How to add and manage task dependencies

Define blocking relationships between tasks so work happens in the right order.

5 min readUpdated February 2025

TL;DR

Open a task → Dependencies (or Links) → add a predecessor (blocking task) or successor (blocked task). A task is blocked until its predecessors are in a Done column.


What are task dependencies

Dependencies define which tasks must be done before others. For example, "Design mockups" must finish before "Implement frontend."

  • Predecessor — A task that must be done first (blocks others).
  • Successor — A task that waits on others (is blocked).
  • Blocked — A task with incomplete predecessors.
  • Blocking — A task that blocks other tasks from completion.

Add a dependency

  1. Open a task.
  2. Find Dependencies or Links.
  3. Click Add dependency or Add predecessor/successor.
  4. Search for the other task and select it.
  5. Save.

Rule: Both tasks must be on the same board.


How blocking works

A task is blocked until all its predecessors are in a Done (or equivalent) column. While blocked, the UI typically shows:

  • Which tasks are blocking it
  • An indicator that it can’t be completed yet

View dependency status

On the task:

  • Blocked by — Predecessors that aren’t done yet.
  • Blocking — Successors that wait on this task.

You can also use filters and views to see blocked tasks.


Remove a dependency

  1. Open the task.
  2. Go to Dependencies.
  3. Remove the predecessor or successor link.

Common issues

IssueWhat to try
Can't add dependencyBoth tasks must be on the same board.
"Task not found"Check you have access to the board and task.
Circular dependencyAvoid A → B → C → A. Remove one link to break the cycle.
Task shows blocked incorrectlyEnsure predecessors are in a Done-type column.

Next steps

Understand kanban boards, use milestones for release planning, or get AI help.

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