Auto-set due date when status changes (from parent date)
Auto-set due date when status changes (from parent date)
TL;DR: When a subitem's status changes, set its due date to the parent's date + an offset (fixed or from a Numbers column). Anchors deadlines to project timeline rather than wall-clock time.
What this does
Recipe:"When subitems status column changes, set its due date to match its parent item due date + offset by this number column of days/weeks/months."
Trigger: the subitem's status changes. Date set: parent date + offset. Useful when deadlines should track the project, not the moment of activation.
When to use it
Tasks should activate dates anchored to project timeline, not creation or today
Multi-stage workflows where each stage starts at a known offset relative to the project
You want consistency across projects — "Design starts 3 days after project start, no matter when the status flipped"
Before you start
A Status column on the subitem (the trigger)
A Date column on the subitem (the date being set)
A Date column on the parent item (the reference)
Optional: a Numbers column for varied per-task offsets
Set it up (3 minutes)
Open Automate → Create on your board.
Copy the recipe text above and find it in your board's automation center, then click Use Template.
Configure:
Status column + Status value — the trigger
Subitem date column — the date being set
Parent item date column — the reference date
Offset — Numbers column or fixed value
Click Create automation.
Test that it works
Change a subitem's status to the trigger label.
Confirm its date = parent date + offset.
Common gotchas
Parent must have the date column filled in. If empty, the automation has nothing to anchor to.
Status values are case-sensitive.
For varied per-task offsets, store the offset on a Numbers column on the subitem.