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How do I re-order (re-number) a work package?
Added by Steven Spearman over 8 years ago
This seems like it is such a basic function but I can’t figure out how to do it. Let’s say that I want to add a new work package. The current configuration seems to automatically apply the order of the work package based on the order in which it was created. So let’s say I have a project with 50 work packages. And I want to add a new work package and I want it to be #13. How do I create it so that it is #13 and will re-order the tasks that are affected by that change? I also would like to more generally change the order of the work packages. So let’s say that I have a work package that is currently #19 and I realize that it makes more sense for it to be #25. How do I change it to #25?
I would appreciate help with this.
Thanks,
Steve
Replies (9)
Hi Steven,
the work package ID is used to uniquely identify each work package. Therefore, it cannot be changed.
However, the easiest way to order work packages is to use the backlogs plugin, create a version and move the work packages in the order you prefer.
Via drag and drop you can easily rearrange the order of the work packages.
If you prefer the work package view you can then use the “Position” column to show the order of work packages. Just sort by the “Position” column to reflect the order.
Use backlogs plugin to define the order for the work packages:

(Optionally) use work packages filter and sorting to show the (sorted) backlogs position:

Best,
Robin
Hey Robin,
In the actual version there is no Position column to order the packages ? How can I solve the issue ?
Best Regards,
Johannes
Hello Johannes,
yes, the position was removed when we updated the work package list. .
There is a feature request to re-introduce this functionality:
In the meantime you can either use the backlogs view or create a separate custom field (e.g. type “Integer”) to sort the work package list according to your needs.
Best regards,
Robin
This topic is 3 years old : any news on that topic ?
I’ve just installed the precompiled package for Ubuntu 14 : one can still not order the tasks.
It would be so nice to order the tasks via drag & drop on the Gant chart…
Hello Bruno,
drag & drop for the work package list is currently planned for OpenProject 8.0:
Best regards,
Robin
What I just read here as a “solution” is profoundly interesting….so basically make a copy of it, then create a new attribute, reorder the attribute, and then reorganize the display to use the new attribute….very elegant.
Hey Michael,
you can use the backlogs view to reorder the work packages (very simple):

After ordering the work packages in the backlogs view, simply select “Stories / Tasks” from the dropdown menu from the side menu to see the work packages in the right order in the work package list.
Direct drag & drop for the work package list is scheduled for OpenProject 9.0: .
Best regards,
Robin
Hi there
I can see Position column in work package but unable to use it also no values are showing in position column , its blank. Please let me know if this functionality is enabled in latest Openproject version (11.2) as it seems it was removed (as per older comments on this ticket)
If it is enable now then pls help how to use it
Hi Vishu,
The "Position" field is provided by the Backlogs plugin and shows the position of a work package in the backlog.
In your screenshot, it seems that these work packages have not been assigned to a backlog version. If you create e.g. a Feature and assign it to a sprint, the position of the feature in the sprint is shown in the "Position" attribute on the work package list.
Kind regards,
Robin