# Moving Tasks (https://yapl.app/en/docs/user-guides/kanban/moving-tasks)

# 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:

| From | To | New Status |
|------|-----|------------|
| To Do | In Progress | in_progress |
| In Progress | In Review | in_review |
| In Review | Completed | completed |
| Any | To Do | not_started |

### 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

| Role | Can Move Tasks |
|------|----------------|
| Owner | Yes |
| Lead | Yes |
| Member | Yes |
| Viewer | No |

### 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](/docs/user-guides/kanban/board-overview) - Understanding the board
- [Filtering Tasks](/docs/user-guides/kanban/filtering-tasks) - Finding tasks
- [Tasks](/docs/user-guides/tasks) - Task management