Subtasks help you break down complex work into smaller, manageable steps while keeping everything connected to a single parent task.

They are ideal for tasks that require multiple actions or contributors.

What Are Subtasks?

A subtask is a task that lives under a parent task.

Use subtasks when:

• A task requires multiple steps

• Different people handle different parts of the work

• Progress needs to be tracked in detail

Subtasks keep work structured without cluttering your project.

Creating a Subtask

Steps

1. Open a task

2. Scroll to the Subtasks section

3. Click Add subtask

4. Enter a subtask name and press Create task

The subtask is created instantly under the parent task.

What Subtasks Include

Subtasks behave like regular tasks and can have:

• Status

• Assignees

• Priority

• Labels

• Dates

• Comments

• Activity history

• Time estimate ( if enabled )

• Budget ( if enabled )

• Sprint ( if enabled )

Subtask Status & Synchronization

Subtask behavior depends on project subtask settings.

Possible behaviors include:

• Parent task updates automatically when all subtasks are completed

• Subtask status syncing with parent task status

• Backlog and in-progress synchronization

These rules help keep task progress accurate.

Managing Subtasks

You can:

• Reassign subtasks to different members

• Update subtask status independently

• Comment directly on subtasks

• Track activity per subtask

Subtasks appear:

• Nested under the parent task

• As indicators in project views (Kanban, List, Gantt)

Tasks vs Subtasks - When to Use Each

Use a Task When:

• Work can be completed as a single action

• One owner is responsible

• No breakdown is required

Use Subtasks When:

• Work involves multiple steps

• Different owners are needed

• Progress needs granular visibility

Avoid creating subtasks for very small or trivial work.

Best Practices

• Limit subtasks to meaningful steps

• Assign owners to important subtasks

• Keep subtask names clear and action-oriented

• Use parent task description for overall context

• Review subtask completion before closing parent tasks

What’s Next?

👉 Next article: Task Collaboration

You’ll learn how to collaborate using comments, mentions, activity history, and notifications.