Trello: A tool for project management

Trello is a popular project management tool that allows individuals and teams to collaborate effectively. In this article, we will explore the different facets of Trello, including its utility, free features, use, and much more.

What is the use of Trello?

Trello is mainly used to organize projects, tasks and ideas. Thanks to its visual interface based on maps and tables, it is easy to create task lists, move elements between project stages and collaborate with other people. Trello is used by software development teams, marketing departments, SMEs, entrepreneurs and even individuals to manage personal projects.

Who created Trello?

Trello was created by Joel Spolsky and Michael Pryor, co-founders of the software company Fog Creek Software. The Trello project was launched in 2011 at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference, where it was presented as a visual project management tool allowing users to organize tasks and projects flexibly.

Joel Spolsky is also known for his work on software development and for co-founding Stack Overflow, a popular platform for developers. Michael Pryor played a key role in the development of Trello, helping to make this tool one of the most used project management applications in the world. Trello was acquired by Atlassian, an Australian software company, in 2017. This acquisition allowed Trello to benefit from Atlassian’s resources to continue to develop and innovate.

Is Trello free of charge?

Yes, it offers a free plan with basic features. You can create tables, lists and maps at no cost, making it accessible to a wide audience. The free plan offers enough features for most small personal or team projects. However, there are also paid plans with advanced features, such as more complex automations, increased customization, and additional integrations with other tools.

How to connect to Trello?

To sign in to Trello, you must first have an account. If you don’t have one, you can create one for free. Here are the steps to sign in to Trello, whether through a web browser or mobile app:

Visit the Trello Website : Open your web browser and go to the Trello website.
Click on “Login” : In the top right corner of the home page, you will find the “Login” button. Click on it.
Enter Your Credentials : Enter your email address and password. If you created your account through a service like Google, you can also click on «Sign in with Google» or other login options available.
Click on “Login” : Once you have entered your credentials, click the “Login” button. You will be redirected to your Trello dashboard.
Troubleshooting of Connection Issues : If you have forgotten your password, click on “Forgot password?” to reset your password. Follow the instructions sent to your email address.

Download the Trello App: If you don’t have the Trello app yet, download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Open the Application: Once the app is installed, open it.
Click on “Login”: As on the website, you will see a “Login” button. Click on it to enter your credentials.
Enter Your Credentials: Enter your email address and password, or use alternative login options like Google.
Click on “Login”: After entering your credentials, click “Sign In” to access your Trello dashboard.
Use of the Application: Once logged in, you can use all the features of Trello, create tables, add maps, collaborate with others, etc.

Common Problems

If you have trouble logging in, here are some tips:

Make sure your email and password are correct.
If you use third-party services like Google, check that you have allowed access.
If you have persistent problems, visit the Trello help page or contact technical support.

These steps will allow you to connect to Trello and start using this powerful and flexible project management tool.

How is Trello used?

Just create a free account. Then you can create tables for different projects or tasks. Each table contains lists, which can represent steps or categories. Cards are the individual items within lists and can contain tasks, notes, or attached files. You can move maps between lists to track project progress.

What is the purpose of lists in Trello?

Lists in Trello are used to organize cards and structure tables. They can represent project steps, task categories or processes. For example, a project management table could have lists titled “To do”, “In progress”, and “Completed”. This makes it easy to visualize the progress of the project and move the maps as they progress.

How to get Trello for free?

To use Trello for free, simply create an account on the Trello website or via the mobile app. The free plan offers many features, including the creation of unlimited tables, up to 10 cards per table, unlimited lists, and the ability to collaborate with other people. This is enough for personal projects or small teams.

How to organize your Trello?

To properly organize your Trello, start by creating tables for the different projects or areas of your life. Use lists to organize steps or categories. Keep your maps clear and precise, with descriptive titles and relevant details. Use color tags to categorize cards, and assign due dates to stay organized. Automations like Power-Ups can also help you streamline your processes.

Read also: Agile method

How to make a painting on Trello?

Creating a board on Trello is a simple process that allows you to organize projects, tasks or ideas. Here are the steps to create a table on Trello:

Step 1: Create a Trello Account

If you don’t have a Trello account yet, create one. You can register for free on the Trello website or via the mobile app. Once your account is created, log in.

Step 2: Go to the Tables Page

After logging in, you will see the Trello dashboard, which displays your existing boards (if any). To create a new table, click the “Create” button at the top right of the screen.

