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Subtasks

Subtasks are an inline checklist inside a todo. Use them to break a larger task into smaller discrete steps without creating a separate todo for each one.

At a glance

  • ✓Inline checklist inside any todo — add as many steps as needed
  • ✓Progress counter (3 / 5) visible on the todo row and in the detail view
  • ✓Drag-to-reorder subtasks within the detail view
  • ✓Gate mode prevents the parent todo from being marked done until all subtasks are checked
  • ✓Subtasks are cloned (unchecked) when a recurring todo generates a new occurrence

Adding subtasks

  1. 1

    Open the todo detail

    Click the todo title to open the full detail dialog.

  2. 2

    Find the Subtasks section

    Scroll to the Subtasks section in the detail view. The section shows any existing subtasks and an Add Subtask button.

  3. 3

    Add subtask titles

    Click Add Subtask and type a title. Press Enter to save and immediately add another. Subtasks are saved as you go — no explicit save needed.

Subtask progress indicator

✓
Write outline
✓
Draft first section
✓
Review with team
Final proofread
Publish
3 / 5

Gate mode — block on subtasks

Toggle Block on Subtasks in the todo detail to enable gate mode. When active, the todo cannot be marked done until all subtasks are checked off. The server enforces this — attempting to complete the parent todo with outstanding subtasks returns an error.

ℹ️ Note

Gate mode is also respected by bulk completion. If bulk mark-done is triggered and a todo has outstanding subtasks with gate enabled, that todo is skipped and listed in the bulk action summary.

When to use subtasks vs separate todos

Use subtasks when…

  • Steps are always done by the same person
  • Each step has no independent due date
  • Tracking each step individually adds no value

Use separate todos when…

  • Steps go to different people
  • Each step has its own due date
  • You want separate XP credit per step