Is there an automation that moves cards to next list when checklist items are completed?

Question

I am looking to use a simple TO DO list that has small projects under cards and project small tasks under checklists. The card then advances across lists To Do, In progress, Done, Reviewed Etc. as items in the checklist are completed.

I am new to Trello so there might be an easier way to achieve this?

Sender Kavka · Answer

Thanks. I was unable to find how to create that automation that ties a checklist item to an action - perhaps because I am still messing around on the free plan. Can you share a screen shot if you plan to run into the automations screen anytime soon.

Arkadiusz Wroblewski · Answer

Hello @Sender Kavka

Yes, that should be possible with Trello automation.

A simple way to handle it is to move the card to In Progress as soon as a checklist item is checked, since that usually means work has started. Then add another rule to move the card to Done once the checklist, or all checklists on the card, are completed.

For Reviewed, that depends on your process. If there is a clear trigger for review, you can automate that too. If not, that part is probably better left as a manual step.

The idea itself is fine. I would just keep it simple and use a few separate rules for specific lists like In Progress and Done, than trying to make one rule handle every step separately.