# Creating Projects (https://yapl.app/en/docs/user-guides/projects/creating-projects)

# Creating Projects

Projects are the foundation of work organization in YAPL. This guide walks you through creating a project using the 4-step wizard.

## Prerequisites

Before creating a project:

1. **At least one team exists** - Projects require team assignment (unless you're a workspace owner)
2. **Workspace configured** - Basic workspace settings should be complete
3. **Subscription active** - Verify you haven't reached project limits

## Starting Project Creation

### Navigate to Projects

1. Click **Projects** in the sidebar navigation
2. Click the **Create Project** button

The project creation wizard opens with four steps.

## Step 1: Team Assignment

Select which teams will have access to this project.

### For Regular Users

| Field | Requirements |
|-------|--------------|
| Teams | Select 1-10 teams (required) |

### For Workspace Owners

Owners can create projects without team assignment if needed.

### Team Selection Tips

- Select teams that will actively work on the project
- Multiple teams can collaborate on the same project
- You can modify team assignments later

## Step 2: Basic Information

Enter the core project details.

### Required Fields

| Field | Description | Requirements |
|-------|-------------|--------------|
| Project Name | Descriptive name | 3-255 characters |

### Optional Fields

| Field | Description | Requirements |
|-------|-------------|--------------|
| Description | Project overview and goals | Up to 1,000 characters |
| Project Code | Unique identifier | Auto-generated or custom |
| Status | Current phase | Planning (default) |

### Project Code

The project code is automatically generated based on your workspace's project numbering settings:

- **Format**: PREFIX-YEAR-SEQUENCE (e.g., `PROJ-25-001`)
- **Customizable**: You can override the auto-generated code
- **Unique**: Must be unique within your workspace

### Status Options

| Status | Description | When to Use |
|--------|-------------|-------------|
| Planning | Setup phase | Default for new projects |
| Active | Work in progress | When work begins |
| On Hold | Temporarily paused | Waiting on decisions |
| Completed | Finished | All work done |

## Step 3: Timeline & Budget

Set the project schedule and financial parameters.

### Timeline

| Field | Description | Requirements |
|-------|-------------|--------------|
| Start Date | When work begins | Optional, date picker |
| End Date | Expected completion | Must be after start date |

<Callout type="warn">
If both dates are provided, end date must be after start date.
</Callout>

### Budget

| Field | Description | Requirements |
|-------|-------------|--------------|
| Budget Amount | Estimated project cost | Up to 999,999,999.99, optional |
| Currency | Budget currency | 3-letter ISO code |

The currency defaults to your workspace's default currency but can be changed per project.

## Step 4: Client & Location

Add optional client and site information.

| Field | Description | Requirements |
|-------|-------------|--------------|
| Client Name | Project client or owner | Up to 255 characters |
| Location | Project site address | Up to 500 characters |

This information helps identify projects and is useful for field operations.

## Completing Creation

1. Review all entered information
2. Click **Create Project**
3. You'll be redirected to the new project's detail page

## After Creation

Your new project is ready for:

### Creating Plans

Add schedules with tasks and timelines:

1. Navigate to **Plans** in sidebar
2. Click **Create Plan**
3. Associate with your project

### Modifying Team Assignments

Adjust which teams have access:

1. Open project settings
2. Navigate to team assignment
3. Add or remove teams

### Tracking Progress

Monitor project health:

- View dashboard metrics
- Check task completion
- Monitor budget usage

## Project Limits by Tier

| Tier | Active Projects | Plans per Project |
|------|-----------------|-------------------|
| Trial | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Basic | 5 max | 2 max |
| Professional | Unlimited | Unlimited |

<Callout type="info">
"Active projects" counts Planning, Active, and On Hold statuses. Completed and Archived don't count.
</Callout>

## Common Creation Scenarios

### Quick Project

Minimum required information:
- Team assignment
- Project name
- Default status (Planning)

### Full Project Setup

Complete information:
- Team assignment
- Name and description
- Custom project code
- Start and end dates
- Budget with currency
- Client and location

### Template-Based

If starting similar projects:
- Use consistent naming conventions
- Apply same team structures
- Copy timeline patterns

## Troubleshooting

### Cannot Create Project

**"No teams available"**
- Create at least one team first
- Workspace owners can skip team assignment

**"Project limit reached"**
- Basic tier: Maximum 5 active projects
- Archive or complete existing projects
- Upgrade to Professional tier

**"Project code already exists"**
- Codes must be unique
- Modify the auto-generated code
- Check for similar existing projects

### Required Fields Missing

The wizard won't proceed without:
- Team selection (for non-owners)
- Project name

### Dates Invalid

- End date must be after start date
- Check date format for your locale

## Related Topics

- [Project Settings](/docs/user-guides/projects/project-settings) - Configure project details
- [Project Lifecycle](/docs/user-guides/projects/project-lifecycle) - Status management
- [Team Assignments](/docs/user-guides/teams/team-assignments) - Access control
- [Your First Project](/docs/getting-started/first-project) - Getting started guide