How to create your first project on Asana

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

To create your first project on Asana, click the orange plus button in the top bar, select 'Project', choose a template or start blank, then configure your project settings. You can then add tasks, assign team members, and set due dates to get started with project management.

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Prerequisites

An Asana account
Access to a web browser or Asana mobile app
Basic understanding of project management concepts
Team or workspace already set up

Step-by-Step Instructions

Navigate to the project creation screen

Log into your Asana account and look for the orange + (plus) button in the top navigation bar. Click it and select Project from the dropdown menu. This will open the project creation wizard.

You can also create a project by clicking the 'Create' button in your team's project list sidebar.

Choose a project template or start blank

Asana will present you with template options like Basic Task List, Marketing Campaign, or Product Launch. For your first project, select Blank Project to start from scratch, or choose a relevant template if one matches your needs. Click Use Template or Continue.

Templates can save time and provide helpful task structures, but starting blank gives you full control over your project setup.

Configure basic project settings

Enter a descriptive Project Name in the text field. Choose your Team from the dropdown menu to determine who can access this project. Select a Privacy setting: Public to team (visible to all team members) or Private (only visible to project members you invite).

Use clear, descriptive project names that make it easy for team members to identify the project's purpose.

Set project layout and view

Choose how you want to view and organize your project. Select from List (traditional task list), Board (Kanban-style columns), Timeline (Gantt chart), or Calendar view. For beginners, List view is recommended as it's the most straightforward.

You can switch between different views anytime after creating the project, so don't worry about choosing the perfect layout initially.

Add project description and goals

In the Project Description field, write a brief overview of what this project aims to accomplish. Click Add Goal to set measurable objectives. You can also add a Project Brief by clicking the Overview tab to provide more detailed context for team members.

A clear description and goals help team members understand the project's purpose and stay aligned on objectives.

Invite team members and assign roles

Click Add Members or the Share button to invite colleagues to your project. Type their email addresses or select from your existing team members. You can assign different permission levels: Editor (can modify tasks), Commenter (can comment only), or Viewer (read-only access).

Start with a small core team and add more members as the project develops to avoid overwhelming the initial setup.

Create your first tasks

Click Add Task or press Tab + N to create your first task. Give it a descriptive name, set a Due Date by clicking the calendar icon, and assign it to a team member by clicking Assignee. Add task descriptions, subtasks, or attachments as needed. Repeat this process to add more tasks.

Break down large tasks into smaller, actionable items with clear due dates to make progress easier to track.

Finalize and launch your project

Review your project setup, ensuring all essential tasks are created and assigned. Click Create Project or Done to finalize the setup. Your project will now appear in your team's project list and dashboard. Start collaborating by adding comments, updating task progress, and tracking completion.

Consider creating a project kickoff task or meeting to align all team members on project goals and expectations.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Cannot see the create project button or option

Check your account permissions - you may not have project creation rights in your current team. Contact your Team Admin to request permission or ask them to create the project for you.

Team members cannot access the project after invitation

Verify the project Privacy Settings are set correctly. If set to Private, manually add each member through the Members tab. Also ensure invited users have accepted their Asana account invitations.

Project template is missing expected sections or tasks

Template content can vary based on your Asana plan level. Try starting with a Blank Project and manually create the sections you need, or check if you have access to Custom Templates in your team settings.

Unable to switch between project views after creation

Some project views may require a paid Asana plan. Timeline and advanced Dashboard features are premium. Check your plan limitations in Settings > Billing or stick with List and Board views which are available on free plans.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Asana website before purchasing.

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