Setting Task Deadlines
Due dates keep your project moving forward. When tasks have clear deadlines, everyone knows what to prioritise and when deliverables are expected.
Why due dates matter
Focus — helps team members prioritise their work
Visibility — see what's coming up at a glance
Accountability — creates commitment to timelines
Planning — enables better project scheduling
Alerts — triggers reminders before deadlines
How to set a due date
When creating a task
Click Add Task in your project
Enter the task title and details
Click the Due Date field
Select a date from the calendar
Optionally set a specific time
Click Save
For existing tasks
Open the task
Click the Due Date field (or "No due date")
Choose a date from the calendar
The change saves automatically
From the task list
Hover over the task
Click the calendar icon
Select the due date
The date updates immediately
Setting effective deadlines
Work backwards from milestones
If your project has key milestones:
Identify the milestone date
List all tasks needed to reach it
Work backwards, allowing time for each
Add buffer for review and revisions
Consider dependencies
When tasks depend on others:
Set the dependent task's due date after its prerequisite
Allow time between for handover
Build in review periods
Be realistic
Ask yourself:
How long will this actually take?
What else does the assignee have on?
Is there time for unexpected issues?
Does it need review or approval?
Discuss with assignees
When possible:
Talk to the team member first
Get their input on timing
Agree on the deadline together
Document any constraints
Due date options
Date only
Set just the day the task is due. Works well for:
Tasks with flexible timing during the day
End-of-day deadlines
General target dates
Date and time
Set a specific time for precision:
Meeting preparation (due before the meeting)
Client deliverables with exact deadlines
Handovers between team members
Recurring due dates
For tasks that repeat:
Create the task
Set the initial due date
Mark as recurring
Choose the frequency (daily, weekly, monthly)
Managing deadlines
Viewing upcoming deadlines
See what's due soon:
Go to Tasks
Sort by due date
Or filter to show "Due This Week"
On your project page:
The Tasks tab shows due dates
The Timeline view displays tasks on a calendar
Overdue tasks
Tasks past their due date:
Appear highlighted in red
Show in the "Overdue" filter
Generate notifications
To address overdue tasks:
Review why it's late
Update the due date if needed
Or mark complete if finished
Add comments to explain delays
Changing due dates
Deadlines sometimes need adjustment:
Open the task
Click the current due date
Select a new date
Optionally add a comment explaining the change
Be thoughtful about changes — frequent deadline shifts can undermine trust in your timelines.
Due date reminders
Launchpad sends reminders to help you stay on track:
Approaching deadline — notification before due date
Due today — reminder on the day
Overdue — alert when past due
Configure reminder timing in Settings.
Tips for deadline success
Set dates for everything — tasks without dates get lost
Include buffer time — things often take longer than expected
Front-load important work — don't leave critical tasks to the last minute
Review weekly — check upcoming deadlines regularly
Communicate changes — let stakeholders know about adjusted timelines
Clear deadlines drive progress — set them thoughtfully and you'll keep your projects on track.