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Creating Projects

Projects are the foundation of work management in Shorebird OS. This guide walks you through creating projects and setting them up for success.

Quick Start​

The fastest way to create a project:

  1. Navigate to Projects
  2. Click + New Project
  3. Enter the project name
  4. Select a client
  5. Click Create

You can add more details later.

Project Creation Form​

Required Fields​

FieldDescription
Project NameClear, descriptive title
ClientWho the project is for

Optional Fields​

FieldDescription
DescriptionProject scope and details
StatusCurrent state (defaults to "Not Started")
Start DateWhen work begins
Due DateTarget completion date
Assigned TeamTeam members working on it
TagsOrganizational labels
BudgetProject budget (if tracking)

Step-by-Step Creation​

1. Access Project Creation​

Multiple ways to start:

  • Click + New Project button
  • Press Ctrl+Shift+P (or ⌘+Shift+P)
  • Use command palette: Ctrl+K → type "new project"

2. Name Your Project​

Choose a clear, consistent naming convention:

Good examples:

  • "Acme Corp - Website Redesign"
  • "Beta Industries Q1 Marketing Campaign"
  • "Client Name - Project Type - Month/Year"

Avoid:

  • "Project 1"
  • "New project"
  • Overly long names

3. Select the Client​

Link the project to a client:

  1. Click the Client field
  2. Start typing the client name
  3. Select from dropdown
No Client Yet?

If the client doesn't exist, you can create one from here:

  1. Click + Create New Client
  2. Enter basic info
  3. Continue with project creation

4. Set Dates​

Define the project timeline:

  • Start Date — When work should begin
  • Due Date — Target completion

Leave blank if dates aren't yet determined.

5. Assign Team Members​

Add people who will work on the project:

  1. Click Assign Team
  2. Search for team members
  3. Select to add
  4. Repeat for additional members

Assigned members will:

  • See the project in their dashboard
  • Receive notifications
  • Be available for task assignment

6. Add Description​

Write a clear project description covering:

  • Project objectives
  • Scope of work
  • Key deliverables
  • Important notes

Use the rich text editor for formatting.

7. Create the Project​

Click Create Project to save. You'll be taken to the project dashboard where you can add tasks and more details.

Using Project Templates​

For common project types, use templates:

  1. Click + New Project
  2. Select From Template
  3. Choose a template
  4. Customize details
  5. Create

Templates include:

  • Pre-defined tasks
  • Standard deliverables
  • Typical timeline
  • Default settings

Learn more about templates →

Creating Projects from Other Locations​

From a Client Record​

  1. Open the client record
  2. Go to Projects tab
  3. Click + New Project
  4. Client auto-fills

From a Company Record​

  1. Open the company record
  2. Go to Projects tab
  3. Click + New Project
  4. Select the specific client

From Email​

Link an email thread to a new project:

  1. Open the email
  2. Click ⋮ menu
  3. Select Create Project
  4. Project links to email thread

After Creating a Project​

Once created, you should:

Immediately​

  1. ✅ Add tasks for the work needed
  2. ✅ Set accurate due dates
  3. ✅ Assign tasks to team members

Soon After​

  1. ✅ Upload relevant files
  2. ✅ Add any project notes
  3. ✅ Link related emails
  4. ✅ Set up deliverables

Best Practices​

  • Keep the project updated as work progresses
  • Use consistent status tracking
  • Communicate with team via comments
  • Link all related information

Common Questions​

Can I create a project without a client?​

Yes, but it's not recommended. Projects should generally be associated with a client for proper tracking and billing.

Can I change the client after creation?​

Yes. Edit the project and change the client field. Note that this doesn't automatically move associated invoices.

How many projects can I create?​

This depends on your plan. Check your plan limits in Settings → Billing.