Intermediate
How to create task templates on Asana
Quick Answer
Create task templates in Asana by navigating to your project, clicking the template icon, and selecting 'Create template'. You can then customize the template with standard tasks, subtasks, assignees, and due dates for consistent project workflows.
Prerequisites
- Active Asana account
- Access to a project with edit permissions
- Basic familiarity with Asana's task creation
- Premium or Business plan subscription
1
Navigate to your project and access templates
Open your Asana workspace and select the project where you want to create the task template. Click on the Templates icon (puzzle piece symbol) in the project header toolbar, then select Create template from the dropdown menu.
Tip
Templates are only available on Premium, Business, and Enterprise plans
2
Choose your template type
In the template creation dialog, select Task template from the available options. You'll see other template types like project templates, but focus on the task template option. Click Create template to proceed.
3
Set up the main task details
Enter a descriptive name for your template in the Template name field. Add a clear task title in the Task name field, then fill in the task description with standard instructions or requirements. Set default assignee roles using the Assignee dropdown.
Tip
Use placeholder text like '[Project Name]' or '[Client Name]' that can be easily replaced when using the template
4
Add subtasks and dependencies
Click Add subtask to create recurring subtasks that should be included every time you use this template. For each subtask, set the name, assignee, and estimated duration. Use the Dependencies section to establish task relationships and order.
Tip
Create subtasks in the logical order they should be completed
5
Configure custom fields and tags
Scroll to the Custom fields section and set default values for any project-specific fields like priority, department, or budget. Add relevant Tags that should automatically apply to tasks created from this template.
Tip
Custom fields help maintain consistency across similar tasks and improve reporting
6
Set timeline and duration defaults
In the Timeline section, specify the default duration for the main task and any relative due dates. Set up Start date and Due date relationships, such as 'Due 3 days after start date' to create flexible timing.
Tip
Use relative dates rather than fixed dates to make templates reusable
7
Review and save the template
Click Preview template to see how your task template will appear when used. Review all settings, subtasks, and custom fields for accuracy. Once satisfied, click Save template to make it available for use in your project.
Tip
Test your template by creating a task from it to ensure all elements work as expected
8
Use your task template
To use your new template, click the + Add task button in your project, then select Use template. Choose your saved task template from the list, customize any project-specific details, and click Create task to add it to your project.
Tip
Templates can be edited after creation by accessing them through the Templates menu
Troubleshooting
Template option is not visible in project
Verify you have a Premium, Business, or Enterprise plan and sufficient permissions in the project. Free accounts don't have access to template features.
Custom fields not saving in template
Ensure custom fields are enabled at the project level first. Go to project settings and add the custom fields before including them in your template.
Subtasks not appearing when using template
Check that subtasks were properly saved by editing the template. Click Templates > Manage templates and verify all subtasks are listed in your template.
Template dates not calculating correctly
Review your relative date settings in the template. Use 'X days after start date' format rather than fixed dates, and ensure dependencies are properly configured.
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