Chat to task

Summary When a chat message you've sent should really be a task, you can convert it into one. Swipe left on the message and click task. In the Inline Task box that opens, choose who the task is for, describe it briefly, check the message text that PaT copies in, set a deadline and, if you need to, attach the task to an existing SD. Then click Submit.

Steps

Introduction. Converting a chat into a task is especially useful when you've sent someone a message but then realise it should really be a task. Remember PaT's rule of thumb: "If it doesn't matter, it's okay to ask. If it has to happen, it has to be a task."

Step 1

In the chat, swipe left on the message you want to convert: click and hold the left mouse button on the message, then drag to the left. The task and reply buttons appear to the right of the message.

Step 2

Click task. The Inline Task box opens. The steps below cover the basics of filling it in.

Filling in the task

Step 3

In the box at the top of Inline Task, select the assignee: the person you are giving the task to.

Step 4

In enter a task description, just below the assignee, describe the task. Keep it brief and to the point: it should explain what you need. If you need to give more information, use the large text box below it.

Step 5

Check the large text box below the row of formatting buttons. By default, PaT puts the chat message you converted into it, after "re:". Edit it or add context, so the assignee clearly understands what's needed to complete the task to your standard.

Step 6

To set the deadline, click the box on the left just above select a Parent SD. A calendar opens: the PaT date picker.

Step 7

In the date picker, click the day, set the time in the boxes at the top, then click OK at the bottom. The date and time show in the deadline box.

Step 8

If you want or need to, attach the task to an existing SD: click select a Parent SD, just below the deadline, and choose the SD.

Step 9

Click Submit, at the bottom right of Inline Task. The task is created, and you're done.