Create a Task Template

Go to Templates in the left navigation.
Select Task Templates.
- You’ll see: Your templates, Canopy pre-made templates, and a workflow preview on the right.
Create a template:
- New from scratch: Click + New template.
- Duplicate an existing template: Click the Duplicate icon next to a template, name it, set privacy, then Copy.
In the main pane (the parent task), add details:
- Task name, Roles/Assignees, Budgeted hours, Return type, Task description.
- Dates: Add Fixed or Relative dates (you can also create Custom date types).
- Tools: Add Files or Reminders.
- Recurring: Toggle on if this template should create repeating tasks.
- Attach commonly used documents to streamline execution.

Enhanced Scheduling (Beta)

We’ve released new, more flexible recurrence settings in beta.

To enable: Go to Settings > Experimental Features and toggle on Recurring Task Schedule Beta.
Once enabled, you’ll see additional options for monthly, quarterly, and annual recurrences, with more granular due-date and creation rules.

👉 For a step-by-step guide to turning on the beta and using the enhanced recurrence options, view this article!

Add Automation

Use automations to change status, notify the next person, send client emails, or react to dates—front-loading the work so future tasks run smoother.

Click Add an automation.
Choose a condition (e.g., When task reaches a date… or When status changes…).
Choose an action (e.g., Then set task status…, Send client email).
Complete required fields → Add automation.

This rule becomes part of the template and will apply to every task created from it.

Add Subtasks

Break complex work into trackable steps.

Click Add ▸ Add subtask (beneath the parent task).
Fill in subtask fields (name, roles/assignees, dates, checklist, files, reminders, automations).
Repeat for each stage (e.g., Upload Transactions, Reconcile Bank Accounts, Flux Analysis & Statements, Balance Sheet Tie-Out, Deliver Financial Packet).

Add Client Requests

Collect documents or information from clients via the Client Portal.

Click Add ▸ Add client request.
Add Request name, client-facing description, client due date, client reminder, files, and any automations (e.g., send request when a prior subtask completes).
(Optional) Click Apply template to prefill from a saved client request template.

Reorder Workflow Items

Drag and drop subtasks and client requests in the workflow preview to adjust the sequence (e.g., move a client request earlier to collect transactions before upload).

Save & Share the Template

Click Save (or Save draft to finish later).
Set Template privacy:
- Green (On): Teammates can view/use the template.
- Gray (Off): Private to you.

Duplicate and Edit Preset Templates

Start from Canopy’s pre-made templates:

In Task Templates, find a pre-made template and click the Duplicate icon.
Name the copy, choose whether to share with team, and Copy.
Click the ⋮ next to your new copy → Edit to modify steps, content, dates, reminders, files, and automations.

You can’t edit the originals—duplicate first, then customize.

Apply a Task Template

Click the Global + → Create Task.
Click Template, select your template, then Apply.
The task inherits the name, subtasks/client requests, and date/automation rules you defined—ready to review and create.

Troubleshooting Visibility

Can’t find preset templates? Open Templates ▸ Task—the Canopy Templates modal shows presets with a workflow preview.
Colleague can’t see my template? Set Template privacy to Green (On) to share.
Reminder option missing? Add at least one Date to anchor reminders.