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Basecamp Card Table Overview

Jul 2, 2025

Summary

  • Kimberly from Basecamp’s Customer Success team presented an overview of the Card Table tool within Basecamp, including setup, customization, and practical use cases.
  • The walkthrough covered how to add and configure Card Table, manage cards and columns, use notification features, and leverage advanced options like the Not Now and On Hold sections.
  • Real-world applications and comparisons to Basecamp’s to-dos were shared, along with a mention of the Card Table API and support options for further help.

Action Items

  • None noted in the transcript.

Card Table Overview and Setup

  • Card Table is Basecamp’s take on the Kanban board, useful for managing tasks that move through various stages.
  • To add Card Table to a project, use the three-dot menu, select “change tools,” toggle on Card Table, and optionally rename it.
  • Card Table has a Triage section for tasks not yet started, a Not Now section for deprioritized work, and a working area with columns representing stages.
  • The default columns ("Figuring It Out," "In Progress," "Done") can be renamed, reordered, and color-coded; additional columns can be added as needed.

Managing Cards and Workflow

  • Cards (tasks) are added using the green “Add A Card” button, with options for assignment, deadlines, descriptions, and attachments.
  • New cards start in Triage; users move cards to columns as work progresses, tracking their status visually from left to right.
  • Cards can easily be reassigned, commented on, or moved between columns.
  • All communication and activity about a card stays with that card to aid organization.

Notifications and Advanced Features

  • Users can watch specific columns or the Triage section for activity notifications.
  • The Not Now section holds cards that are deprioritized but not deleted.
  • On Hold can be enabled in any column to temporarily pause cards without moving them.
  • Cards with deadlines appear on the project's schedule and can be accessed directly from there.

Real-World Use Cases and Recommendations

  • Card Table is recommended for tasks that pass through multiple stages, as opposed to Basecamp’s to-dos, which are suitable for simpler, binary tasks.
  • Internal and customer examples include podcast episode tracking, software bug fixes, CRM, and inquiry management.
  • Customers are encouraged to explore the Card Table API for advanced needs and to contact support for assistance.

Decisions

  • None noted in the transcript.

Open Questions / Follow-Ups

  • None noted in the transcript.