# Time-Saving Features: 8 Asana Tips to Work Faster Now

> Explore time saving features in Asana: AI summaries and editing, smart fields, task-to-project conversion, bulk edits, follow-up tasks, and shortcuts faster.

Source: https://asana.com/resources/time-saving-features

## Time saving features: 8 Asana tips to work faster now

#### Summary

Here are eight useful Asana tips to help you cut down on busywork and save time. You’ll see how to use AI features, keyboard shortcuts, and bulk actions to make your workflow smoother and spend more time on important tasks.Who couldn't use a little extra time?

Finding time for your daily priorities is tough, and making space to think and plan can feel impossible. If you’re feeling pressed for time, Asana is here to help. Try these tips to cut down on busywork and get more done, faster.

Let's get started.

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## 1. Summarize information instantly

Time-saving features are tools that [automate repetitive work](/resources/automate-repetitive-tasks-5-steps) so you can focus on what matters most. [Asana AI](/product/ai) includes [smart summaries](/whats-new), which function like a personal assistant by automatically pulling out highlights and key [action items](/resources/action-items) from task descriptions and comments. Instead of sifting through long conversation threads, use AI to instantly summarize important points and document next steps.

To use smart summaries, click the three dots menu on the upper-right corner of a task. Then select "summarize task" or "create subtasks."

## 2. Enlist an AI editor

Do you ever spend too long trying to write the perfect reply? AI can help here as well. Asana’s smart editor lets you choose how much detail to include and what tone to use, so your writing matches your needs.

Just type a rough draft of your comment. Then, click the button to get an edited version, and use the sliders to set the detail and tone.

## 3. Automatically organize work

When organizing projects or setting up a consistent [workflow](/workflows), it can be hard to know how to start. How should you label work? What details do you need to document about each task?

Asana's smart fields solve this problem by suggesting the best [custom fields](/features/project-management/custom-fields) to add to your project. When you implement a suggestion, Asana instantly applies and populates those fields across your entire project.

Custom fields help you:
- **Sort tasks:** Organize work by priority, status, or category
- **Filter views:** See only the tasks that matter to you
- **Report automatically:** Generate insights without manual data entry

## 4. Convert tasks into projects

If you've ever created a [task](/features/project-management/tasks) that resulted in an endless list of subtasks, we've been there, and we can help.

With a few clicks, you can convert tasks into [projects](/features/project-management/projects). Just select the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of a task, click "convert to," then "project." This creates a project with the same title, description, and deadline as your task, and turns subtasks into tasks within that project.

## 5. Assign copies of a task

Need to assign the same task to multiple people at once? Instead of manually copying and pasting, you can [assign copies](https://help.asana.com/s/article/assign-copies-of-tasks?language=en_US) to multiple teammates, or even a whole team, with just a couple of clicks from the task assignee field.

To assign copies of a task, click the assignee field in any task and then select the "assign copies" icon. Next, type the names of the teammates or teams you want to assign the copies to.

## 6. Bulk edit tasks with multi-select

Multi-select lets you update many tasks at once, so you don’t have to change each one by hand. If you’ve used this feature in other apps, you’ll find it just as helpful in Asana.

Here's how it works:
- Toggle to list view
- Click a task
- Hold down shift
- Click another task, or press the up or down arrows

Once you multi-select tasks, you can take bulk actions on them, like:
- Assigning them all to one person
- Giving them all the same due date
- Dragging and dropping them somewhere
- Updating a custom field on all of them
- Adding all of them to a project
- Marking them all complete or incomplete
- Adding a collaborator

## 7. Create follow-up tasks from your inbox

There's nothing more satisfying than [inbox zero](/resources/inbox-zero), and this tip can help you get there. Instead of bookmarking notifications you might forget, create a follow-up task with a few clicks to give yourself a concrete reminder. This approach lets you clear out your inbox without worrying about missing important updates.

To create a follow-up task, open a notification in your inbox and click the three dots menu in the upper right corner. Then, select "create follow-up task." This will assign a task to you, with a link to the original notification.

## 8. Move quickly with keyboard shortcuts

One of the keys to saving time in Asana is learning [keyboard shortcuts](https://help.asana.com/s/article/asana-keyboard-shortcuts?language=en_US), so you can perform actions instantly by pressing a few buttons. You can [see all keyboard shortcuts here](https://help.asana.com/s/article/keyboard-shortcuts?language=en_US) or by typing **Cmd+/** or **Ctrl/** in Asana.

Here are some time-saving favorites:
- **Tab+Q**: Quick add task
- **Tab+M**: Assign to me
- **Tab+X**: Focus mode (this zooms in on a single task and blocks out everything else)
- **Tab+S**: Add a subtask
- **Tab+N**: Create a section
- **Tab+P**: Add to a project
- **Tab+↵**: Jump to task list/main pane

## Reclaim your time

Here's a quick recap of all eight time-saving tips:

Tip

What it does

Smart summaries

Instantly pulls key points from task threads

Smart editor

Adjusts your writing for tone and detail

Smart fields

Suggests and auto-populates custom fields

Convert tasks to projects

Expands complex tasks into full projects

Assign task copies

Sends the same task to multiple people

Multi-select

Bulk edits many tasks at once

Follow-up tasks

Creates reminders from inbox notifications

Keyboard shortcuts

Performs actions instantly with key commands

With these [time-saving tips](/resources/time-management-tips), you can take back your day and focus on your most important work. [Get started](/create-account) today to see how much time you can save, or visit our [pricing page](/pricing) to learn more and sign up for a free trial.

Don’t let endless tasks and messages slow you down. Spend a few minutes trying these strategies; your future self will be glad you did.
- [Explore AI features](https://asana.com/product/ai)

## Frequently asked questions about time-saving features

#### How can AI help you save time at work?

AI automates repetitive tasks like summarizing long threads and drafting responses. In Asana, features like smart summaries and the smart editor handle administrative work so you can focus on strategic priorities.

#### What features matter most for time management?

The most effective features reduce manual effort through automation, bulk editing, keyboard shortcuts, and [AI assistance](/resources/what-is-human-centric-ai). Tools that help you prioritize work and maintain visibility across projects also make a significant difference.

#### How do you reduce time spent on repetitive tasks?

Use [automation](/resources/business-process-automation) and bulk actions to handle repetitive work efficiently. In Asana, multi-select updates dozens of tasks at once, task copies eliminate manual duplication, and smart fields automatically organize your projects.

Workflow automation

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