---
title: "Add rules to a column"
description: "Require fields to be filled in before a task can enter a column, and limit who may move tasks into it."
url: "https://okido.io/en/docs/projects/add-column-rules"
chapter: "Projects"
chapterUrl: "https://okido.io/en/docs/projects.md"
plans: ["Starter", "Pro", "Business"]
roles: "Everyone in the organization"
language: "en"
edition: "2026-10-23"
---

# Add rules to a column

> Require fields to be filled in before a task can enter a column, and limit who may move tasks into it.

Column rules keep work from moving on before it is ready. For example, a task can only go to client review once it has an assignee and a due date, and only the account manager decides what goes to the client.

The project owner sets the rules: the person who created the project, or an organization owner or admin.

## Set the rules of a column

1. On the project's **Board**, choose the menu button at the top right of the column, then **Edit Stage**.
2. Under **Fields that must be filled in**, choose **Add a field** and pick a field, such as **Assignee** or **Due date**. Repeat for each field.
3. To require a label, or a field of a label, pick **Label fields** and then the label or field in the second list.
4. Under **Who can move tasks in**, choose **Add a person** or **Add a team** to name who may move tasks in. Leave it empty to let everyone who can edit tasks move them in.
5. Choose **Update Stage**.
   ![Rules that require an assignee and a due date and let only Marcus Johnson move tasks in](https://okido.io/docs/screenshots/en/column-rules-form.webp)

To remove a rule, choose the cross on it and save again.

## What the rules do

The column shows a shield next to its name. Point at it to read its rules.

The rules are checked whenever a task enters the column: when someone drags it there, creates it there, or moves it there from the task. If a field is missing, the task stays where it was and a message says what to fill in. If the person may not move tasks into the column, the message says who can.

![A move refused because only Marcus Johnson can move tasks into Client Review](https://okido.io/docs/screenshots/en/column-rules-blocked-move.webp)

Organization owners and admins can always move tasks into the column, but the required fields still apply to them. AI agents can never move tasks into a column that limits who may move tasks in.