You boot up your work laptop or computer in the morning and are immediately inundated with messages and tasks, each demanding that you resolve them first.
If this scenario makes you anxious or feels all too familiar, you’re not alone.
71% of organizational leaders say they feel constant pressure from executives to ramp up productivity.
That’s why you need to give yourself action items. These aren’t just to-dos; they’re clearly defined steps designed to move your projects forward. By breaking down goals into a structured priority list, you can stay focused and get things done.
We’ve rounded up 11 free action item templates to help you and your team prioritize tasks while boosting productivity.
11 Free Action Item Templates for Enhanced Productivity
- What Are Action Item Templates?
- What Makes a Good Action Item Template?
- 11 Action Item Templates
- 1. The ClickUp Action Plan Template
- 2. The ClickUp Planning a Project Template
- 3. The ClickUp Basic To-Do List Template
- 4. The ClickUp Daily To-Do List Template
- 5. The ClickUp Calendar To-Do List Template
- 6. The ClickUp Work To-Do List Template
- 7. The ClickUp Activity List Template
- 8. The ClickUp Task Management Template
- 9. The ClickUp Getting Things Done Template
- 10. The ClickUp Daily Planner Template
- 11. The ClickUp Action Priority Matrix Whiteboard Template
- Master Tasks Effortlessly with ClickUp
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Are Action Item Templates?
Action item templates are pre-designed formats for documenting, assigning, and tracking tasks or actionable steps in a consistent and organized manner.
They can be used for various purposes, from creating a simple to-do list to a complex project plan. These templates typically include fields such as task description, assignee, priority, due date, status, and any relevant notes or context.
With these templates, you can make task management easier by providing a standardized structure, making it easier to delegate responsibilities, monitor progress, and ensure accountability.
They are available in various formats, such as, for example, a to-do list app connected to project management software.
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Makes a Good Action Item Template?
A good action item template should do more than just organize tasks. You can use it to make your workflow smoother and more efficient.
Here are five key features to look for in a free action items template that ensure you stay on track and achieve your goals:
- Clear task breakdown: A quality template provides space to break down tasks into specific, actionable steps. Vague to-dos like ‘Work on the report’ get replaced with concrete actions like ‘Compile data for Q4 sales report’
- Priority sections: Not all tasks carry the same weight, and good to-do list templates reflect that. With designated sections for a priority level, you can easily identify which tasks need immediate attention versus those that can wait
- Deadline tracking: Deadlines are crucial for accountability, and task management templates with built-in due date fields help you manage timelines effortlessly
- Progress tracking: Templates that include status indicators make it easy to monitor your progress, keeping you motivated with a clear overview of what’s been accomplished
- Team collaboration fields: For team projects, look for templates with fields to assign tasks, add comments, or track contributors. This ensures no one is left in the dark
However, just knowing the makings of a good action item template is not enough. A quick Google search will give you plenty of options, so how do you pick the best one for you?
Simple: just look at the list below, where we have curated 11 of the best templates for various requirements.
Summarize this article for me please11 Action Item Templates
Wouldn’t it be great to have a single platform that brings everything you need for work into one place—docs, tasks, chat, integrations, and even pre-built templates? That’s exactly what ClickUp delivers.
With 1000+ templates for any use case and industry, you don’t have to do anything from scratch, taking the guesswork out of organizing your tasks.
Happy ClickUp user Brandon Fitch, Director of Product Development at Flyin’ Miata, explains the usefulness of ClickUp as it is:
Let’s examine our 11 top action item template picks for you, one by one.
1. The ClickUp Action Plan Template
The ClickUp Action Plan Template optimizes workflow and makes goal-setting more achievable. It is a customizable tool that helps users organize tasks, set clear objectives, and track progress toward goals.
By providing a structured framework, this template facilitates efficient task management, ensuring that all steps are accounted for and deadlines are met.
