Sprint Automations in ClickUp

Sprint Automations in ClickUp help agile teams reduce manual work by automatically creating, starting, updating, and closing sprints and their tasks. This guide explains how to configure each automation so your sprint cycles run smoothly with minimal effort.

What are Sprint Automations in ClickUp?

Sprint Automations are predefined rules that trigger when sprint-related events occur in your workspace. Instead of moving tasks, starting sprints, or adjusting dates by hand, you can let the platform handle repetitive actions based on clear conditions.

These automations only apply to sprints created in dedicated Sprint Folders using the Sprint ClickApp. They do not work on regular folders, lists, or tasks outside of a sprint structure.

Requirements to use ClickUp Sprint Automations

Before setting up automations, confirm that your workspace and spaces are configured correctly.

You must have the Sprint ClickApp enabled for the space containing your Sprint Folder.
Only admins or members with permission to edit automations can change Sprint Automations.
Sprint Folders must be set up using the Sprint Folder creation flow, not standard folders.
Each sprint must be created from the Sprint Folder so it inherits the folder settings.

Once these requirements are met, you can customize how each sprint behaves from planning through completion.

How to access Sprint Automations in ClickUp

You manage Sprint Automations from the Sprint Folder where your sprints live. Use these steps to open the settings:

Open the space that contains your Sprint Folder.
Click the Sprint Folder name to open it.
Click the settings menu for the folder (usually represented by three dots or a folder settings icon).
Select the Sprint settings or Automations option, depending on your current layout.
Locate the Sprint Automations section to view and configure individual rules.

Each automation can be toggled on or off and may include additional options to refine behavior to suit your team.

Available ClickUp Sprint Automations

There are four primary Sprint Automations you can configure. Each focuses on a different stage of the sprint lifecycle.

1. Automatically create sprints in ClickUp

The first automation creates upcoming sprints for you so your backlog is always ready for planning.

When turned on, the platform will automatically generate new sprints based on your Sprint Folder settings, including:

Sprint duration (for example, one week or two weeks)
Sprint naming convention
Start and end dates
Number of future sprints to keep ready

This is especially helpful for teams that follow strict recurring sprint cycles and want to avoid manually creating each new iteration.

2. Automatically start sprints in ClickUp

The second automation starts sprints automatically on their planned start date. When a sprint reaches its scheduled start, the system will:

Mark the sprint as active.
Update the sprint status to reflect that it has started.
Make the sprint visible in active sprint views and dashboards.

You can rely on scheduled dates instead of manually activating each new sprint. This keeps your cycle consistent, especially when managing multiple teams or overlapping sprints.

3. Automatically move tasks between sprints in ClickUp

The third automation helps manage incomplete work when a sprint ends. If tasks remain unfinished at the sprint’s end date, this rule can move them automatically to a new location.

Typical options include:

Move incomplete tasks to the next scheduled sprint.
Move incomplete tasks back to a backlog list.
Leave tasks in the closed sprint if you prefer manual handling.

When configuring this automation, you can limit it to specific task statuses, ensuring that only truly incomplete work is moved and completed items remain in their original sprint for reporting.

4. Automatically complete sprints in ClickUp

The fourth automation closes sprints automatically when they reach their end date. With this rule enabled, the system will:

Mark the sprint as complete when the end date passes.
Stop counting new work toward that sprint’s metrics.
Trigger any related automations that depend on sprint completion events.

This ensures consistent sprint closure and reliable reporting, even if team members forget to manually complete the sprint.

Configuring ClickUp Sprint Automations step by step

Follow this high-level process to configure Sprint Automations effectively:

Open your Sprint Folder. Navigate to the correct space and select the Sprint Folder created with the Sprint ClickApp.
Access Sprint settings. From the folder menu, open the sprint configuration panel.
Review each automation. You will see a list of sprint-related rules such as creating, starting, moving tasks, and completing sprints.
Toggle automations on or off. Enable the automations that match your workflow and disable those you do not need.
Adjust options. For each enabled automation, configure options like target sprints, date handling, or task movement criteria.
Save changes. Confirm your configuration so future sprints follow the updated rules.
Test with an upcoming sprint. Create or schedule a test sprint to verify that the automations behave as expected.

You can revisit these settings at any time as your agile processes evolve.

Best practices for ClickUp Sprint Automations

To get the most value from Sprint Automations, consider the following recommendations:

Align automation timing with team rituals. Make sure automatic creation and start dates line up with your planning and standup schedule.
Protect reporting accuracy. Avoid moving completed tasks out of finished sprints so reports reflect accurate historical performance.
Keep backlog management intentional. If you send incomplete tasks back to a backlog instead of the next sprint, schedule regular grooming sessions.
Review automation logs. When something behaves unexpectedly, check automation history to see which rule triggered a change.

Thoughtful configuration helps your team trust that sprint changes are intentional and transparent.

Where to learn more about ClickUp sprints

For a detailed reference on every option, review the official Sprint Automations documentation at this ClickUp help center article. It includes current interface screenshots and the latest feature details.

If you need broader process consulting, agile implementation guidance, or workspace architecture support, you can also explore expert services at Consultevo.

Summary

Sprint Automations give agile teams in ClickUp a powerful way to standardize and streamline the sprint lifecycle. By configuring rules to create, start, adjust, and complete sprints automatically, you reduce manual work and keep your team focused on delivering value rather than managing logistics.

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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