Subtasks and dependencies

Subtasks and dependencies answer different questions. A subtask is a smaller part of a larger task. A dependency says another task must reach a condition before the blocked task's status can change.

Before you begin

Open the board containing the work. You need access to the relevant tasks, plus permission to create subtasks or update relationships. Dependency candidates must be active tasks in the same board.

Add a subtask

1. Open the parent task.
2. Find Subtasks and choose Add subtask.
3. Enter the smaller task's title and details.
4. Save it and check that it appears under the parent.
5. Open the subtask to maintain its own status, responsibility, dates, and discussion.

For example, “Prepare the new workspace” could contain “Confirm access” and “Label equipment.” Use a dependency separately if one task must wait for another; nesting work does not by itself describe every blocking rule.

Add a dependency on the web

1. Open the task's detail drawer and its relationships/dependencies area.
2. Choose the relationship direction:
   • Blocked by means this task waits for the other task.
   • Blocks means the other task waits for this task.
3. Select the related task from the board and add the relationship.
4. Review the resulting relationship on the task.
5. For a blocked-by relationship, use Unblock when to choose Any done status or a specific required status.

Read the direction before saving. “Install equipment is blocked by Confirm access” means the access task is the prerequisite.

What blocking changes

Until every blocker meets its condition, Bridge prevents the blocked task from changing to another non-canceled status. A specific Unblock when status requires that exact status; otherwise the prerequisite must be in a done-category status.

Canceling blocked work remains possible through a canceled-category status. The rule does not mean the task is automatically completed when the blocker finishes. Revisit it and set the appropriate status yourself.

Bridge rejects relationships that would make a task depend on itself or create a dependency cycle. If the relationship is refused, review the existing chain instead of adding duplicate tasks to work around it.

iPhone and iPad

Mobile task details include Add subtask when permitted. The Relationships section shows Blocked by and Blocking entries, along with a required status or “Unblocks when done.” Tap a related task to inspect it.

Use the web relationship controls to create or adjust dependency conditions. The mobile relationship presentation differs from that editor; the same blocking rules apply when you change a task's status.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Next step
The related task is not offered	Confirm both tasks are active and in the same board.
A completed-looking task still blocks work	Check its actual status category and any specific required status.
A cycle is reported	Follow the existing blocking chain and remove or correct the mistaken relationship.
A status update is refused offline or after reconnecting	Read the refreshed relationship conditions before retrying.

Return to boards and tasks for views, filters, and everyday task editing.