This template’s utility is maximized when you use it to:
- Simplify your tasks into manageable actions
- Add sticky notes between stages to jot down ideas, notes, or plans. These notes can seamlessly convert into actionable ClickUp Tasks
- Embed ClickUp Docs into ClickUp Whiteboards and vice versa to enable real-time collaboration, updates, and easy access to project details
Ideal for: Managers looking to make an action plan for every quarter
💡 Pro Tip: Block 10-15 minutes daily to revisit and update your action items, ensuring alignment with changing priorities or deadlines.
2. The ClickUp Planning a Project Template
Planning a project can be overwhelming, but the ClickUp Planning a Project Template simplifies the process for project managers and teams.
The template’s structure facilitates efficient action item setting by allowing users to break down projects into manageable tasks, assign responsibilities, set deadlines, and monitor progress.
Wondering how this powerful template helps you make your workflow better? Here are a few ways:
- Get a visual overview of your project’s progress with an intuitive status board
- Track all tasks and their statuses in one organized task list
- Organize tasks into four customizable task statuses—Complete, Stuck, To Do, In Progress—to maintain clear visibility of the project’s progress
Ideal for: Project managers who want to track project progress in one place
3. The ClickUp Basic To-Do List Template
The ClickUp Basic To-Do List Template is your go-to tool for organizing and tracking daily tasks in one convenient place.
Whether you’re managing personal errands or professional responsibilities, this template makes it easy to stay on top of your priorities. Here’s how:
- Effortlessly visualize and manage your daily to-dos for better productivity
- Use three intuitive views—Doc View, Board View, and List View—to visualize your action items in whatever format works best for you
- Access two color-coded custom statuses—To-Do and Complete—to track the progress of your action items as you work your way through them
Ideal for: Team leaders who want to keep track of project-related tasks with collaboration tools
4. The ClickUp Daily To-Do List Template
When you need to run through the same action items day after day, the ClickUp Daily To-Do List Template is your best friend. It is perfect for managing your daily routines, building habits, and staying on track with your goals.
The best part? You can use this template in your professional and personal lives. Whether it’s practicing daily to learn a new skill or setting a reminder for that daily update for your manager, the ClickUp Daily To-Do List Template has you covered.
Use this template to:
- Create tasks for each goal you aim to accomplish in a day
- Assign deadlines and designate timelines for each task to stay focused and productive
- Highlight and focus on the most critical tasks first to ensure efficiency
Ideal for: Professionals who want to manage personal to-do lists and reminders without switching platforms
5. The ClickUp Calendar To-Do List Template
Designed for professionals and teams, the ClickUp Calendar To-Do List Template provides a clear snapshot of your weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule, helping you stay organized and focused on what matters most.
With this template, track your work hours and make sure you are on the right path to achieving your goals in the short, medium, and long terms.
Use this template to define your priorities, as well as:
- Keep track of upcoming meetings and ensure pre-meeting tasks are completed on time
- Organize tasks by team member to foster accountability and clarity
- Access quick-start instructions to make the most of the template right away
Ideal for: Managers who want to visualize team tasks for days, weeks, and months in a calendar view
🧠 Fun Fact: The concept of “to-do lists” dates back to ancient Egypt, where workers used hieroglyphic lists to track daily responsibilities.
6. The ClickUp Work To-Do List Template
Need a simple and effective way to organize your weekly tasks? Look no further than the ClickUp Work To-Do List Template!
With this template, you no longer have to worry about missing weekly catchups with team members, or forgetting to deliver weekly updates to stakeholders.
Software developers, marketers, HR executives, salespeople—everyone can find some kind of use for this template, that lets you:
- Visually plan your tasks for the week, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks
- Gain a bird’s-eye view of your monthly workload, helping you stay on track
- Prioritize and track the progress of all your tasks in one convenient location
Ideal for: Team executives who want to plan weekly and monthly tasks and collaborate with team members from the same perspective
Also Read: 10 Free Work Plan Templates & Examples
7. The ClickUp Activity List Template
An activity list is the backbone of effective project management. It outlines all the tasks required to complete a project and serves as the foundation for planning, scheduling, and tracking progress.
