Simply put, project templates are re-usable portions of a project (milestones, task lists, tasks, doc templates) that can be used in creating other similar types of projects. Something like a ‘project clone’. Ever had a process that you follow and wish you did not have to type it out everytime you made a new project? Templates will help you save time and get you more process-driven.

Here is a quick update on new fixes and feature updates for making project templates more powerful and better looking:

1. The Task List description is now saved into the new template.

2. Open Task lists and recurring tasks are being recognized when the template is created.

3. Milestone and tasks ordering is preserved in the new template.

4. Milestone and task dates are also now saved to the new template

5. Hence, if we save dates (as in point #4) we need to shift them according to the project start and end dates. Here is an example of how your dates will shift when a new template is created out of a Project ABC that starts on August 1st and has a task that starts on Aug 3rd and ends on Aug 10th.

After creating the template and loading the template into a new Project XYZ (starting on Oct. 1st) the dates of the Task A will be:

Start on Oct 3rd
Due on Oct 10th

6. Updated UI of the template listing page.

7. Some other small bugs and fixes.

To learn more about project templates click here.

We are listening. Do keep the feedback coming

Recurring Tasks

We all undertake tasks that have to be done on a regular basis. Some are done weekly, some monthly, some even daily (For e.g. Backup the computer every week). If that’s the case with you too, then you will like the new DeskAway recurring tasks feature. You can now set your tasks within your project as ‘recurring’. On doing so, a new task of the same nature shall be automatically created on completion of the task with a new deadline according to the preference set by you (i.e. monthly, weekly etc.).

Cloning Tasks

Same tasks are often implemented within the project or in other projects. So we create these tasks again and again. Not anymore!! With the new ‘Clone a Task’ feature we can recreate the same task with just a couple of clicks. Further, you can move the cloned task to a different task list or to a different project to serve your purpose.

Copying a Task into a new project

Plans change and so do their execution. Projects change but the tasks remain. They may have to be implemented from a different project. DeskAway has a new feature that allows you to copy a task into a completely new project so you can keep in sync with any change of plans in your projects.

CC’ing a task to everyone

DeskAway already has the feature to CC your tasks to team members other than the one who was assigned the task. To make the experience a little better, we just made it possible to CC a task to everyone. This way, if you’re dealing with large teams you can take it easy by selecting everyone than have to select each member individually.