How to create a rule in Asana
Learn how to create a rule in Asana: open Customize, add an automation, start from scratch, choose a trigger, and add the first action step.
Quick answer
To create a rule in Asana, open a project, choose Customize, then open Automations and click Add. Select Start from scratch, pick Asana as the trigger source, choose Task is added to this project as the trigger, and use Add step on the workflow canvas to choose what happens next.
Steps at a glance
- Open a project and click Customize.
- Open Automations.
- Click Add to start a new automation.
- Select Start from scratch.
- Choose Asana as the trigger source.
- Pick Task is added to this project.
- Click Add step to set the action.
Interactive demo
Summary
Asana automations let a project react to changes without manual work. You build one from a trigger and an action on a workflow canvas, so routine updates happen on their own.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Open Customize
Open the project you want to automate and click **Customize** in the project header. A side panel opens with the features for this project.
Step 2
Open Automations
In the Customize panel, click **Automations** under the workflow features. The panel shows the **Automations** screen for this project.
Step 3
Add an automation
A new project shows "Get started with automations". Click **Add** to open the **Add automation** screen.
Step 4
Start from scratch
The **Add automation** screen offers a chat box and a list of featured automations. Click **Start from scratch** to build your own on a blank workflow.
Step 5
Choose a trigger
The workflow opens with the question "What starts this workflow?". Choose **Asana** to start the automation when something happens in Asana.
Step 6
Pick the trigger
Select **Task is added to this project** from the trigger list. You can also search the list with **Search triggers**. The trigger appears on the workflow with **All tasks** as the source.
Step 7
Add an action
Click **Add step** below the trigger to choose what happens next.
Why this matters
You keep doing the same manual update every time a new request lands in your project. Building an automation with a trigger and an action moves that repeated work out of your day, so the project stays consistent without you touching it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I build an automation without starting from a template?
Yes. Click **Start from scratch** on the **Add automation** screen to build a workflow on a blank canvas.
Where do I find automations for a project?
Open the project, click **Customize**, then click **Automations**.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
How to create a form in AsanaLearn how to create a form in Asana: open a project's Customize menu, add a form, set up questions, check settings, and publish it to collect requests.
How to create a custom field in AsanaAdd a custom field to an Asana project in List view: choose a field type, name it, set its options, and see the new column appear next to your tasks.
How to add a collaborator to a task in AsanaAdd a collaborator to an Asana task: open the task details, use the collaborators button, and enter a teammate's email address in the Members field.
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