Steps to add dependencies
Open a task that belongs to a project
Go to the Dependencies section on the right-hand side
Click Add dependency
Choose the dependency type:
Waiting On — this task depends on another task being completed first
Blocking — this task is preventing another task from moving forward
Related To — tasks are connected but not dependent on completion
Select the related task(s)
Save your changes
Key behavior:
Tasks can still be completed even if they are blocked
Dependencies provide visibility and workflow coordination, not hard restrictions
Dependency relationships help teams understand task sequencing and impact
Automatic date adjustments
When a task due date changes:
Dependent tasks automatically shift forward
Upstream tasks remain unchanged
Weekends are skipped by default during recalculation
Dependencies help teams maintain accurate timelines and better manage task order automatically.
Automation: Update status of dependent tasks
Note: This feature is available on selected plans that include access to Automations. Visit the Bonsai pricing page for full details.
This automation automatically updates dependent task statuses when a related task changes status.
How to set Up the automation
Open Automations page located on bottom left of sidebar:
Create a new automation
Select the trigger:
When a task status is updated
Choose the status that activates the automation
Example: Done
Select the automatic action:
Update dependent task status
Choose which dependent tasks should be updated:
Waiting
Blocking
Related
Select the new status to apply to those tasks
Save the automation
Key behavior:
The automation runs automatically when the selected task status changes
Only dependent tasks matching the selected relationship type are updated
Status updates apply immediately after the trigger condition is met
Example workflow:
When a task is updated to Done, automatically update dependent tasks that are Waiting to Assigned.
This automation helps teams streamline task handoffs and keep dependent work moving automatically.