> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.glidepathcpm.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating Tasks

> Methods to create tasks in the Gantt chart

# Creating Tasks

There are several ways to add tasks to your GlidePath project. This guide covers each method and explains when to use them.

## Feature Spec Reference

**Module 2.1 — Create Task**

## Method 1: Insert Key (Quickest)

While the Gantt chart is focused, press **Insert** to create a new task in the selected row.

1. Click on the task row where you want to insert
2. Press **Insert**
3. A new blank row appears with focus on the Name field
4. Type the task name and press **Enter**

**When to use:** Power users and keyboard-driven workflows.

## Method 2: Toolbar Button

1. Click the **+ Add Task** button in the Gantt chart toolbar
2. A new task row appears at the bottom of the current view
3. Click the Name cell to start typing

**When to use:** When you prefer mouse/GUI interaction.

## Method 3: Right-Click Menu

1. Right-click on any task row
2. Select **Insert Task Above** or **Insert Task Below**
3. A new blank row appears in the chosen position
4. Click the Name cell to start typing

**When to use:** When you want to insert a task at a specific position in the hierarchy.

## Method 4: Inline Row Editing

1. Click the first empty row at the bottom of the task list
2. Click in the **Name** cell
3. Type the task name

**When to use:** When starting a brand-new project with no tasks yet.

## Setting Default Values

When you create a new task, GlidePath automatically populates:

* **WBS Number**: Auto-generated based on position in hierarchy (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc.)
* **Start Date**: Today's date (configurable in preferences)
* **Duration**: 1 day (configurable in preferences)
* **Progress %**: 0%
* **Constraint Type**: ASAP (as soon as possible)

You can edit these defaults immediately after creation or later using the Task Detail Panel.

## Auto-WBS Numbering

GlidePath automatically assigns WBS numbers based on task hierarchy:

* **Top-level tasks**: 1, 2, 3, etc.
* **Child tasks**: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc. (indented tasks under parent)
* **Grandchild tasks**: 1.1.1, 1.1.2, etc.

WBS numbers update automatically when you move tasks or change hierarchy (see [Organizing Tasks with WBS](/gantt-basics/04-wbs-organization)).

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## Creating Tasks Visually

<img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/glide-path/assets/screenshots/02-02-gantt-chart-with-creation.png" alt="Gantt Chart with Creation Methods" />

*Multiple task creation methods highlighted in the Gantt chart.*

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## What You Can Edit on a New Task

After creating a task, you can immediately:

* **Name**: Click to rename
* **Duration**: Edit the duration field
* **Start Date**: Click to change the start date
* **Progress %**: Set initial progress
* **Notes**: Add task description or details

See [Editing Task Details](/gantt-basics/03-editing-tasks) for a complete guide to all editable fields.

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## Bulk Task Creation

For large projects with many tasks:

1. Create a task with a descriptive name (e.g., "Phase 1 – Design")
2. Create child tasks by indenting them (Tab key) under the parent
3. Repeat for each phase or major section
4. Use Import (Module 1.7) to bring in detailed task lists from Excel or CSV

See [Importing Projects](/import-export/01-importing-overview) for bulk import workflows.

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## Next Steps

* [Editing Task Details](/gantt-basics/03-editing-tasks) — Customize all task properties
* [Organizing Tasks with WBS](/gantt-basics/04-wbs-organization) — Build a task hierarchy
* [Creating Dependencies](/dependencies/02-creating-dependencies) — Link tasks together

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**Tip:** Name your tasks clearly and concisely. Use active verbs like "Design", "Build", "Test", "Install" so team members understand the work instantly.