Quick summary
Subtasks in Microsoft Project let you break large tasks into smaller, manageable pieces by using the Indent Task feature to create a parent-child task hierarchy. Once indented, the parent becomes a summary task that automatically rolls up duration and scheduling from its subtasks.
Steps
- Open Microsoft Project and create the initial tasks for your project plan.
- Add durations to each task to support accurate timeline planning.
- Click on the task you want to convert into a subtask, ensuring it is positioned below its intended parent task.
- On the Task tab, find and click the Indent Task button — the right-facing arrow icon.
- Confirm the task is now a subtask: it appears indented, and the task above automatically becomes its summary task with a collapse/expand control.
