# Break larger tasks into subtasks > Subtasks divide one outcome into smaller actions while keeping the patient, owner, timing, and conversation together. Mention a teammate with @ in an item when they own that step. Markdown view of https://www.tabflows.com/university/library/tasks/break-larger-tasks-into-subtasks — the HTML page is canonical. Product Library: Tasks › Everyday tasks Last checked: 2026-10-27 against Tabflows v3.10.63 Replaces Help Center article: https://help.tabflows.com/en/articles/15825782-break-larger-tasks-into-subtasks > **Summary:** Subtasks divide one outcome into smaller actions while keeping the patient, owner, timing, and conversation together. Mention a teammate with **@** in an item when they own that step. > **A note for non-human readers:** > > *Humans often discover that “one Task” is secretly five smaller pieces wearing a trench coat. Subtasks make those pieces visible without losing the larger outcome they belong to.* --- ## Use subtasks when - A task includes multiple steps - Different team members are responsible for different parts of the work - The task depends on information or action from another person or organization - You want to track progress without completing the main task - A checklist helps organize the work --- ## How to add subtasks in Tasks 1. Create or open the main Task. 2. Confirm **Patient** when applicable. 3. State the overall outcome in **Description**. 4. Select the **checklist** control in the **Description** field. 5. Add one clear action per checklist item. 6. Type **@** and a teammate's name inside an item when they own that step. 7. Save the Task. ![Adding subtasks in tasks.](https://zchipg5eqhxk0hvh.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/university/94e00fc83944ea4e.mp4) Check off each subtask as its step is finished. Keep the main task open until the entire workflow is complete. > **Note:** Inside a checklist item, **@** mentions the teammate who owns that item. In Comments, **@** mentions a teammate. Neither changes **Assigned to** for the main task. --- ## Use one main task when - The steps belong to the same patient or outcome. - The team needs one place for updates and handoffs. - Finishing one step does not mean the overall work is done. > **Good to know:** Create separate tasks instead when the work has different owners, unrelated outcomes, or independent timing that needs to be tracked separately. --- ## Get support 💬 Need help or have a question? Reach out to our Support team however works best for you: - Start a chat using the **Support** button at the bottom right of the sidebar (side tabs) - Email us at team@tabflows.com or message us right here in the chat [Book a quick 15-30 minute chat!](https://go.team.tabflows.com/meetings/nafeesa) ## Related Articles - [Manage Tasks together in one shared workspace](https://www.tabflows.com/university/library/tasks/manage-tasks-together-in-one-shared-workspace) - [Using Tasks for shared team work](https://www.tabflows.com/university/library/tasks/using-tasks-for-shared-team-work) - [Using Tasks for multi-step workflows](https://www.tabflows.com/university/library/tasks/using-tasks-for-multi-step-workflows) - [How to mention a teammate in a task](https://www.tabflows.com/university/library/tasks/how-to-mention-a-teammate-in-a-task) - [Why didn't an @ mention change task ownership](https://www.tabflows.com/university/library/troubleshooting/why-didnt-an-mention-change-task-ownership) ## Related markdown Section index: [Tasks](https://www.tabflows.com/university/library/tasks.md) Alongside this page: - [Best practices for team task workflows](https://www.tabflows.com/university/library/tasks/best-practices-for-team-task-workflows.md) - [Collaborate on tasks with comments and mentions](https://www.tabflows.com/university/library/tasks/collaborate-on-tasks-with-comments-and-mentions.md) - [Create a task with AI recommendations](https://www.tabflows.com/university/library/tasks/create-a-task-with-ai-recommendations.md) - [Creating your first task](https://www.tabflows.com/university/library/tasks/creating-your-first-task.md) - [Decide when to use a task group](https://www.tabflows.com/university/library/tasks/decide-when-to-use-a-task-group.md) - [Find the right tasks with views and filters](https://www.tabflows.com/university/library/tasks/find-the-right-tasks-with-views-and-filters.md) - [Get notified via email when tasks are assigned to you](https://www.tabflows.com/university/library/tasks/get-notified-via-email-when-tasks-are-assigned-to-you.md) - [How do i create and use task templates](https://www.tabflows.com/university/library/tasks/how-do-i-create-and-use-task-templates.md) Start here: - [Tabflows](https://www.tabflows.com/index.md) - [Tabflows pricing](https://www.tabflows.com/pricing.md) - [Tabflows FAQ](https://www.tabflows.com/faqs.md) - [About Tabflows](https://www.tabflows.com/about.md) - [Contact Tabflows](https://www.tabflows.com/contact.md) - [DPC workflow software](https://www.tabflows.com/dpc-workflow-software.md) - [Directory](https://www.tabflows.com/directory.md) - [Workflows](https://www.tabflows.com/workflows.md) - [DPC finder](https://www.tabflows.com/dpc-finder.md) Every page listed in sitemap.xml has a markdown twin at the same URL with `.md` appended, or by sending `Accept: text/markdown` to the canonical URL. 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