# Get Organized Fast with a Free Work Breakdown Template

> Get started fast with a ready-to-use work breakdown structure template that helps you stay on track and avoid scope creep.

Source: https://asana.com/templates/work-breakdown-structure.md

- [Create your template](https://app.asana.com/-/product_templates)

- [Custom fields](/features/project-management/custom-fields)

- [Reporting dashboards](/features/goals-reporting/reporting-dashboards)

- [Tasks](/features/project-management/tasks)

- [Smart assists](/product/ai/smart-assists)

- [Everhour](/apps/everhour)

- [Dropbox](/apps/dropbox)

- [Microsoft 365](/apps/microsoft-office365-connector)

- [Gmail](/apps/google-gmail)

templates

Project planning

Work breakdown structure

Get started fast with a ready-to-use work breakdown structure template that helps you stay on track and avoid scope creep.

Project planning

Strategic planning

Hiring &amp; Onboarding

Software development

Creative production

Agile management

## Work breakdown structure

Jumpstart any project with a customizable work breakdown structure template that helps you organize deliverables, assign tasks and dependencies, and track milestones all in one place.

### Create templates with Asana

- [Sign up](/create-account)

You’ve got a dozen things on your plate: timelines to coordinate, teams to manage, and project deliverables that just keep multiplying. Perhaps you've tried to manage everything using a spreadsheet or whiteboard, only to find that it falls short.

Large projects can get messy fast with multiple teams, shifting timelines, and scattered deliverables. Asana’s work breakdown structure template helps you organize complex projects into smaller, manageable tasks you can track from start to finish.

## **Who benefits from this work breakdown structure template?**

Taking over a large project often means stepping into chaos with sticky notes everywhere, scattered docs, and a team unsure of who's doing what. It's a familiar scene and one that we've designed our simple work breakdown structure template to solve.

Across industries, we've seen project managers, operations teams, and construction planners rely on WBS templates to stay organized. Templates like this one save time by providing a head start and introducing consistency to complex planning processes. If you're looking for a deeper dive into how to create a work breakdown structure or need expert tips, check out [our complete work breakdown structure guide](https://asana.com/resources/work-breakdown-structure).

Use this work breakdown structure template to:
- Help product managers, project coordinators, and cross-functional team leads define the complete scope of work and major deliverables.
- Support Agile teams, consultants, and engineering managers in breaking down work into smaller tasks and work packages.
- Assist operations teams, IT leaders, and program managers in clarifying project task dependencies and critical paths across workflows.
- Enable creative agencies, enterprise PMOs, and remote teams to align team members and stakeholders at every project phase.

Whether you're managing a [product launch](https://asana.com/templates/product-launches), an [Agile sprint](https://asana.com/resources/sprint-planning-meeting), or a [construction project](https://asana.com/templates/construction-project-plan), this WBS template provides a clear, hierarchical structure to plan and track every aspect of the [project scope](https://asana.com/resources/project-scope).

## **Why use an Asana work breakdown structure template?**

One of our customers used this WBS template to coordinate a [new product rollout](https://asana.com/templates/product-marketing-launch) that involved design, engineering, and marketing. They quickly mapped all [deliverables](https://asana.com/resources/what-are-project-deliverables) on a project timeline, clarified ownership, and hit deadlines without the usual chaos.

With this WBS chart template, you can:
- **Organize work visually** with a hierarchical [tree diagram](https://asana.com/resources/decision-tree-analysis), [flowchart](https://asana.com/resources/what-is-a-flowchart), or [Gantt chart view](https://asana.com/templates/gantt-chart).
- **Track progress** across [milestones](https://asana.com/resources/project-milestones) and [subtasks](https://asana.com/resources/asana-tips-subtasks) in real time.
- **Streamline project work** by pre-structuring workflows and dependencies.
- **Clarify project scope** early to [avoid scope creep](https://asana.com/resources/what-is-scope-creep) and missed deadlines.
- **Align the project team** around clear goals, realistic timelines, and defined task ownership.
- **Improve estimates** for cost, effort, and duration by defining work packages.
- **Improve team communication** by clearly [defining roles and responsibilities](https://asana.com/resources/roles-and-responsibilities).
- **Identify risks** by breaking down work and surfacing challenges sooner.

