How to Make a Simple Kanban Board (Basic Setup in Minutes)
Kanban can be as simple as three columns. Learn how to make a basic Kanban board in about five minutes, the three rules that keep it easy, and copy three simple Kanban board examples.
Quick answer: A simple Kanban board has three columns – To Do, Doing and Done. Write one card per task, move one to three cards into Doing, and drag each card to Done when it’s finished. That’s basic Kanban; add more columns only when work keeps waiting in the same place.
1. Key Takeaways
- A simple Kanban board needs only three columns: To Do, Doing and Done.
- You can make a basic Kanban board in about five minutes.
- Three rules keep it easy: see everything, do less at once, finish before you start.
- Add more columns only when work keeps waiting in the same place.
2. What Is a Simple Kanban Board?
A simple Kanban board is a board with three columns – To Do, Doing and Done – where each task is a card that you move from left to right as you work on it.
That is all basic Kanban needs. You don’t need special training, swimlanes or metrics to start. The board shows what is waiting, what you are working on and what is finished – and that alone makes most people calmer and more productive.
3. The 3 Basic Kanban Columns
The three basic Kanban columns are To Do for work waiting to start, Doing for work in progress and Done for finished work.
| Column | What goes here | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| To Do | Everything you plan to do | Put the most important card at the top |
| Doing | What you are working on now | Keep it to 1–3 cards |
| Done | Finished work | Clear it weekly – after you enjoy it |
4. How to Make a Simple Kanban Board in 5 Minutes
To make a simple Kanban board in five minutes: create a board, add three columns, add your tasks, pick today’s work, move cards as you finish them and repeat.
- Create a board. Name it after the goal: Home, Team or Freelance.
- Add 3 columns. To Do, Doing and Done.
- Add your tasks. One card per task, short verb plus object.
- Pick today’s work. Move one to three cards into Doing.
- Move cards along. Drag a card to Done the moment it’s finished.
- Repeat. Add new cards to To Do as they come in.
5. 3 Rules for an Easy Kanban Board
An easy Kanban board follows three rules: put every task on the board, keep Doing small and finish a card before pulling a new one.
Three columns. A limit. A verb on every card.
Android, iPhone, tablet and desktop.
Free to use
6. Simple Kanban Board Examples
Here are three simple Kanban board examples built in PlanBoards – a personal board, a small-team board and a freelance board.
Simple Kanban board – home
Just To Do, Doing and Done, with one image card to make it easy to scan.
Basic Kanban – small team
The same three columns with a WIP limit of two on Doing.
Easy Kanban – freelance work
One extra column, Waiting, for work that depends on clients.
7. When to Add More Columns
Add a column only when work keeps waiting in the same place – for example Waiting for a client, Review before Done, or This Week before Doing.
- Waiting – things that depend on someone else.
- Review – work someone must check before it’s done.
- This Week – a short list between a long To Do and Doing.
8. Basic Kanban Mistakes to Avoid
The most common basic Kanban mistakes are starting too many cards, writing vague cards and letting Done pile up forever.
- Too many cards in Doing – finish first.
- Vague cards like “Website” – write “Update homepage photo”.
- Too many columns on day one – start with three.
- Never clearing Done – archive it weekly.
9. Simple Kanban FAQ
These are the questions people ask when they make their first, simple Kanban board.
What is a simple Kanban board?
A simple Kanban board has three columns – To Do, Doing and Done – and one card for each task. You move cards from left to right as you work.
What are the basic Kanban columns?
To Do (work waiting to start), Doing (work in progress) and Done (finished work).
How do I make a basic Kanban board?
Create a board, add three columns, write one card per task, move one to three cards into Doing and drag each card to Done when it’s finished.
Do I need WIP limits on a simple board?
Not on day one – but keeping Doing small (one to three cards per person) is what makes Kanban work. Add the number to the column name when you’re ready.
What is the easiest Kanban app?
Look for an app where you can create a board, add columns and drag cards within a minute, on your phone and computer. PlanBoards is built for exactly that and is free to use.
Can I use a simple Kanban board for a team?
Yes. A small team can use the same three columns, with a WIP limit on Doing and each person’s name or colour on their cards.
When should I add more columns?
When work regularly waits in the same place – for example waiting for a client or for review. Add one column at a time.
10. Sources and Further Reading
These are the sources behind this guide.
- Wikipedia: Kanban board · Kanban
- Vacanti, D. & Coleman, J. et al. The Kanban Guide.
- Benson, J. & DeMaria Barry, T. (2011). Personal Kanban: Mapping Work, Navigating Life. Modus Cooperandi Press.
Related pages: Personal · Family · Features
To Do. Doing. Done.
Make your simple Kanban board in PlanBoards.
Free to use