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Creating Tasks

Tasks are the building blocks of project work in Shorebird OS. This guide covers everything you need to know about creating effective tasks.

Quick Task Creation​

The fastest way to add a task:

  1. Open a project
  2. Click + Add Task
  3. Type the task name
  4. Press Enter

The task is created with default settings. Add details later.

Task Form Fields​

Essential Fields​

FieldDescription
Task NameClear, action-oriented title
ProjectWhich project this belongs to
AssigneeWho will do the work
Due DateWhen it's due

Additional Fields​

FieldDescription
DescriptionDetailed instructions
PriorityUrgency level
StatusCurrent state
TagsOrganizational labels
Estimated TimeHow long it should take
AttachmentsRelated files

Step-by-Step Creation​

From a Project​

  1. Open the project
  2. Go to the Tasks tab
  3. Click + Add Task
  4. Fill in task details:
    • Name
    • Description
    • Assignee
    • Due date
    • Priority
  5. Click Create or press Ctrl+Enter

From My Tasks​

  1. Go to My Tasks (or press T)
  2. Click + New Task
  3. Select the project
  4. Complete task details
  5. Create

From Anywhere (Quick Add)​

  1. Press Ctrl+Shift+T (or ⌘+Shift+T)
  2. Task creation modal appears
  3. Fill in details
  4. Create

Writing Good Task Names​

Be Specific and Actionable​

Good:

  • "Design homepage hero section"
  • "Write blog post about Q1 results"
  • "Review and approve final logo"

Avoid:

  • "Homepage" (too vague)
  • "Blog" (not actionable)
  • "Logo stuff" (unclear)

Start with Verbs​

Use action words:

  • Create, Design, Build
  • Write, Edit, Review
  • Send, Email, Call
  • Research, Analyze, Test

Sub-Tasks​

Break complex tasks into smaller pieces:

Adding Sub-Tasks​

  1. Open the parent task
  2. Click + Add Sub-task
  3. Enter sub-task name
  4. Repeat as needed

Sub-Task Features​

  • Sub-tasks can have their own:
    • Assignees
    • Due dates
    • Status
  • Parent task progress reflects sub-task completion
  • Collapse/expand sub-tasks in views

Task Dependencies​

Set up tasks that depend on others:

Creating a Dependency​

  1. Open the dependent task
  2. Click Dependencies
  3. Select Blocked by or Blocks
  4. Search for the other task
  5. Add dependency

Dependency Types​

TypeMeaning
Blocked byThis task can't start until another finishes
BlocksThis task must finish before another can start

Viewing Dependencies​

Dependencies appear:

  • In the task detail view
  • On calendar/timeline views
  • In dependency diagrams

Recurring Tasks​

For repeating work:

Setting Up Recurrence​

  1. Create or open a task
  2. Click the Recurrence option
  3. Choose frequency:
    • Daily
    • Weekly (select days)
    • Monthly (select date)
    • Custom
  4. Set end date (optional)
  5. Save

How It Works​

  • When you complete the task, the next occurrence is created
  • History is preserved
  • You can stop recurrence anytime

Task Templates​

Save time with task templates:

Creating a Template​

  1. Create a task with all details
  2. Click ⋮ → Save as Template
  3. Name the template
  4. Save

Using a Template​

  1. Click + Add Task
  2. Select From Template
  3. Choose template
  4. Customize as needed
  5. Create

Bulk Task Creation​

Add multiple tasks quickly:

List Entry​

  1. Click + Add Multiple Tasks
  2. Enter one task per line
  3. Tasks are created in the current project
  4. Add details to each afterward

Import from Spreadsheet​

  1. Click ⋮ → Import Tasks
  2. Download CSV template
  3. Fill in your tasks
  4. Upload and import

Best Practices​

Task Naming​

  • Be specific about the deliverable
  • Include context when needed
  • Use consistent terminology

Task Size​

  • Tasks should be completable in a day or less
  • Break larger items into sub-tasks
  • If it takes more than a week, it's probably a project

Details Matter​

  • Write clear descriptions
  • Attach reference materials
  • Include success criteria

Due Dates​

  • Set realistic deadlines
  • Account for review time
  • Don't forget dependencies