Master Subtasks in ClickUp

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Master Subtasks in ClickUp List and Board View

Subtasks in ClickUp help you break complex work into smaller, manageable pieces while keeping everything connected to the main task. This guide explains how to create, nest, edit, and manage subtasks directly from List and Board view so your workflow stays organized and easy to track.

All instructions here are based on the official product documentation, which you can also review on the ClickUp help center.

Understanding Subtasks in ClickUp

In ClickUp, subtasks are tasks that live under a parent task. They inherit the same location as the parent and can also contain their own nested subtasks, creating deeper task hierarchies when needed.

Subtasks are ideal when you want to:

  • Break a single deliverable into multiple steps.
  • Assign different pieces of work to different people.
  • Track progress on each part while keeping one main parent task.
  • Quickly roll up completion data under a single parent item.

How to Create Subtasks in ClickUp List View

You can add new subtasks from List view in multiple ways. This gives you flexibility to work from the task row, task view, or inline subtasks section.

Create a subtask from a task row in ClickUp

  1. Open the Space, Folder, or List containing your work.
  2. Switch to List view if it is not already active.
  3. Hover over the task where you want to add a subtask.
  4. Click the Subtasks icon in the task row, or open the task and scroll to the subtasks area.
  5. Select Add subtask.
  6. Type a name for the new subtask and press Enter to create it.

New subtasks are automatically linked to the parent task and appear in the subtasks section beneath it.

Add multiple subtasks quickly in ClickUp

To add several subtasks at once in ClickUp List view:

  1. Open the parent task from your List.
  2. Scroll to the Subtasks section.
  3. Click Add subtask.
  4. Enter a title and press Enter to immediately create the subtask and start the next line.
  5. Repeat until you have added all required subtasks.

This workflow lets you rapidly build a structured checklist of subtasks under one parent.

Create nested subtasks in ClickUp

Subtasks can themselves contain subtasks, giving you multiple levels of depth when your work requires it.

  1. Open a parent task in List view.
  2. Locate one of its existing subtasks.
  3. Click the subtask to open it.
  4. In the subtask view, scroll to its Subtasks section.
  5. Select Add subtask and name the new nested item.

You can repeat this pattern to create deeper nested structures as needed, while still keeping everything under the original top-level parent task.

How to Create Subtasks in ClickUp Board View

You can also create and manage subtasks in ClickUp when you work from Board view, allowing you to stay in a Kanban-style layout while still using task hierarchies.

Add a subtask from a card in ClickUp Board view

  1. Open the Space, Folder, or List and switch to Board view.
  2. Find the card that should be the parent task.
  3. Click the card to open the task view.
  4. Scroll to the Subtasks area.
  5. Click Add subtask and type the new subtask name.
  6. Press Enter to save.

The new subtask is now part of the parent task and can be managed from either List or Board view.

Display Options for Subtasks in ClickUp Views

ClickUp gives you several ways to control how subtasks are displayed in List and Board view. This helps you either focus on high-level work or drill down into specific steps.

Subtask display options in ClickUp

From the view settings, you can choose how subtasks appear:

  • Collapse all: Show only parent tasks and hide all subtasks.
  • Expand all: Show parent tasks with all their subtasks visible underneath.
  • As separate tasks: Display subtasks on their own in the List or Board, independent of the parent’s row or card.

Use these options to quickly switch between a high-level overview and a detailed breakdown of your work.

Editing Subtasks in ClickUp List and Board View

Once subtasks are created, you can update their details from either List or Board view. Most standard task fields are available for subtasks.

Edit subtask fields inline in ClickUp

In List view:

  1. Expand the parent task to show its subtasks.
  2. Locate the subtask row you want to edit.
  3. Click directly into fields such as Status, Assignee, Due date, or Priority.
  4. Update the values and click away to save.

In Board view, open the subtask card to edit its fields in the task sidebar or full task view.

Edit subtask details from the task view in ClickUp

  1. Open the subtask by clicking on its name from List or Board.
  2. Modify core fields such as:
  • Title.
  • Description.
  • Assignees.
  • Custom fields.
  • Attachments and comments.
  1. Close the task when finished. Changes save automatically.

Bulk Actions for Subtasks in ClickUp

Bulk edit tools allow you to update multiple subtasks at once, saving time when managing large sets of related work.

Bulk edit subtasks in ClickUp List view

  1. In List view, ensure subtasks are visible (expanded or shown as separate tasks).
  2. Use the checkboxes to select multiple subtasks.
  3. Click the Bulk action toolbar that appears at the top of the List.
  4. Choose actions such as:
  • Change status.
  • Update assignees.
  • Adjust due dates.
  • Move or delete subtasks.

Bulk actions keep subtasks synchronized when you need to move many items through the same workflow stage.

Best Practices for Subtasks in ClickUp

To get the most out of subtasks in ClickUp List and Board view, use these practical tips:

  • Use subtasks for steps, not unrelated tasks. Keep everything under one clear parent.
  • Limit nesting depth so your hierarchy stays understandable.
  • Use consistent naming patterns for subtasks so teams can scan lists quickly.
  • Leverage display options to toggle between strategic and detailed views.
  • Use bulk edits at milestones to move groups of subtasks together.

Learn More About ClickUp Workflows

If you want expert help designing scalable workflows around subtasks and task hierarchies in ClickUp, you can explore consulting resources such as Consultevo for guidance on implementation, templates, and optimization.

By mastering subtasks in ClickUp List and Board view, you can keep complex projects organized, clarify ownership at every level, and make progress easier to track for your entire team.

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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