If you want to break down a task into even smaller steps or add a checklist to it, you can turn on the subtasks strategy.

Each task can now have its own list of subtasks. 

Subtasks are part of the task and always stay with the task (just like little chicks stay with their mom)

If you want subtasks to be their own tasks, with their own dates and properties, turn the task into a project instead. 

When to use subtasks


Since it is best practice in Marvin to keep tasks relatively short and to use projects for larger multi-step to-dos, subtasks are often used to serve as checklists for tasks. 

Break down larger tasks

Subtasks can also be helpful when a task is a bit too large and unpleasant and you want to break it down into smaller steps so it is easier to get started on it.

How to add subtasks

To add subtasks to a task, hover over the task and click the plus icon on the right. 

After you are done typing your subtask and press enter to save it, another subtask automatically gets created below it. If you press enter without typing anything, the empty subtask goes away.

Inserting subtasks in between other subtasks

You can also click on the plus icon on a subtask to insert another one right below it. 

Reordering subtasks

Subtasks can be reordered by drag and drop.

Deleting subtasks

Hovering over a subtask reveals a trash icon which can be used to delete the subtask.

Collapsing subtasks
You can collapse/expand the subtasks by clicking the arrow on the left of the task title.

Subtask completion indicator

Subtask completion indicator

In order to see how much progress you've made on a certain task, you can turn on the "Indicate subtasks completion" option by going to ☰ → Settings → Tasks & Projects → Indicate subtask completion.

Indicate subtasks completion

How to hide completed subtasks

You can do this by going to ☰ → Strategies → Subtasks (settings) and turning off the "Show completed subtasks in open tasks" option.

Hiding completed subtasks

Subtasks are not like tasks

It is important to understand the limitations of subtasks. 

Subtasks are not independent tasks and are always attached to a task. They can't have their own labels, time estimates etc. 

If you need this for your subtasks, use projects and regular tasks instead.

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