How to Develop a Project Management App like ClickUp?

“If you're still managing projects over email and spreadsheets, you're already behind.”

The future of work is remote, agile, and tech-enabled, and businesses are trying to keep up. With teams spread across time zones and complex workflows, the need for powerful project management software has never been greater.

That's why project management app development is surging. Organizations are investing in platforms that enable them to manage tasks, track goals, and collaborate in real-time from a unified interface. All sizes of organizations are investing in project management apps.

Apps like ClickUp, Asana, and Trello have changed the way we work. What ClickUp has done well and differentiates itself is its all-in-one solution, which brings together documents, tasks, calendars, chat, and automations in a customizable workspace.

If you're considering building productivity apps, want to know what it takes to develop a project management app like ClickUp, now is the time to enter this fast-growing market with your idea!

What Makes ClickUp So Popular?

ClickUp's rapid emergence as a top competitor was no accident. It established itself as the market leader by rethinking the base-level offerings of a project management platform — flexibility, power, and usability. Here are the reasons teams and businesses love ClickUp which would also be relevant to study when building your app that mimics or is similar to ClickUp.

Unified Experience

ClickUp takes away the challenge of switching between apps by offering everything a team needs in ONE PLACE: Tasks, Docs, Goals, Whiteboards, Time Tracking, and Conversation/Chat. This singular place of coordination competes to improve efficiency, reduce tool overload, and why you should prioritize a similar offering when developing your ClickUp-like app.

Optimize Workflows

Every team works differently and ClickUp understands that! ClickUp allows users to create customizable views (List, Board, Calendar, Gantt), customizable statuses, customizable automations, task dependencies — they arm each user to develop their best workflow. If you’re building an app akin to ClickUp, customizable features are not optional! They’re essential.

Real-Time Collaboration

Real-time teams. Comments, live docs and collaborative whiteboards. ClickUp is built for real-time teams, regardless of whether they are co-located or remote. ClickUp allows teams to communicate and stay synced with each other; a requirement for today's work environment.

AI Task Automation

ClickUp has begun incorporating AI features (task creation, content summarization, workflow suggestions, etc.) that remove manual effort. The inclusion of AI in productivity apps has rapidly become commonplace, while your app should be thinking about AI adoption if you want to remain competitive in the long term.

Scalability for teams of all sizes

ClickUp is just as effective for small teams planning sprints or enterprises managing multi-team projects. With a modular pricing structure and flexible feature set, ClickUp can scale up quickly. Scalability is a design principle paramount to anyone considering the development cost optimization of ClickUp-like apps.

Key Features to Include in a ClickUp-like Project Management App

If you’re planning to develop a project management app like ClickUp, getting the feature set right is critical. Today’s users expect seamless navigation, smart automation, and real-time collaboration from their project management app. Whether you're building an MVP or a full-scale platform, the right mix of core and advanced features will define your app's success.

Here’s a breakdown of essential and advanced features you must consider during your ClickUp-like app development process:

Must-Have Features for a ClickUp Clone App

• User Registration & Authentication

Secure login and sign-up flows using OAuth, email/password, or SSO are essential for user management and access control.

• Dashboard & Project Overview

A centralized dashboard that provides a bird’s-eye view of all ongoing tasks, project progress, and timelines improves user productivity.

• Task Creation & Assignments

Allow users to create tasks, assign them to team members, add due dates, and categorize them with labels and priorities.

• Comments & Mentions

Facilitate contextual collaboration by letting users leave comments and tag team members in tasks or documents.

• File Attachments

Enable document uploads and file attachments so users can keep all project-related content in one place.

• Due Dates & Reminders

Automated reminders and deadline notifications ensure tasks don’t slip through the cracks.

Advanced Features to Make Your Project Management App Stand Out

• Gantt Charts & Kanban Boards

Offer multiple task visualization options to cater to different team preferences and workflows.

• Real-Time Collaboration

Live updates, activity tracking, and synchronized changes across devices ensure everyone stays on the same page.

• Time Tracking & Reporting

In-built time tracking and automated reports help teams manage productivity and analyze project efficiency.

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

Set permission levels for users, teams, and external collaborators to ensure data security and structure.

• Native Mobile Apps

A responsive, feature-rich mobile version is a must-have for users who work on the go.

