Creating Task Dependencies

Task dependencies help you define the order in which tasks need to be completed. With this feature, you can ensure that certain tasks don't begin until others are finished—perfect for keeping projects on track and avoiding bottlenecks.

What Are Parent and Child Task Dependencies?

In ActiveCollab, a Parent task (predecessor) should be completed before its Child task (successor). Task dependencies allow you to create a link between tasks so that:

Child Task depends on the Parent Task

→ Child Task can only start after the Parent Task is completed.

This is especially useful for complex projects with multiple steps or teams involved. When setting up Due dates for your tasks with dependencies, make sure the Parent task's deadline is before the due date of its Child tasks. Parent tasks should be completed before the current task. Member assigned to the current task will be notified when each parent task is finished.

You will see a warning sign when Due dates overlap.

How to Add a Task Dependency?

There are two ways to set up task dependencies:

You can set up task dependencies directly from the task interface:

Step 1: Open the task to which you wish to add a dependency.
Step 2: Scroll down to the "Dependencies" section.
Step 3: Click “Add Dependency”.
Step 4: Search for and select the task(s) this task depends on.
Step 5: Select the Parent (predecessor) or Child (successor) dependency.
Step 6: Once selected, the task will be linked as a dependency.
Video Tutorial: https://vimeo.com/1040200056

You can set up task dependencies from the timeline view:

Step 1: Open your project in ActiveCollab.
Step 2: In the top right corner of the task list, click on the "Timeline" tab to switch to the Gantt view.
Step 3: Locate the two tasks you want to link:

The Parent task (the one that needs to be completed first).
The Child task (the one that depends on the parent).

Step 4: Hover over the Parent task bar in the timeline.

You’ll see small circles appear on the left and right edges of the bar—these are the linking points.

Step 5: Click and hold one of the circles, then drag your cursor toward the Child task.
Step 6: Drop the line onto the corresponding circle on the Child task bar to create a dependency.
Step 7: Once connected, you’ll see an arrow between the tasks indicating a dependency.
Tips:

You can add multiple dependencies to a single task.
Adjusting one task will automatically adjust dependent tasks, keeping your schedule aligned. Changing the date of one task opens a window showing how that task affects others (Smart Rescheduling)
You’ll see visual indicators (such as a chain icon) to represent dependency relationships.