---
title: "Use case: Build a task structure with basic tasks"
canonical: "https://support.appfire.com/space/BPEdc/2535326235/Use%20case%3A%20Build%20a%20task%20structure%20with%20basic%20tasks"
format: markdown
---
| **Goal** | **Create extra levels of structure with basic tasks without affecting your Jira project.**
Stimulate additional hierarchy levels using **basic tasks** in BigPicture and quickly organize data independently of Jira, with the flexibility to convert these tasks into Jira work items as needed. |
| --- | --- |
| **Scenario** | A project manager manages a complex project with many Jira work items. They find the Jira task hierarchy somewhat limiting when visualizing the different stages. To make the task structure more manageable, they use BigPicture's **basic tasks**, which exist only in BigPicture and are not synced with Jira. Basic tasks serve as high-level placeholders to categorize the existing Jira tasks better.
When needed, the project manager converts some of these basic tasks into real Jira work items directly from the BigPicture interface. |
| **Key benefits** | - **Simplified organization** - create extra structure levels without modifying the actual Jira project.
- **Flexible planning** - test ideas or restructure your plan without impacting your Jira backlog.
- **Quick conversion** - convert basic tasks into Jira work items when you need.
- **Visual clarity** - improve navigation across complex projects by grouping them. |
## Preconditions
[Role] You need at least a [Box Editor](https://appfire.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/BPEdc/pages/2534375822) role to add basic tasks.
[box] The box needs to be populated with a Jira project.
## Build a task structure with basic tasks step-by-step
### Add basic tasks
With basic tasks, you can simulate extra levels in the structure of your Jira tasks. It’s a quick way to organize data. Basic tasks are stored only by BigPicture and are not synchronized with Jira.
1. Open a box in the Gantt or Scope module.
2. Click the **+ **(plus icon) > **Create task **> **Basic task**.
3. Fill in the task information. It is not mandatory to add the Start date and End date.
4. Click **Create**. A newly added basic task is highlighted in the task structure.
5. To move a task higher in the hierarchy, **right-click on the task** >** Position **>** Move to top **or** Move up**.
The video presents how to create and move a basic task in the structure.
### Convert basic tasks to Jira work items
You can convert a basic task into a real Jira work item at any time.
1. Find a basic task to convert.
2. Right-click on a basic task and select **Convert to Jira issue**.
3. Select a Jira project and a work item type.
4. Click **Next**.
5. Complete details and click **Create**.
The video presents how to convert a basic task into a Jira work item.
> ✅ **Tip:** You can use a basic task as a parent for other tasks and aggregate data from nested tasks.
## Expected outcomes
- Basic tasks are visually distinguishable from Jira work items.
- A task structure with additional levels and placeholders created using basic tasks improves project clarity without modifying the actual Jira project.
- When necessary, selected basic tasks can be converted into Jira work items.
- Project managers get greater flexibility and visual control over task planning and structure.
## Additional resources
- [https://appfire.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/BPEdc/pages/2533687815](https://appfire.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/BPEdc/pages/2533687815)