I’d love to see Asana add the ability to set subtask due dates relative to the parent task’s due date, rather than only relative to when the task is created.
Current limitation
Right now, Task Templates only allow due dates like “X days after task is created.” This works for tasks that are created shortly before they’re completed, but it breaks down for teams that plan well in advance.
Example
I manage communications for recurring events throughout the year. I often create projects and tasks for events one to two years in advance so our team can be proactive.
For example, I might create a parent task:
Women’s Retreat
Due: October 15, 2027
I’d love to build a reusable Task Template where the subtasks are automatically scheduled like this:
- Launch planning meeting — 90 days before parent due date
- Registration opens — 60 days before
- Design graphics — 45 days before
- Newsletter promotion — 30 days before
- Last call email — 3 days before
- Follow-up communication — 2 days after
Instead, because due dates are based on when the task is created, every subtask ends up due almost immediately after I create the task. I then have to manually update every due date, which defeats the purpose of using a template.