Step 3: Create a New Board

After clicking “Create”, select “Table” from the drop-down menu. You will be prompted to name your table. Choose a descriptive name that reflects the purpose of the table. You can also choose the privacy level of the board (private, team or public) and select a background or theme.

Step 4: Add Lists

Once the table is created, you can add lists. Lists are used to organize tasks or table items. Click “Add List” and give it a name. You can create as many lists as you need to structure your table.

Step 5: Add Cards

After you create your lists, you can add cards to those lists. Cards are individual tasks, notes, or items. Click “Add Card” at the bottom of a list, enter a title for the card, and then click “Add”. You can add additional details to a map by clicking on it to open its settings.

Step 6: Customize Your Board

You can customize your table in several ways:

Tags: Add colored tags to categorize cards.
Due Dates: Add due dates to cards to track deadlines.
Checklist: Create checklists in maps for multiple tasks.
Attachments: Add files, images, or links to cards.
Collaborators: Invite members to join your board to collaborate.

Step 7: Use the Power-Ups

«Power-Ups» are extensions that add additional features to your board. You can use Power-Ups to integrate other tools, automate tasks, or add advanced features.

Once your board is created and organized, you can start using it to manage your projects, tasks or ideas. Trello is designed to be intuitive, allowing you to move maps between lists, collaborate with other users, and customize your experience to your needs.

What’s a map on Trello?

A map on Trello is the basic element that represents a specific task, idea, or work unit inside a Trello board. Maps are Trello’s essential building blocks, allowing users to organize, prioritize and collaborate on different projects. The following is a detailed description of what a Trello map is and its key features:

Map content

A card can contain various information and features, including:

Title: The name of the card that indicates its content or purpose.
Description: A space to provide additional details or instructions related to the map.
Checklists: Lists of subtasks or steps that must be completed to finalize the map.
Due Dates: Dates or times indicating when the task should be completed.
Attachments: You can attach files, images, links or documents to the map.
Tags: Colored tags that help categorize cards and identify them quickly.
Comments: A space for team members to communicate and exchange comments on the map.

Map Organization

The maps are organized into lists within a Trello board. You can move cards from one list to another to indicate the progress of a task or a project. For example, you might have lists called “To Do”, “In Progress”, and “Done”, and move the cards between those lists as work progresses.

Collaboration

The cards allow collaboration between team members. You can assign people to maps, which indicates who is responsible for this task. Members can also receive notifications to stay informed of changes to the map, such as comments or status updates.

Personalization and Automation

The cards can be customized with Power-Ups, which add additional features. For example, you can integrate other apps like Google Drive or Slack, or use automation tools to streamline repetitive tasks.

Use of Cards

Maps on Trello can be used for a wide variety of tasks and projects. They are versatile and can adapt to many types of projects, whether it’s software development, marketing, project management, or even personal tasks like shopping lists or travel plans.

In summary, the maps on Trello are the centerpiece of this project management tool, offering features and flexibility that allow users to organize themselves efficiently and collaborate easily.

How to create a workspace on Trello?

Creating a workspace on Trello allows you to group tables related to a project, team or organization. This facilitates collaboration and organization of the different elements of a project.

Here are the steps to create a workspace on Trello:

Step 1: Log in to Trello

Make sure you have a Trello account and are logged in. You can use the web version or the mobile app.

Step 2: Access Your Workspaces

Once connected, you will find the workspace menu on the left of the screen. If you don’t have a workspace yet, you’ll see a button to create a new one.

Step 3: Create a New Workspace

Click the “Create” button and then click “Workspace” in the drop-down menu. You will be asked to provide basic information about your new workspace:

Workspace name: Choose a descriptive name for your team or project.
Description: Give a brief description of what the workspace will represent or contain.
Workspace type: Select the type of workspace that suits you (team, project, organization, etc.).
Visibility: Determine who can see the workspace. You can choose between private (visible only by members), team (visible by team members), or public (visible by all).

Step 4: Add Members to the Workspace

Once the workspace is created, you can add members. Click on «Add members» and enter the email addresses of the people you want to invite. You can also copy an invitation link to share with others.

Step 5: Create Tables in the Workspace

Now that your workspace is created, you can add tables to it. Click “Add Table” to create a new table. Tables created in a workspace are part of that workspace and can be shared with team members.