• Third-Party Integrations

Integrate with tools like Slack, Zoom, Google Drive, GitHub, and calendar apps to create a connected ecosystem.

• AI for Smart Suggestions & Task Prioritization

Use AI to recommend task deadlines, predict bottlenecks, and suggest prioritization—this is a key edge in how to build a project management app like ClickUp that scales.

UI/UX Design Tips for a Project Management App

No matter how powerful your feature set is, poor design can kill user adoption. A great project management app development strategy must focus equally on UI/UX to deliver an intuitive, frictionless experience. By focusing on both robust functionality and intuitive design, you’ll set your app apart and reduce churn. Whether you're building a full-scale solution or MVP, these considerations will directly impact your ClickUp-like app development cost and long-term success.

Minimalistic Design with Functional Hierarchy

When we're talking about how to build productivity apps, simplicity is critical. Having a minimalistic UI keeps the user from being bombarded with tons of information and visual confusion; especially crucial for productivity applications. Make your most important elements (project dashboard, task creation, and status symbols) stand out!

Leave some whitespace, use contrast, or functional hierarchy and design to guide the user to the most important areas. It is all about good design and better structure to present a productive and unzealous user journey, an underlying UX principle of productivity tools such as ClickUp.

Easy Drag and Drop Interface

An easy and intuitive drag and drop interface is perfect for improving workflows and task management! Users in productivity applications expect to drag and drop tasks across stages, reorder their priorities, and assign responsibilities on the fly with minimal clicks.

Whether you're designing Kanban boards, Gantt charts, or nested task lists, drag-and-drop functionality must be responsive and seamless. In a ClickUp clone app (or any productivity application), drag and drop should be an expectation, not just a feature. It encourages visual work management, and productivity across multiple teams.

Real-Time Notifications

Effective project management application development would not be successful without the ability to create real-time triggers for communication, such as push, in-app, and email notifications. Providing users with instant updates on when they are mentioned, comments made, and task changes are important to foster quicker collaboration and accountability, especially among remote teams.

Users must receive reminders from the app, but those alerts should be actions and not distractions - great user experience (UX) involves giving your users control over what they decide to be alerted about.

Responsive Design for Mobile and Desktop

As more users shift to mobile devices, your app must deliver a consistent experience across all devices used to manage tasks. Creating a design that is responsive in nature will allow users to track their tasks, check in on others' tasks, or provide comments just as seamlessly on a phone as it does on a desktop computer and vice versa.

Whether you are building your app on an infrastructure of Flutter or React Native, regardless of the size screen, each screen size should enable fluid navigation and maintain performance consistency. This is especially true for founders developing a project management app like ClickUp for mobile-first markets or growing hybrid workforces.

Dark Mode & Personalization Options

Modern users crave flexibility, and that includes how their workspace looks and feels. Features like dark mode, customizable themes, and modular widgets allow users to personalize their experience, making the app feel truly theirs. This boosts user satisfaction and retention over time.

Personalization is becoming an increasingly important baseline expectation for building productivity apps that stand out. Giving users control over layout and appearance helps your product feel premium and user-centric.

Tech Stack to Build a Project Management App Like ClickUp

Choosing the right tech stack directly affects your ClickUp-like app development cost, timeline, and long-term scalability. If you're unsure, consult an experienced tech partner to help you architect the most efficient stack. Here’s the ideal tech stack for building a ClickUp clone app that can compete in the productivity tools market:

• Frontend (User Interface)

React.js / Vue.js (Web)

Popular for building fast, dynamic, and interactive web interfaces. React is component-based, making it ideal for scalable apps.

Flutter / React Native (Mobile)

Choose Flutter for faster cross-platform development, or React Native for a more native-like feel across Android and iOS.

• Backend (Business Logic & APIs)

Node.js / Django / Ruby on Rails

These backend frameworks offer speed, flexibility, and strong community support. Node.js is great for real-time features, Django is security-rich, and Rails accelerates MVPs.

• REST or GraphQL APIs

Both are effective for seamless frontend-backend communication. GraphQL is ideal if you want optimized data querying and flexibility.

Database (Data Storage)

PostgreSQL – Great for complex queries and relational data.
MongoDB – Ideal for handling unstructured or scalable data sets.

• Cloud & Hosting (Infrastructure)

AWS / Google Cloud / Microsoft Azure

These cloud providers offer scalable infrastructure, managed services, and global deployment capabilities—essential when building apps that must scale like ClickUp.

