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Workarounds for Custom Fields in Microsoft Planner Tasks

Steve K Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need a way to add custom fields to tasks in Microsoft Planner to gather specific and structured project requirements.

Workarounds for Custom Fields in Microsoft Planner Tasks

Product: Microsoft Planner
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Gathering structured task requirements and details during project management workflows.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Planner task cards currently do not offer native custom fields, making it difficult to store specific structured data directly within a task.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to Microsoft SharePoint within your Microsoft 365 subscription, as the most effective native workaround utilizes SharePoint lists for custom data management.

Solution 1Recommended

Use SharePoint Lists as an Alternative Tracker

Since SharePoint lists support extensive custom column types, they are the ideal substitute when your tasks require highly structured fields.

SharePoint lists allow you to create custom columns such as choice, date, number, and text. You can use these lists to manage tasks that require detailed requirements gathering, and link them back to your project workspace.

Create a new SharePoint list

Navigate to your SharePoint team site, click 'New' in the top menu, and select 'List'.

Choose a template or start blank

Select an existing template that fits your needs, or choose 'Blank list' to start from scratch.

Add custom columns

In the list view, click 'Add column' to create custom fields such as Text, Choice, or Date tailored to your project requirements.

Enter your task data

Add your tasks as list items by clicking 'New', and fill out the custom fields for structured data tracking.

Use SharePoint Lists as an Alternative Tracker

Link to Planner: You can add the URL of your new SharePoint list as a web tab in your Microsoft Teams channel or attach the link directly into the description of a general Planner task.

Solution 2

Submit a Feature Request via Microsoft Feedback

Let the Microsoft development team know you need native custom fields to help prioritize future updates to Planner.

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Manage Project Data with WPS Office

While Microsoft Planner lacks custom fields, you can easily manage structured project requirements and task trackers using WPS Spreadsheet. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for comprehensive project data organization.

1. Open a new tracker: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and create a new blank workbook for your project.
2. Set up custom fields: Create column headers for your specific project fields, such as Task Name, Assignee, Deadline, and your custom requirements.
3. Apply data validation: Use the Data Validation feature under the Data tab to create drop-down lists for standardized and structured data entry.
4. Save and share: Save the file in .xlsx format to ensure full compatibility with team members using Microsoft Excel.

Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) file formats.Easily create custom columns, dropdowns, and dynamic trackers for project tasks.Free and lightweight alternative to heavy project management suites.Familiar user interface makes transitioning and team onboarding effortless.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use labels in Microsoft Planner instead of custom fields?

Yes, you can use custom labels to categorize tasks by priority, department, or requirement type. Planner allows up to 25 custom labels per plan, though they do not replace the functionality of text-entry or numeric custom fields.

Are there third-party tools that add custom fields to Planner?

Microsoft Planner does not support direct third-party extensions for modifying the native task card interface. Workarounds typically involve integrating with Power Automate to sync tasks to Excel or SharePoint, where custom fields are supported.

Is Microsoft planning to add custom fields to Planner?

Microsoft frequently updates its Microsoft 365 roadmap. While custom fields have been heavily requested on the Feedback portal, you should monitor the official Microsoft 365 Roadmap for official announcements regarding new Planner features.

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