## **How to use this work breakdown structure template**
- **Duplicate the template project.**Start by creating a copy of the WBS template and renaming it based on your specific project. Consider naming conventions that reflect your project code, department, or timeline, such as "Q4 Site Launch WBS" or "Marketing Roadmap 2026".
- **Define top-level deliverables.**Add your major project phases or outputs as sections. For example: planning, design, implementation, testing, and launch. These should reflect key milestones or handoff points that structure your overall project plan.
- **Break down each deliverable into work packages.**Under each section, add tasks representing the key components or smaller tasks required. Think of each work package as a self-contained unit of project work that can be assigned, tracked, and budgeted independently.
- **Add subtasks and dependencies.**Create subtasks for detailed action items that roll up into your work packages. Use dependencies to show which tasks rely on others. This will help your team understand what needs to happen first and avoid bottlenecks during the project lifecycle.
- **Assign owners and due dates.**Make responsibilities clear by assigning each task to a team member. Use start and due dates to accurately reflect the actual duration and sequence of work, especially when tasks overlap or require coordination across multiple teams. This also helps clarify ownership during project initiation.
- **Track project progress.**Use Timeline View for a visual Gantt-style overview, or switch to List View for a straightforward task list. Monitor progress against milestones, adjust project timelines when blockers arise, and update status fields to keep everyone aligned with your project goals.

## **Asana features that organize project management**

The right features can make your work breakdown structure template more powerful and a lot easier to manage. There are plenty more [features in Asana](https://asana.com/features), but these are our go-to tools for streamlining work and clarifying responsibilities.
- [Project Views](https://asana.com/features/project-management/project-views)**:**Choose the best view for your team: List, Calendar, Gantt chart (Timeline), or Kanban Board. Each view helps visualize and organize the work project schedule your way.
- [Tasks, Subtasks, and Dependencies](https://asana.com/features/project-management/tasks)**:**Break down project work into actionable units. Use tasks and subtasks to define each step and dependencies to map the order of work. This helps your team see the full flow of execution and stay on schedule.
- [Milestones and Goals](https://asana.com/features/goals-reporting/goals)**:**Identify important progress points and define project goals to guide your team throughout the work. Celebrate achievements and stay focused on what matters most.
- [Custom Fields](https://asana.com/features/project-management/custom-fields)**:**Tag specific tasks by phase, priority, or status to filter and organize your work. Customize fields to match your workflow.
- [Reporting Dashboards](https://asana.com/features/goals-reporting/reporting-dashboards)**:**Track key metrics, visualize performance, and share real-time updates with stakeholders. Use charts and graphs to keep your project team and leadership aligned.
- [Workload](https://asana.com/features/resource-management/workload)**:**See who’s busy and who has bandwidth with a visual view of team capacity. Balance workloads and prevent burnout by redistributing tasks.

## **Recommended integrations**

Integrations link Asana with your favorite tools, allowing you to avoid jumping between platforms, automate processes, and keep all your work in one place. Want even more? Explore our [full library of 300+ apps](https://asana.com/apps?category=all-apps).
- [Float](https://asana.com/apps/float): Manage resource scheduling and availability in real time. Float helps teams coordinate workloads and timelines alongside your WBS.
- [Agile Effect](https://asana.com/apps/agileeffect): Bring agile methodologies into your WBS. Use Agile Effect to create sprints, track velocity, and integrate story points into Asana.
- [Kissflow](https://asana.com/apps/kissflow): Automate workflow approvals and task handoffs with Kissflow. Simplify processes associated with your WBS and reduce manual follow-ups.
- [Everhour](https://asana.com/apps/everhour): Track time directly on Asana tasks. Everhour makes it easy to budget, invoice, and measure time spent on WBS deliverables.
- [Microsoft Office](https://asana.com/apps/microsoft-office365-connector): Attach and share Word documents and Excel spreadsheets directly in Asana. Keep all supporting files linked to your work breakdown structure template in one place.
- [Google Sheets](https://asana.com/apps/google-sheets): Sync Asana tasks with Google Sheets to generate detailed reports and visualize progress across deliverables.
- [Gmail](https://asana.com/apps/google-gmail): Turn emails into tasks in one click to capture work as it comes in. Maintain project clarity without switching tools.
- [Slack](https://asana.com/apps/slack): Create Asana tasks directly from Slack conversations. Keep communication actionable and organized.
- [Zoom](https://asana.com/apps/zoom): Plan and follow up on project meetings with Zoom. Sync recordings and action items directly to Asana.
- [Dropbox](https://asana.com/apps/dropbox): Attach project files from Dropbox directly to Asana tasks. Keep all documentation linked to the relevant work.

