Task Dependencies

Dependencies let you define relationships between tasks, showing which tasks block others or must be completed first. Visualize your workflow and identify critical paths.

What are Dependencies?

Dependencies are links between tasks that define their relationship. When Task A blocks Task B, it means Task B cannot start or complete until Task A is done.

Relationship Types

When you add a dependency, you choose how it relates to the task you're editing:

Relationship	Icon	Meaning
Blocking	→	This task must finish before the other task can start
Blocked by	←	This task can't start until the other task is done
Related	🔗	Tasks are linked but don't block each other

Blocking and Blocked by are two views of one link

"Blocking" and "Blocked by" describe the same link from opposite ends:

•If Task A is Blocking Task B, then Task B is Blocked by Task A.
•Adding it from either task produces the same result.

Example:

•"Design mockups" is Blocking "Implement UI"
•"Implement UI" is Blocked by "Design mockups"

Adding Dependencies

1.Open a task by clicking on it
2.Scroll to the Dependencies section
3.Click + Add
4.Choose the relationship: Blocking, Blocked by, or Related
5.Search for and select the target task — you can also link tasks from other projects (the project name is shown next to each)
6.Click Add Dependency

Note: A task cannot depend on itself, and the system prevents circular chains.

Blocked and Ready

Task cards and the task view show a status at a glance:

•Blocked — the task is waiting on one or more tasks that aren't finished yet.
•Ready — every task it was waiting on is complete, so it's ready to start.

When the last task you were waiting on is completed, the people assigned to the newly-ready task are notified automatically.

Circular Dependency Warning

When adding a link that would create a loop (A → B → C → A), you'll see a warning:

⚠️ Circular dependency detected

The system shows the chain that would be created. Loops are rejected so your workflow stays clear.

Viewing Dependencies

In the Task View

The Dependencies section lists each linked task with:

•Its relationship label (Blocking, Blocked by, or Related)
•The task number and title
•Its current status
•The project name, if the task is in a different project
•A button to remove the link

In Timeline View

Dependencies appear as arrows between tasks in the Gantt chart:

•Arrows point from the blocking task to the task it blocks
•An amber arrow flags a scheduling conflict (a blocker planned to finish after the task it blocks)
•Helps visualize the critical path

In Canvas View

The Canvas view shows dependencies as connectable edges:

•Drag from one task node to another to create dependencies
•Visual flow shows the entire dependency graph

Managing Dependencies

Removing Dependencies

1.Open the task with the dependency
2.Find the dependency in the list
3.Click the trash icon
4.Confirm deletion

Editing Dependencies

To change a dependency type, remove the existing one and add a new dependency with the correct type.

Best Practices

When to Use Each Type

Type	Use When
Blocks	Work literally cannot start without this task
Depends On	This task needs input from another task
Related	Tasks share context but can proceed independently

Tips

1.Keep it simple — Only add dependencies that truly block work
2.Review regularly — Remove dependencies when they're no longer relevant
3.Use for planning — Dependencies help identify what to work on next
4.Avoid long chains — Deep dependency chains can indicate over-planning

Critical Path

When you have multiple dependencies, the critical path is the longest chain of dependent tasks. This determines the minimum time to complete the project.

The Timeline view highlights the critical path, helping you focus on tasks that directly impact the deadline.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut	Action
Escape	Close the add dependency modal

Related Features

•Sub-Tasks — Break tasks into smaller steps
•Task Management — Create and manage tasks
•Timeline View — Visualize dependencies on Gantt chart