Match Your Workflow

Redmine workflows rely heavily on statuses. Rebuild them as custom statuses in ClickUp so your team experiences a familiar process.

1. Create Custom Statuses: At the List or Folder level, define a status flow such as:

   • Open
   • In Progress
   • Code Review
   • Testing
   • Resolved
   • Closed

2. Use Status Groups: Group statuses into Open, In Progress, and Done to simplify reporting and dashboard views.

3. Align With Teams: Review statuses with development, QA, and support so everyone understands when and how to move tasks.

Step 4: Import or Rebuild Your Redmine Backlog in ClickUp

Once your structure and statuses are defined, bring your work into the new system.

1. Export From Redmine: Export issues from Redmine in CSV format, including fields like subject, description, status, priority, and assignee.

2. Prepare the File: Align column names with the custom fields you created in your new Lists.

3. Use ClickUp Import: In the chosen List, use the import feature to map CSV columns to task fields and custom fields.

4. Verify Data: Spot-check imported tasks to confirm priorities, assignees, and statuses match your expectations.

If you prefer a fresh start, manually recreate only active items and archive older issues in your previous tool.

Step 5: Set Up Agile Boards and Sprints in ClickUp

Redmine supports Agile via plugins. You can run Agile natively using boards and views in ClickUp.

1. Create a Board View: In your Backlog or Sprint List, add a Board view grouped by Status for a Kanban-style workflow.

2. Organize Sprints: Use separate Lists per sprint (Sprint 01, Sprint 02) or a single List with a Sprint custom field to group tasks.

3. Estimate Work: Add number fields for Story Points or Estimated Hours and use them in your planning sessions.

4. Track WIP: Use filters and Work in Progress limits (via views and dashboards) to avoid overloading your team.

This setup gives you a clean visual flow from backlog to done without relying on extra plugins.

Step 6: Enable Time Tracking and Reporting in ClickUp

Redmine has built-in time logging and activity views. You can create similar (and more detailed) tracking in ClickUp.

1. Turn On Time Tracking: Enable native time tracking in your Workspace so team members can log effort directly on tasks.

2. Standardize Logging: Decide how your team will log time (per day, per completed status change, or at task close).

3. Build Dashboards: Use Dashboards with widgets such as:

   • Time Tracked by Assignee
   • Time Tracked by List or Sprint
   • Open vs. Closed Issues Over Time

4. Compare to Redmine Data: If needed, keep a snapshot of Redmine reports to benchmark baseline workloads and trends.

Step 7: Configure Permissions and Collaboration

Redmine uses roles and permissions for access control. Recreate a secure, collaborative environment using ClickUp features.

1. Define User Roles: Create or adjust roles (Admin, Member, Guest) based on who should manage settings, edit tasks, or view reports.

2. Control Sharing: Decide which Spaces are public to your internal team and which should be restricted (for example, client-specific projects).

3. Use Comments and Mentions: Replace email-heavy workflows with comments, @mentions, and threaded discussions on tasks.

4. Attach Files: Upload screenshots, logs, and spec documents directly to tasks to centralize context.

Step 8: Automate Repetitive Work in ClickUp

Where Redmine may require manual changes or plugins, you can use automation in ClickUp to streamline your processes.

1. Create Basic Automations: Examples include:

   • When status changes to Testing, assign to QA lead
   • When priority is Urgent, add a specific tag or watcher
   • When a task is Closed, move it to an Archive List

2. Use Templates: Save commonly used task structures as templates (bug report, feature request) with predefined fields and checklists.

3. Integrate With Other Tools: Connect your workspace to communication and development tools to keep everything in sync.

Step 9: Train Your Team on ClickUp Workflows

A smooth transition from Redmine depends on clear guidance and repeatable habits.

1. Document Processes: Create a small internal guide that explains:

   • Where new issues are created
   • How to choose the right List or Space
   • Which fields are mandatory
   • When to move statuses

2. Run a Pilot Sprint: Move one team or one project into ClickUp first. Gather feedback and refine your statuses, fields, and views.

3. Review Weekly: Use a short weekly review to check dashboards, clean up old tasks, and reinforce correct usage.

Step 10: Continuously Improve Your ClickUp Setup

Once the basics are running smoothly, iterate on your configuration for better clarity and performance.

• Refine Views: Create separate views for developers, testers, and managers (for example, My Issues, Bugs Only, Overdue Items).
• Improve Dashboards: Add charts for defect trends, sprint completion, or cycle time.
• Standardize Tags: Use consistent tags for components, releases, or teams to keep filtering simple.
• Audit Permissions: Regularly review who has access to sensitive Lists and client projects.

Small improvements each sprint result in a clean, reliable system that grows with your organization.

Additional Resources for Optimizing Your Setup

As you refine your implementation, you may want expert guidance on broader workflow design and integration strategies. You can explore consulting services at Consultevo for help aligning your project management processes with your business goals.

By following these steps, you can move from Redmine to a modern, flexible platform and build a structured, automated environment that supports development teams, stakeholders, and clients in one cohesive workspace.

Need Help With ClickUp?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.

Get Help

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