How to Use ClickUp as a Softr Alternative

If you are looking for a flexible no-code workspace that can replace Softr, ClickUp gives you a complete platform to build custom workflows, organize projects, and collaborate with your team in one place.

Based on the comparison in the Softr alternatives guide, this how-to walkthrough explains how to set up ClickUp as your main hub for tracking work, documenting processes, and managing clients or internal operations.

Why Use ClickUp Instead of Softr?

ClickUp is more than a simple app builder. It combines documents, tasks, databases, dashboards, and automation so you can run most of your operations without switching tools.

When you configure ClickUp as a Softr alternative, you can:

• Structure work in spaces, folders, and lists instead of scattered pages
• Create databases with custom fields to store everything from leads to resources
• Use multiple views to see the same data as lists, boards, calendars, and timelines
• Automate routine steps so your team does less manual updating
• Share information with clients while protecting internal data

Step 1: Plan Your Workspace Structure in ClickUp

Before you start building, outline how you want information to flow. A clear structure in ClickUp helps you replace and improve the layouts you previously built in Softr.

Map Your Softr Pages to ClickUp Hierarchy

Think about your existing Softr setup and decide how each part should live inside ClickUp.

1. Identify main areas of work. These become Spaces in ClickUp, such as Marketing, Operations, Product, or Clients.
2. Group related initiatives. Turn these into Folders within each space (for example, Campaigns, Onboarding, or Support).
3. Turn processes into Lists. Each workflow or project you tracked in Softr should be a List inside the appropriate folder.

This structure keeps data organized and gives you a foundation to add fields, views, and automation later.

Set Up Spaces in ClickUp

Create your main spaces to mirror the categories you used in Softr:

1. Open your workspace and click + New Space.
2. Name the space after a major function (e.g., “Client Projects” or “Product Development”).
3. Choose a color and icon to keep your ClickUp workspace visually clear.
4. Decide on default ClickApps like Custom Fields, Time Tracking, or Dependencies based on your needs.

Step 2: Build Lists and Custom Fields in ClickUp

In Softr, you may have used different sections or blocks to track information. In ClickUp, you achieve this with lists and custom fields, turning each list into a flexible database.

Create Lists for Each Workflow

For every process you want to manage, create a dedicated list in ClickUp:

1. Inside a folder, click + New List.
2. Name the list after the workflow, such as “Lead Pipeline,” “Feature Requests,” or “Content Calendar.”
3. Add a brief description so teammates understand its purpose.

Lists will hold your tasks, which function like database records when combined with custom fields.

Add Custom Fields to Mirror Softr Data

To capture the same data you stored in Softr, configure custom fields in ClickUp:

1. Open the list and click the + icon in the task column header.
2. Select Custom Field and choose a field type (text, number, dropdown, date, email, URL, etc.).
3. Name each field to match your existing data, such as “Client Name,” “Deal Value,” “Status,” or “Priority.”
4. Apply fields to the current list or across multiple lists if the information is reused.

Custom fields allow you to filter, sort, and group data in ClickUp just like database views in Softr-based apps.

Step 3: Configure ClickUp Views to Replace Softr Interfaces

Instead of designing front-end pages, you build different views inside ClickUp so each team member can see data the way they need.

Use List and Board Views in ClickUp

List and board views are usually the core of your daily work.

• List view: Ideal for spreadsheet-style layouts that replace tabular Softr sections.
• Board view: Great for kanban pipelines like sales processes, content stages, or support queues.

To add a view in ClickUp:

1. Open the list and click + View at the top.
2. Select List, Board, or another layout.
3. Use filters and group options to show only relevant tasks, such as grouping by stage or assignee.

Create Calendar and Timeline Views in ClickUp

If your Softr setup showed timelines or schedules, replicate that with calendar-focused views:

1. From the same + View menu, choose Calendar or Timeline.
2. Map date fields to start and due dates.
3. Filter by tags, statuses, or custom fields to display only key tasks.

These views help you transform a static Softr layout into a dynamic ClickUp workspace where you can drag and drop tasks between dates or stages.

Step 4: Use ClickUp Docs and Dashboards

Where Softr may have provided static content blocks, you can use ClickUp Docs and dashboards to create living resources and overviews.

Document Processes with ClickUp Docs

ClickUp Docs let you maintain internal playbooks, onboarding guides, or knowledge bases directly inside your workspace.

1. Navigate to the Docs section or create a doc from any space or list.
2. Write process steps, embed task links, and add checklists.
3. Use nested pages to keep your information organized.
4. Share docs with specific teammates or guests as needed.

This approach brings documentation closer to your work than a separate Softr site might allow.

Build Dashboards to Visualize ClickUp Data

Dashboards in ClickUp help you replicate high-level views that you may have assembled in Softr.

1. Go to the Dashboards area and click + New Dashboard.
2. Add widgets such as task lists, charts, totals, and sprints.
3. Filter widgets to show data from particular spaces, folders, or lists.
4. Share the dashboard with stakeholders who need quick overviews.

Dashboards consolidate metrics and statuses so your team no longer relies on multiple external pages.

Step 5: Automate Workflows in ClickUp

One advantage of running more of your operations in ClickUp is the ability to automate repetitive actions that were manual in Softr.

Set Up Automation Rules in ClickUp

Use automation rules to keep tasks updated without constant input.

1. Open a list and click the Automate button.
2. Choose from templates like “When status changes, change assignee” or “When due date arrives, move task.”
3. Customize triggers and actions based on your process, such as updating custom fields or sending notifications.
4. Test new automations with a small sample of tasks before applying them broadly.

Smart automation keeps your data current and reduces the effort typically needed to maintain a complex Softr configuration.

Step 6: Share and Collaborate in ClickUp

ClickUp makes it easy to collaborate internally and externally while controlling access to sensitive information.

Manage Permissions and Guest Access in ClickUp

To share lists or tasks with clients or partners:

1. Open the desired space, folder, or list.
2. Go to sharing and permissions settings.
3. Add guests and assign view, comment, or edit rights.
4. Hide internal lists or fields that should not be visible externally.

This gives you the benefits of client-facing Softr pages without exposing your entire workspace.

Step 7: Optimize Your ClickUp Setup Over Time

As your team uses ClickUp more, refine your configuration to match real-world behavior and feedback.

• Archive unused spaces and lists to keep navigation clean.
• Standardize naming conventions for tasks and custom fields.
• Review automations regularly to make sure they still fit your processes.
• Use templates in ClickUp to quickly spin up repeatable projects or checklists.

If you need extra help building or optimizing your workspace, consider working with a specialist. For example, Consultevo focuses on streamlining systems and can help you design an efficient ClickUp setup tailored to your organization.

Make ClickUp Your Central No-Code Hub

By carefully structuring spaces, lists, custom fields, and views, you can turn ClickUp into a robust Softr alternative that manages projects, documents, and data in a single platform.

Start with your most important workflows, replicate their structure inside ClickUp, then gradually expand with docs, dashboards, and automation. Over time, your team will rely on one unified workspace instead of juggling multiple disconnected tools.