Switching from Trello to ClickUp gives you more views, built-in docs, time tracking, and goals — without needing Power-Ups for basic features. Here’s how to migrate smoothly without losing your data or your team’s momentum.
Before You Start
Why Teams Switch
- Trello’s Power-Up dependency for features ClickUp includes free
- Need for Timeline, Gantt, and Dashboard views
- Want built-in docs, goals, and time tracking
- Outgrowing Trello’s project management capabilities
What Transfers
- ✅ Boards → Spaces/Lists
- ✅ Cards → Tasks
- ✅ Lists → Statuses
- ✅ Labels → Tags
- ✅ Checklists → Checklists
- ✅ Attachments → Attachments
- ✅ Due dates → Due dates
- ⚠️ Power-Up data → Manual recreation needed
- ⚠️ Automations → Rebuilt in ClickUp Automations
Step 1: Export from Trello
- Open your Trello board
- Click the three-dot menu (top right)
- Select More → Print and Export → Export as JSON
- Download the JSON file for each board you want to migrate
Alternatively, use ClickUp’s built-in importer which connects directly to your Trello account.
Step 2: Import into ClickUp
Using the Built-in Importer (Recommended)
- In ClickUp, click your avatar → Settings → Import/Export
- Select Trello from the import options
- Authorize ClickUp to access your Trello account
- Select which boards to import
- Map your Trello lists to ClickUp statuses
- Choose the target Space and Folder
- Click Import
The importer handles cards, checklists, labels, due dates, and attachments automatically.
Using JSON Export
- Go to Settings → Import/Export → Trello
- Upload the JSON file
- Follow the mapping wizard
Step 3: Map Your Structure
Trello and ClickUp organize things differently:
| Trello | ClickUp Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Workspace | Workspace |
| Board | Space or Folder |
| List | Status or List |
| Card | Task |
| Label | Tag or Custom Field |
| Checklist | Checklist or Subtask |
Pro tip: Use Trello Lists as ClickUp Statuses (To Do → In Progress → Done) rather than separate Lists. This unlocks Board, Timeline, and Gantt views that flow based on status.
Step 4: Rebuild Automations
Trello Butler automations don’t transfer. Rebuild them in ClickUp:
Common automations to recreate:
- When status changes → assign to team member
- When due date arrives → send notification
- When task created in list → add watchers
- When checklist complete → move to Done
ClickUp’s Automations are more powerful than Butler — you can trigger based on custom fields, time estimates, and priority changes.
Step 5: Set Up Views
This is where ClickUp shines over Trello. Set up these views for your team:
- Board View — Familiar Kanban for Trello users
- List View — Dense task list with sorting and filtering
- Timeline View — Gantt-style project timeline
- Calendar View — Tasks by due date
- Dashboard — KPIs and project overview widgets
Start your team with Board View so the transition feels familiar, then gradually introduce other views.
Step 6: Onboard Your Team
- Keep Board View as default — reduces friction for Trello users
- Run a 15-minute walkthrough — show the sidebar, views, and task creation
- Share a quick-reference doc — key differences from Trello
- Give it 2 weeks — most teams fully adapt within 10 business days
Common Migration Pitfalls
Don’t import everything. Archive old boards in Trello first. Only migrate active projects.
Don’t over-customize immediately. ClickUp has hundreds of features. Start simple with Board View + List View, then add complexity as needed.
Don’t skip the status mapping. Properly mapping Trello Lists to ClickUp Statuses is the single most important step. Get this wrong and everything feels broken.
Is It Worth Switching?
If you’re paying for Trello Premium ($10/user/mo) to get Timeline and Dashboard views, ClickUp Unlimited ($7/user/mo) gives you all that plus docs, goals, time tracking, and whiteboards.
For teams outgrowing Trello, ClickUp is the natural next step. The migration takes about 30 minutes per board, and most teams are fully productive within a week.
Compare all features → ClickUp vs Trello
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this take?
Most users can complete this process in 15-30 minutes by following the step-by-step guide above.
Do I need any technical skills?
No advanced technical skills are required. This guide walks you through each step with clear instructions.
What tools do I need?
See the requirements section above for the complete list of tools and accounts you’ll need to get started.