Moving Tasks

Moving tasks between Kanban columns is the primary way to update task status. Drag-and-drop makes it quick and intuitive to progress work through your workflow.

How Moving Works

When you move a task card:

1. Task's status updates automatically
2. Change saves immediately
3. Board reflects new position
4. Activity is logged

Drag-and-Drop Basics

Moving a Task

1. Click and hold on a task card
2. Drag to the target column
3. Release to drop

Visual Feedback

While dragging:

• Card lifts from original position
• Cursor changes to grab/move
• Target areas highlight
• Drop zone shows where card will land

Drop Zones

Valid drop zones include:

• Anywhere within a column
• Between existing cards
• Empty column areas

Status Updates

Automatic Status Change

Moving between columns updates status:

Moving Backward

You can move tasks backward:

• Completed → In Review (needs rework)
• In Review → In Progress (rejected)
• In Progress → To Do (deprioritized)

Custom Statuses

If your workspace has custom statuses:

• Move to custom columns
• Status maps to custom value
• Same drag-and-drop behavior

Moving Within Columns

Reordering Tasks

Move tasks within the same column to:

• Change priority order
• Group related tasks
• Organize visually

Order Persistence

Task order within columns:

• May be saved
• May reset on refresh
• Depends on sort settings

Multiple Selection

Selecting Multiple Tasks

If supported:

• Ctrl/Cmd+Click to select multiple
• Shift+Click for range
• Visual indicator on selected

Moving Multiple Tasks

With multiple selected:

• Drag any selected card
• All move together
• All statuses update

Restrictions

When Moving is Blocked

You may not be able to move tasks if:

• Insufficient permissions
• Task is locked
• Workflow rules prevent it
• Dependencies block the change

Permission Requirements

Error Messages

If move is blocked, you'll see:

• Error notification
• Explanation of why
• Task returns to original position

Touch Devices

Moving on Touch Screens

On mobile and tablets:

• Long-press to grab card
• Drag to target column
• Release to drop

Touch Considerations

• Larger touch targets
• Scroll while dragging
• May need practice

Keyboard Moving

If keyboard support is available:

• Select task with Tab/Enter
• Use arrow keys or shortcuts
• Confirm move action

Auto-Saving

Immediate Save

Moves save automatically:

• No save button needed
• Changes persist immediately
• Sync indicator shows status

Offline Behavior

If connection is lost:

• Move may fail
• Retry when connected
• Card returns to original

Activity Tracking

Move History

Each move is recorded:

• Who moved the task
• When it was moved
• Previous status
• New status

Activity Log

View move history in:

• Task detail panel
• Activity tab
• Plan activity log

Moving and Dependencies

Dependent Tasks

Moving tasks with dependencies:

• May be allowed or blocked
• Dependencies remain intact
• May need to update dependent tasks

Predecessor/Successor

If task A must finish before task B:

• Moving A to Completed may be required
• Or dependency rules may be relaxed in Kanban

Best Practices

Regular Updates

• Move tasks promptly when status changes
• Don't leave tasks in wrong columns
• Keep board reflecting reality

Work in Progress Limits

Consider limiting cards in each column:

• Prevents overcommitment
• Highlights bottlenecks
• Improves flow

Clear Definitions

For each column, define:

• What "done" means
• Entry criteria
• Exit criteria

Common Workflows

Starting Work

1. Find task in "To Do"
2. Drag to "In Progress"
3. Begin working

Requesting Review

1. Complete initial work
2. Drag to "In Review"
3. Notify reviewer

Completing Work

1. Receive approval
2. Drag to "Completed"
3. Task is done

Returning for Rework

1. Review finds issues
2. Drag back to "In Progress"
3. Address feedback

Troubleshooting

Card Won't Move

• Check your permissions
• Verify column accepts tasks
• Look for error messages
• Try refreshing page

Move Didn't Save

• Check network connection
• Look for save indicator
• Refresh and verify
• Try moving again

Wrong Status After Move

• Verify column-status mapping
• Check if custom status needed
• Contact admin if misconfigured

Card Disappeared After Move

• Check target column
• Verify filter settings
• Search for task
• May need to scroll

Related Topics

• Board Overview - Understanding the board
• Filtering Tasks - Finding tasks
• Tasks - Task management