• DevOps & Security

Docker & Kubernetes – Ensure containerized, scalable, and efficient deployments.

OAuth 2.0 – Secure user authentication for third-party logins.

SSL encryption – Protect user data in transit.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) – Essential for multi-level access permissions in team collaboration environments.

Step-by-Step Guide to Developing a ClickUp-Like App

89% of businesses say they struggle with productivity, and 74% are actively investing in project management tools to solve it. Creating a successful project management app like ClickUp goes far beyond writing code. It requires market insight, UX empathy, architectural planning, and a structured development process. Here’s a step-by-step framework on how to build productivity apps that are competitive, scalable, and loved by users:

1 Market Research & Competitor Analysis

Before you begin creating an app to compete with something like ClickUp, you need to take a serious look at what current tools do well — and what they do not. Research, analyze, or speak to competitors such as ClickUp, Trello, Notion, and Asana. Focus on reading user reviews, feature sets, and user pain points.

Are they frustrated by a lack of integration with other applications? Are they confused with overly complex, cumbersome UIs? These areas of opportunity (gaps) will allow you to develop a better - and more productive - user experience.

2 Define User Personas & App Goals

Users may have different needs for productivity. Are you targeting startups, remote teams, freelancers, or large enterprises? Define your personas, such as Project Manager, Marketing Executive, or Freelance Designer, and align their goals with the app's features.

This also helps ensure your product strategy will respond to real-life use cases, and will inform side decisions from user experience to pricing.

3 Wireframing & Prototyping

Before engaging in full development, ensure that you have sketched or wire-framed detailed interactions with core screens - like task boards, dashboards, settings, and collaboration panels. Use a wireframing tool like Figma or Adobe XD, and develop an interactive prototype for user testing.

This will allow you to confirm various workflows before development, saving time and rework, along with aligning team stakeholders on what the app will look like.

4 UI/UX Design

This is where your project starts to take form visually. For any ClickUp clone app clean, minimal UI and a seamless user experience are essential. Take into account the user's overall experience and consider aspects such as accessibility and personalized options.

Use a consistent design system, ensure it is mobile-friendly, and create simple navigation flows that cater to new users and power users.

5 Frontend & Backend Development

Now that designs are locked, it is time to begin coding with agile sprints. You can build your app’s UI using frameworks like React.js (web), Flutter or React Native (mobile) to ensure a responsive UI.

For the backend, use scalable technologies like Node.js, Django, or Ruby on Rails with REST or GraphQL APIs. Modular architecture will help if you want to add new features and/or updates in the future.

6 Integration of Third-Party APIs

With today’s productivity-driven users, integrations are a must. Integrate productivity tools like Slack, Google Calendar, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Trello, or your favourite CRM.

Integrations enhance your app's utility and stickiness, making it a hub of your user's workflow just like how a project management app like ClickUp does.

7 QA & Testing (Manual + Automation)

Thorough testing is not optional when developing project management apps. You'll need to test and validate every workflow from creating a task and commenting to file uploads and access permissions.

You should also apply both manual and automated testing across devices and browsers. Ensure you consider edge cases such as offline mode, real-time updates, and concurrent user actions.

8 Deployment & Monitoring

Once your application passes QA, it's time to launch it. Use Docker and Kubernetes for containerized deployment. Leverage a CI/CD pipeline to enable smooth and incremental rollouts.

Configure performance monitoring and error-tracking tools (Sentry, Datadog, New Relic, etc.) to monitor the health of your application from day one.

9 Post-Launch Support & Implementing Feature Updates

The real work starts after launch — gathering user feedback and observations through surveys, usage analytics, support tickets, etc. It's best if you can prioritize bug reports, outline an iterative product improvement strategy, and roll out your features in small ,manageable releases.

Regular updates, bug fixes, and new features are crucial for user retention and can proportionally impact your ClickUp-like app development costs in the long run.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App Like ClickUp?

One of the most common questions founders and product teams ask is: “How much does it cost to develop an app like ClickUp?” The answer depends on several key variables — including the feature set, development location, technology stack, and whether you're building an MVP or a full-scale solution.

Let’s break it down:

These are general estimates and can vary based on the expertise of your development partner and the complexity of features like AI, integrations, or real-time collaboration.