Step 6: Customize Your Workspace

You can customize the workspace by adding a logo or cover image, setting roles for members (admin, normal, guest), and adjusting notification settings.

Step 7: Use Power-Ups for Workspace

Power-Ups add advanced features to your workspace. You can use Power-Ups to integrate other tools or automate tasks. Some Power-Ups apply to the entire workspace, making it easier to coordinate between different tables.

By following these steps, you should be able to create a workspace on Trello and start organizing your boards and projects collaboratively and efficiently. Workspaces are ideal for grouping projects, sharing resources and coordinating teams.

How to export a Trello?

Exporting a Trello table can be useful for creating backups, sharing data with other tools, or archiving projects. Trello offers export options, but some features are limited in the free plan. Here is how to export a Trello table:

Export to JSON Format (Free)

JSON export is available to all users, including those on the free plan. Here’s how:

Go to the Table to Export: Open the table you want to export.
Open the Table Menu: Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the table to open the menu.
Select “More”: From the menu, select “More” to see additional options.
Choose “Print and Export”: Select “Print and Export” to access export options.
Export to JSON: Click “Export to JSON” to download the table content in JSON format. This format contains all the data in the table, including maps, lists, descriptions, due dates, etc.

Export to CSV (Trello Business Class)

If you have a Trello Business Class or Enterprise plan, you can export tables in CSV format, which is useful for data analysis or import into other tools like Excel or Google Sheets. Here’s how:

Go to the Table to Export: Open the table you want to export.
Open the Table Menu: Click on the three vertical dots to open the menu.
Select “More”: Click “More” to access export options.
Export to CSV Format: Click “Export to CSV” to upload the table data to a CSV file. This format is more readable for spreadsheet applications and makes it easy to work with the data.

Export with Power-Ups

Some Power-Ups allow you to export Trello data to other tools or formats. For example, the Butler Power-Up can automate certain export tasks, and third-party Power-Ups can export tables to applications like Google Drive or Slack.

Export for Backup

Exporting a Trello table is useful for backing up your projects. Keep exported files in a secure location, such as a cloud storage service, to ensure you have backup copies of your important tables.

These methods allow you to export Trello tables for a variety of needs, from backups to data analytics. Choose the export option that best suits your project and needs.

How to send a message on Trello?

Trello does not have an integrated messaging system similar to communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams. However, there are several ways to send messages or communicate with team members on Trello. Here are some common ways to send messages or communicate on Trello:

Use of Comments

Comments on maps are one of the main ways to communicate on Trello. Here’s how to send a message via comments:

Open the Concerned Card: Go to the board and open the card you want to leave a message or comment on.
Add a Comment: At the bottom of the map, you will see a text box to add comments. Enter your message or question.
Mention Members: To notify a specific member, use the “@ ” symbol followed by the person’s name. For example, “@Marie” to send a notification to Marie. This will send a message to the person mentioned.
Send Comment: Once you have written your message, click “Send” or press “Enter”. The mentioned member will receive a notification and can reply to the comment.

Use of Notifications

Notifications draw attention to important changes or messages. You can receive notifications via email or the mobile app. Here’s how to use notifications:

Assign Members to a Map: To send a message indirectly, you can assign members to a card. They will receive a notification that they have been assigned.
Use the Labels: Labels can also be used to indicate the importance of a card. While this is not a direct message, it helps to flag specific tasks.

Use of Power-Ups for Communication

Some Power-Ups on Trello allow you to connect the tool to communication applications, such as Slack or Microsoft Teams. Here’s how to use them to send messages:

Add the Power-Up Slack: From the table menu, select “Power-Ups” and search for Slack. Add Power-Up to allow notifications and integrations with Slack.
Set up Slack Notifications: You can configure rules to send notifications to a Slack channel when specific actions occur on Trello. This allows for more fluid communication between tools.

Alternatives for Communication

If you need more direct or instant communication, it may be useful to use complementary tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Discord, and integrate them with Trello via Power-Ups or automations.

In summary, while Trello does not have direct messaging functionality, comments, mentions, assignments, and power-ups provide effective ways to communicate and coordinate tasks within this project management tool.

What alternative to Trello?

If you are looking for alternatives to Trello, there are several other project management tools. Asana is a popular option that offers more advanced features. Notion is an all-in-one tool that combines project management features with note taking. Monday.com is another alternative that offers advanced customization and automation options. Each of these alternatives has its advantages, so the choice will depend on your specific needs.