## **FAQs about work breakdown structure templates**

#### What is a work breakdown structure template?

A work breakdown structure (WBS) template is a pre-built framework that helps you organize a complex project into smaller, manageable tasks. It shows how deliverables are broken down into individual components using a hierarchical structure.

#### Can I customize Asana’s WBS template to fit my team’s workflow?

Absolutely. You can rename sections and tasks, add or remove custom fields, and define dependencies between work items. Choose from multiple project views, including List, Timeline, Calendar, or Board, and organize your work by phase, owner, or status. Whatever makes the most sense for your workflow.

#### Why not use a free work breakdown structure template from Excel or Word?

While Excel, Word, or PowerPoint templates can be helpful for basic outlines, they fall short when it comes to real-time collaboration and project tracking. An Asana work breakdown structure template is dynamic, cloud-based, and built for teamwork. You can assign tasks, set dependencies, update statuses, and track progress in real time. Unlike static PDF templates, everything stays up to date in one place, accessible to your entire team without version confusion or manual syncing.

#### Can I use this template for a construction project?

Yes, this WBS template works well for construction projects. It’s great for sequencing work, tracking subcontractor responsibilities, managing cost estimates, and keeping the project schedule visible across teams.

#### Can I share and collaborate on this WBS template with my team?

Asana's work breakdown structure template is cloud-based, allowing you to collaborate with teammates across departments, locations, and time zones. Invite team members to the project to assign work, leave comments, and track updates instantly, all from one central place.

### Daily planner

Keeping your day organized is more than just writing down a list of daily to-dos. Learn how to create a daily planner template in Asana.

- [Create your template](/templates/daily-planner)

### Milestone chart template

Milestone charts highlight significant moments in your workflow. Learn why this matters and how to create one for yourself.

- [Create your template](/templates/milestone-chart)

### IT project plan

Organize your IT work in one place. Manage deployments, order equipment, and connect teams—without compromising security.

- [Create your template](/templates/it-project-plan)

### Schedule

Organize your work with Asana’s free schedule templates. Customize for daily, weekly, or monthly planning, and never lose track of tasks again.

- [Create your template](/templates/schedule)

### Daily checklist

Build better routines with a daily checklist template designed to help you manage tasks, deadlines, and recurring work.

- [Create your template](/templates/daily-checklist)

### Action items template

No matter your best intentions, you need more than motivation to knock out your to-dos. An action item template—where you decide the who, what, and when of every task—can help you organize your workflows and get more done.

- [Create your template](/templates/action-items)

### Public relations plan

Create focused, targeted, and organized PR campaigns—no matter who’s planning them—with a public relations plan template.

- [Create your template](/templates/public-relations-pr-plan)

### Project premortem

A premortem is a brainstorming tactic your team uses to anticipate different ways a project can fail. Learn how to use a premortem template to minimize project risk.

- [Create your template](/templates/premortem)

### Scope management plan

A project’s scope is just as important as its budget or timeline. Prioritize this crucial part of project management by creating a project scope management plan template.

- [Create your template](/templates/scope-management-plan)

### Operations project plan

Operations teams strive to optimize and gain efficiency across the business, and can do the same for their own projects with our template.

