Create Column Modal
The Create Column modal lets you add new workflow stages to your Kanban board. Columns represent the stages tasks move through from start to completion.
What You Are Looking At
When you click the "Column" button in the Kanban board header, a modal appears with fields for configuring the new column. The modal is compact and focused on the essential settings needed to create a functional workflow column.
Column Title and Color
Title
Enter a descriptive name for your column. Common column titles include:
- Backlog - Tasks waiting to be started
- To Do - Tasks ready for the current iteration
- In Progress - Tasks currently being worked on
- In Review - Tasks awaiting review or approval
- Testing - Tasks being validated
- Done - Completed tasks
Choose names that match your team's terminology and workflow. Consistency helps team members understand where tasks belong without additional explanation.
Color
Click the color picker to select a column accent color. This color appears as a top border on the column and helps visually distinguish workflow stages.
Consider using a color progression:
- Cool colors (blue, gray) for early stages
- Warm colors (yellow, orange) for active work
- Green for completion
- Red for blocked or attention-needed stages
Column Status
The status dropdown determines how the column affects task state calculations:
Open
Tasks in Open columns are considered not yet started. This is typically used for backlog columns where tasks wait to be picked up.
Open columns:
- Tasks count toward "total" but not "in progress" or "completed"
- Contribute to backlog metrics
- Typically appear on the left side of the board
In Progress
Tasks in In Progress columns are actively being worked on. This status affects capacity calculations and work-in-progress metrics.
In Progress columns:
- Tasks count toward "in progress" metrics
- Affect team utilization calculations
- Can have WIP limits applied
- Typically appear in the middle of the board
Closed
Tasks in Closed columns are considered complete. Moving a task to a Closed column marks it as done for metrics and reporting.
Closed columns:
- Tasks count toward "completed" metrics
- Contribute to velocity calculations
- Drive progress percentage on project cards
- Typically appear on the right side of the board
Creating the Column
After filling in the title, selecting a color, and choosing a status, click "Create" to add the column to your board. The column appears at the right side of the board and can be repositioned by dragging.
New columns start empty. Move existing tasks into the column or create new tasks directly in it.
Pro Tips (Once You Are Comfortable)
- Time-saver: Create all your columns before adding tasks. This prevents having to reorganize work later.
- Did you know? Columns can be reordered by dragging them. Hold the column header and drag left or right to change position.
- Common mistake: Creating too many columns. Start minimal (3-4 columns) and add more only when your workflow genuinely needs them. Too many columns create confusion and slow down work.
- Power move: Use column colors strategically. A visual pattern (left to right, cool to warm) helps new team members understand workflow direction instantly.
Permissions
Only Agency Owners and Managers with the "manage_boards" permission can create columns. If you do not see the Column button, your role may not have this permission.
How to Report a Problem or Request a Feature
If you encounter issues creating columns or have suggestions, submit feedback through GitScrum Studio. In the Sidebar, click on Support Tickets and open a ticket describing your request.