MVP (Minimum Viable Product): Includes core features like task creation, dashboard, user roles, and basic collaboration tools. Ideal for early validation.
Estimated Cost: $30,000 – $60,000

Full-Featured ClickUp Clone App: Includes Gantt charts, advanced automations, real-time sync, integrations, AI-powered insights, and mobile support.
Estimated Cost: $80,000 – $150,000+

If you’re working on project management app development on a budget, starting with an MVP and iterating based on feedback is a smart strategy.

Developer Hourly Rates by Role (Global Average)

• UI/UX Designer: $25 – $100/hr
• Frontend Developer: $30 – $120/hr
• Backend Developer: $40 – $150/hr
• DevOps Engineer: $50 – $120/hr
• QA Specialist: $25 – $80/hr
• Project Manager: $30 – $100/hr

ClickUp-like app development cost will depend on how many of these roles you hire in-house or outsource to a software development partner.

Proven Monetization Strategies for ClickUp-Like Apps

Building a great app is only half the battle. Knowing how to monetize a ClickUp clone app is essential for long-term business success. By implementing these monetization models, your ClickUp clone app can generate recurring revenue while delivering continuous value to users.

Combine these strategies for maximum impact depending on your market, pricing flexibility, and target audience. Here's how successful project management apps like ClickUp and Notion generate revenue — and how you can apply the same strategies.

Freemium Model

Offer a robust free tier with core features to attract users and drive adoption. Upgrade options can include more storage, users, or integrations.

Tip: Reduces entry barriers and builds a large user base quickly — ideal for startups learning how to build productivity apps that scale.

Subscription Tiers

Design tiered pricing plans for individuals, small teams, and enterprises. Each tier can unlock advanced features like reporting, automations, admin controls, or API access.

Tip: ClickUp charges per user/month, with clear differences in feature availability between plans.

In-App Purchases (Add-Ons & AI Features)

Add premium features like time tracking, AI-powered task suggestions, or advanced reporting dashboards as optional purchases.

Tip: This is an effective upsell strategy once users are already engaged with your platform.

Custom Enterprise Solutions

Offer white-label versions, API access, and admin dashboards tailored for large organizations. Include SLA-backed support, training, and onboarding.

Tip: Ideal for scaling your revenue with high-paying customers who need a secure, customizable solution.

Why Choose Apptunix to Build Your Project Management App?

Suppose you're looking to develop an app like ClickUp. In that case, you need more than just developers — you need a strategic technology partner who understands what it takes to build scalable, competitive SaaS products from the ground up. That’s where Apptunix comes in.

Here’s why businesses worldwide trust us for project management app development:

Proven Track Record of SaaS Development

We have created and successfully launched many SaaS platforms in the past - productivity tools, AI-powered enterprise platforms, etc. We have a deep understanding of application architecture and user expectations for a project management app like ClickUp.

Dedicated UI/UX & AI Engineering Teams

We are not just developers, our dedicated teams in end-to-end UX design, incorporating AI, performance and refactoring are here to ensure you build an experience that is intuitive, efficient and loved by users.

End-to-End Process: From Design to Scale

From user flow diagrams and MVPs to cloud deployment and ongoing iteration - we are a full cycle development agency. If your goal is to launch a lean application or a full ClickUp clone application we will be with you the whole way.

Flexible Engagement and Pricing Models

Whether you are a funded startup or an enterprise with a long term vision, our engagement models are designed to be flexible and transparent. In fact, we have also consulted in estimating the estimated cost of building a ClickUp-like application without surprise pricing.

Conclusion

Platforms like ClickUp, Asana, and more are multi-billion-dollar ecosystems shaping the future of work. ClickUp alone has grown its user base to over 6 million in just a few years, proving that demand is massive and still growing. The market for productivity and collaboration tools is expected to surpass $100 billion by 2030. There’s no shortage of users. Only a shortage of bold builders ready to claim their share.

The next breakthrough isn’t a question of if — it’s a question of who and when. The answer? Now. Because while you’re waiting, someone else is launching.

At Apptunix, we engineer growth-ready platforms. From first sketch to final launch, we bring your vision to life with seamless UX, real-time functionality, mobile-first design, and AI-powered insights that users actually love.

Partner with Apptunix and let’s turn your idea into the next project management app like ClickUp.