The ClickUp Activity List Template offers an easy way to build an activity list, compiling all the information you need to track in one place effortlessly. With this template, you can:
- Categorize tasks into logical groups to improve visibility
- Set up notifications to receive updates on task progress
- Schedule regular meetings to discuss progress, address issues, and make informed decisions
Ideal for: Project managers who want to keep track of their daily workloads
8. The ClickUp Task Management Template
Efficient task management is the cornerstone of productive teams, and the ClickUp Task Management Template helps you achieve just that.
Tailored for all team members, projects, and workflows, this versatile template keeps your priorities clear and your work on track. No action item or task is too difficult to track, and you can even:
- Use the List View to break tasks down into detailed, custom lists for precise organization
- Plan and prioritize visually with the Board View, leveraging a classic Kanban board setup
- Manage team workloads effectively using the Box View to ensure smart task assignment
- Schedule tasks dynamically with the Calendar View, featuring drag-and-drop functionality for easy adjustments
Ideal for: Project managers who want to keep track of their daily workloads
9. The ClickUp Getting Things Done Template
The Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology is a trusted framework for enhancing productivity by organizing tasks into manageable actions.
The ClickUp Getting Things Done Template brings this process to life, encouraging you to integrate it into your daily workflow.
Use this template to give your daily deliverables better structure. Identify the action items to prioritize, assign responsibilities or delegate where necessary, set clear deadlines, and get things done!
In addition, use this template to:
- Get a clear overview of all tasks in a list, sorted by context, due date, or effort level
- Manage workflows visually with a Kanban-style layout, where tasks are grouped by status, priority, or deadline
- Collaborate effortlessly by pinning pre-built GTD documents for creating SOPs, recording meeting notes, or sharing ideas
Ideal for: Business managers who want to get things done in an organized way
💡 Pro Tip: When using action item templates, allocate realistic time durations to each task. Overestimating or underestimating can disrupt your workflow.
10. The ClickUp Daily Planner Template
The ClickUp Daily Planner Template acts like a virtual planner, helping you stay organized, build habits, and create more time for what matters most.
Who needs a physical planner, or lengthy and complicated task lists, when you have this easy-to-use template? Use the incredible functionality of this template to:
- Set recurring tasks to build lasting habits and assign specific due dates for better planning
- Use different views—Table View, List View, and Getting Started Guide View—for a customized overview of your habits and goals
- Keep your tasks organized with two easy statuses—Open and Complete—to track progress at a glance
Ideal for: Professionals who want to schedule daily activities in a simple virtual planner
11. The ClickUp Action Priority Matrix Whiteboard Template
The ClickUp Action Priority Matrix Whiteboard Template helps teams evaluate decisions, prioritize tasks, and align efforts for success.
This template offers a clear, visual way to determine what actions matter most to you based on your desired outcomes. You can use this template to easily:
- Assess priorities based on High Impact vs. Low Impact and High Effort vs. Low Effort
- Use sticky notes to plot tasks in the four categories—Quick Wins (High Impact, Low Effort), Big Projects (High Impact, High Effort), Fill-Ins (Low Impact, Low Effort), and Thankless Tasks (Low Impact, High Effort)
- Convert sticky notes into actionable tasks and assign them to team members directly from the whiteboard
- Bring your ideas to life with a touch interface, allowing you to sketch, draw, and visualize concepts with intuitive gestures
Ideal for: Professionals who want to visualize project priorities and delegate tasks based on impact and efforts
Summarize this article for me pleaseMaster Tasks Effortlessly with ClickUp
Action item templates are a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify their workflow and stay on top of their tasks. The 11 ClickUp templates we’ve covered simplify planning by providing everything you need to organize events, appointments, and tasks in one place.
Visual calendars, to-do lists, and recurring tasks ensure you don’t miss a single deliverable. Automated notifications keep you constantly in the loop, so you’re always one step ahead.
The best part? These templates are free and fully connected to ClickUp, task management software that combines your docs, tasks, conversations, collaboration tools, and favorite apps in one seamless platform.
This single platform frees up your attention and time from needing to pursue multiple tools or platforms, so you can focus on what matters. Sign up for ClickUp and feel the difference for yourself every day!
Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.
