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Create and use subtasks

How can I use the checklist field to create subtasks?

Sometimes a single step in your process has several smaller actions. You can break down tasks into a list of subtasks using the Checklist form field type. This helps track progress on smaller items within a step. Subtasks provide granular visibility and ensure comprehensive task completion.

What are checklist subtasks?

When you add a Checklist field to a task:

  • You create a list of items related to the parent task.
  • Users check off each item as they complete it.
  • You set rules for completing the checklist (and potentially the parent task).

How do I create checklist subtasks in a template?

  1. Open your template in Edit mode.
  2. Click the step where you want to add the checklist.
  3. Go to the Form Fields tab in the settings panel (usually right).
  4. Click Add field.
  5. Name the field (e.g., “Preparation Checklist”).
  6. Choose Checklist as the field type.
  7. In the Options box, type each subtask on its own line.
  8. Choose a Validation rule (see below).
  9. (Optional) Pre-check items that should be checked by default. See Set default content for form fields for more details about default selections.
  10. Click Save.

How do checklist completion rules work (validation)?

You need to tell Tallyfy when this checklist is considered done:

  • Require ‘at least one’ item: The checklist is done if at least one box is checked. Good for optional steps or if only one action is needed.
  • Require ‘all items’: Every box must be checked before the checklist is done. Good when every subtask is critical.

Choose the validation rule that fits your subtasks.

How do I complete checklist subtasks when running a process?

When working on the task with the checklist:

  1. Open the task.
  2. The checklist appears in the form fields.
  3. Check off items as you complete them.
  4. Once you meet the validation rule set (checked ‘at least one’, or checked ‘all items’), you can complete the parent task (assuming all other required fields are filled).
Checking off items in a checklist field within a task

What are best practices for using checklists as subtasks?

  • Be clear: Make each item a clear action.
  • Keep lists relatively short: Aim for 3-7 items per checklist if possible.
  • Use action verbs: Start each item with a verb (e.g., “Verify ID”, “Upload Document”).
  • Order logically: List items in the order they should be done.
  • Choose validation carefully: Decide if all items are essential, or just some.
  • Add guidance: Use the guidance text option to add extra details if needed.

What are examples of effective checklists?

QA Check:

- Check spelling
- Verify links
- Test on mobile

Onboarding:

- Send welcome pack
- Schedule intro meeting
- Grant system access

Using checklists helps break down work, track progress in more detail, and ensure small steps aren’t missed. This approach improves task management and reduces the likelihood of overlooking critical steps.

Tasks > Complete or reopen tasks

Tallyfy enables users to complete tasks through checkmark icons in list views or Complete buttons within task views and allows reopening completed tasks with a Re-Open button while tasks with checklists require meeting specific completion rules before the main task can be finished.

Tasks > Types of form fields

Tallyfy offers nine form field types including short text long text dropdown list checklist radio buttons date file upload table and assignee picker fields that can be configured as required or optional with guidance text and various validation options to collect structured data throughout workflow execution.

How To > Automatically track and run complex approval workflows

Tallyfy transforms complex approval workflows into trackable automated processes with clear visibility accountability and dynamic routing that eliminates status confusion and bottlenecks through intelligent form design conditional logic real-time monitoring and collaborative communication features.

How To > Build effective forms

Tallyfy’s integrated approach to form building connects form submissions directly to trackable workflows while offering features like email verification conditional branching field validation and document generation to create seamless end-to-end processes rather than isolated data collection.