- [Create your template](/templates/operations-project-plan)

### Risk management plan

Starting a project without considering risks is, well, a big risk to take. Prevent major issues from occurring in your project with a risk management plan template.

- [Create your template](/templates/risk-management-plan)

### Web production process

Let our template help you coordinate a web production schedule—even if producers and web developers work out of different tools.

- [Create your template](/templates/web-production-process)

### Business process management

Learn how a business process management template can help improve your business processes.

- [Create your template](/templates/business-process-management)

### Implementation plan

Create an implementation plan template to break down your business goals into manageable, achievable steps.

- [Create your template](/templates/implementation-plan)

### RFP process

Use our template to prepare an RFP, then organize and evaluate the responses—all in the same place—so you can pick the best vendor for the job.

- [Create your template](/templates/rfp-process)

### Change management plan template

Is your organization starting to make some big changes? Create a change management plan template to make the process easier.

- [Create your template](/templates/change-management-plan)

### Short-term goals

Learn how reusable short-term goals templates can take your goals from vision to reality.

- [Create your template](/templates/short-term-goals)

### HR project plan

No matter the project, human resources teams can use our template to set priorities, track progress, and streamline recurring work.

- [Create your template](/templates/hr-project-plan)

### Waterfall project management

Standardize your project process with a waterfall project management template. Break your project into sequential phases that map to your end goal.

- [Create your template](/templates/waterfall-project-management)

### Marketing project plan

Our template guides you through project management best practices for marketing teams so you can get from strategy to tactics to results.

- [Create your template](/templates/marketing-project-plan)

### Status report

Keep track of project status and provide key stakeholders with at-a-glance progress updates with a project status report template.

- [Create your template](/templates/status-report)

### Sales plan

A sales plan template can help provide your team with the organized framework they need to establish their sales goals. Learn how you can do that with Asana.

- [Create your template](/templates/sales-plan)

### Event marketing plan

Use Asana’s event marketing plan template to increase event awareness, build excitement, and drive audience attendance.

- [Create your template](/templates/event-marketing-plan)

### Project initiation document

A project initiation document template is a helpful way to standardize the information you share with your team before a project begins.

- [Create your template](/templates/project-initiation-document)

### Project timeline template

Learn how to keep a project on track—and ensure success—by creating a project timeline template.

- [Create your template](/templates/project-timeline)

### Communication plan

Keep everyone on the same page and clearly communicate important information to stakeholders by creating a communication plan template in Asana.

- [Create your template](/templates/communication-plan)

### Weekly to-do list template

Clarity doesn’t have to be complicated. With a weekly to-do list template, you can create a new task list in seconds every Monday.

- [Create your template](/templates/weekly-to-do-list)

### Project documentation

Looking for documents is a giant time waster for most people—which is where a project documentation process comes in. Learn how to create a project documentation template so that you always know where documents live—for every project, company-wide.

- [Create your template](/templates/project-documentation)

### Prioritization matrix

Take the guesswork out of task prioritization by creating a prioritization matrix template. Prioritize your work by business impact and needed effort.

- [Create your template](/templates/prioritization-matrix)

### Eisenhower Matrix

Overwhelmed by your to-do list? Learn how to create an Eisenhower Matrix template in Asana so you can prioritize and sort your tasks based on their urgency and importance.

- [Create your template](/templates/eisenhower-matrix)

### Project estimation

Create a project estimation template to accurately scope project resources and align on project expectations.

- [Create your template](/templates/project-estimation)

### Critical path method

Project delays holding you back? Create a critical path method template to visualize everything that needs to be done in order to reach your end goal.

- [Create your template](/templates/critical-path-method)

### To-do list

Organize your tasks in one place with a free to-do list template. Track what’s done, what’s next, and what matters most.

- [Create your template](/templates/to-do-list)

### Risk register

Create a risk register template to proactively identify and solve potential roadblocks before they become a bigger problem.

