---
title: "Workload contouring"
canonical: "https://support.appfire.com/space/BGdc/3525640394/Workload%20contouring"
format: markdown
---
## Workload distribution

You can change the workload distribution for a given task. Workload contouring lets you specify how an assignee's effort is distributed across a task period. 

> ℹ️ App admins can set a default workload contouring mode for new box types, which can be overridden in a specific box.
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Changing the box type or box configuration settings doesn't impact existing tasks - their workload contouring has to be manually changed in the Resources module.

## Workload contouring modes

You can set a workload contouring mode of a task to:

- Flat
- Front-loaded
- Back-loaded

### Auto flat mode

The **flat mode** means that if a task duration lasts for five days and the original estimate to complete the work is 20 hours, the assignee's effort is distributed evenly. For example, 20 hours spread over five days results in 4 hours of work per day. This mode is shown on the Gantt chart in the Resources panel. If you adjust the task duration, the effort will be reallocated evenly.

### Auto front-loaded mode

In **front-loaded** mode, additional effort is progressively allocated from the task's start date. The assignee is assigned as many hours per day as their capacity permits (for example, 8 hours per day) until the total effort is fully distributed.

### Auto back-loaded mode

In the **back-loaded mode**, extra effort is gradually added, beginning at the task's end date. The assignee is assigned as many hours per day as their capacity allows (for example, 8 hours), going backward until the estimate is fully allocated.

**Gantt module**

You can check and edit inline the workload inline in the Gantt module. 

1. Go to the Gantt module.
2. Add the **Workload contouring mode** to the column view.

![Screenshot of adding the Workload contouring mode column in the Gantt module.](media://60b1ac61-285b-4dec-8434-a52b7d9f4580)

## Affected by

- When automatic workload contouring modes are selected, task effort distribution between specific days changes depending on the filters chosen in the Resource module. The algorithm is independent of filters.