- [Create your template](/templates/risk-register)

### Project schedule

Complex work, simplified. Organize project tasks, deliverables, and milestones into one cohesive schedule. Learn how to create a customized project schedule template in Asana.

- [Create your template](/templates/project-schedule)

### RAID log

Learn how creating a RAID log template in Asana can help you proactively identify and mitigate project risks.

- [Create your template](/templates/raid-log)

### Budget template

Plan budgets, track expenses, and avoid surprises. Asana’s free budget templates make it easy to manage costs for teams, projects, or households.

- [Create your template](/templates/budget)

### Progress report template

Try this free progress report template to track milestones, communicate project status, and coordinate goals during each reporting period.

- [Create your template](/templates/progress-report)

### Needs assessment template

Use this customizable needs assessment template to gather data, guide decisions, and develop action plans based on real needs.

- [Create your template](/templates/needs-assessment)

### Action log template

Use Asana’s free action log template to capture decisions, assign tasks, and track deadlines. Organize action items and drive projects to completion.

- [Create your template](/templates/action-log)

### RACI matrix

Team decision-making can be hard—a RACI matrix template makes it easier. Define each project task role to instantly boost clarity for all your stakeholders.

- [Create your template](/templates/raci-matrix)

### Lessons learned

Learn from every project with a free lessons learned template that’s easy to use, share, and customize. Don't just collect insights. Act on them.

- [Create your template](/templates/lessons-learned)

### Lesson plan

Use this lesson plan templates to plan faster and keep your goals, tasks, and materials in one place. So you're always ready to teach.

- [Create your template](/templates/lesson-plan)

### Project charter

Want to nail your next project pitch? Create a project charter template and outline everything you need to get your next initiative approved.

- [Create your template](/templates/project-charter)

### Event calendar template

Plan and manage events of any size with an event calendar template that keeps dates, tasks, and deadlines in one place.

- [Create your template](/templates/event-calendar)

### Keyword research template

Use a keyword research template to manage SEO data, optimize content strategy, and identify target keywords that deliver results.

- [Create your template](/templates/keyword-research)

### Comparison chart template

Simplify your next big decision. Use this comparison chart template to organize data, compare features, and make data-driven decisions faster.

- [Create your template](/templates/comparison-chart)

### Brand strategy template

Use a brand strategy template to define your mission, align your team, and create consistent, on-brand marketing campaigns.

- [Create your template](/templates/brand-strategy)

### Team charter template

Use this free team charter template to define your team's mission, values, roles, and decision-making process. Coordinate shared goals before work begins.

- [Create your template](/templates/team-charter)

### Work log

See where you're losing time and kickstart your productivity by creating a work log template in Asana.

- [Create your template](/templates/work-log)

### Assignment tracker template

Use this assignment tracker template to log tasks, set due dates, and keep assignments organized for students, educators, and teams.

- [Create your template](/templates/assignment-tracker)

### Rank tracker template

Use a rank tracker template to monitor keyword rankings, integrate data, automate reporting, and share SEO performance with stakeholders and clients.

- [Create your template](/templates/rank-tracker)

### Content strategy

Build your next campaign with a content strategy template to map ideas, assign tasks and deadlines, and track performance all in one place.

- [Create your template](/templates/content-strategy)

### Travel planner template

Keep itineraries, budgets, and documents in sync with a travel planner template that makes trip planning faster and more reliable.

- [Create your template](/templates/travel-planner)

### Research plan

Plan, organize, and track your entire project with this research plan template built in Asana for better collaboration.

- [Create your template](/templates/research-plan)

### 5 Whys template

Find the real issue with this 5 Whys template. It's free, easy to use, and built for fast, structured root cause analysis.

- [Create your template](/templates/5-whys)

### Design project plan

What’s the secret to more productive design and creative projects? A smooth creative process.

- [Create your template](/templates/design-project-plan)

### Bill of materials

Learn how a bill of materials template helps keep you organized by housing all the information needed for the successful completion of your project.

- [Create your template](/templates/bill-of-materials-bom)
