To Do, Doing, Done: How to Set Up Kanban Board Columns
To Do, Doing, Done is the simplest Kanban board – and often the best. Learn what each state means, when to add extra columns such as Ready, Review or On Hold, and set up your own to do doing done board online.
Quick answer: A To Do, Doing, Done board has three Kanban states: To Do holds committed work not yet started, Doing holds work in progress (with a WIP limit), and Done holds finished work that meets an agreed definition. Add columns such as Backlog, Review or On Hold only when the workflow needs them.
1. Key Takeaways
- To Do = committed, not started · Doing = in progress · Done = finished.
- Put a WIP limit on Doing.
- Add On Hold for blocked work instead of hiding it.
- Extra states: Backlog, Ready, Review, Deploy, Archive.
- Keep the board as simple as the work allows.
2. To Do, Doing, Done Explained
The three classic Kanban states show what is waiting, what is in progress and what is finished.
3. Extra Kanban States and When to Add Them
Add Backlog, Ready, Review, On Hold, Deploy or Archive only when a real step or wait exists in your workflow.
4. How to Use an On Hold Column
A Kanban On Hold column makes blocked work visible: say what blocks it, add a check date and count it in WIP.
Create your To Do, Doing, Done board
Colour-coded lists, cards with images, checklists and due dates – on Android, iPhone, tablet and desktop.
Free to use
5. Kanban Board States for Common Uses
Personal, team and content boards use different names for the same four ideas: queue, work, waiting and finish.
6. To Do Doing Done Board Examples
Here are three To Do, Doing, Done boards built in PlanBoards – a to do doing done board online you can copy.
To Do · Doing · Done
The classic three-column board with the states explained on a card.
Client work with On Hold
To Do, Doing (WIP 3), On Hold and Done – a blocked card shows who it waits for.
Content team – Kanban states
Ideas, Writing (WIP 3), Editing, Ready to Publish and Published.
7. FAQ
These are the questions people ask about To Do, Doing, Done boards.
What does To Do, Doing, Done mean in Kanban?
To Do is committed work not yet started, Doing is work in progress, and Done is finished work.
What are Kanban states?
The columns a card moves through – each represents a step or status in the workflow.
Should I add an On Hold column?
Yes, if work regularly waits for others. It keeps blocked work visible.
Does On Hold count toward the WIP limit?
Usually yes – blocked work still takes attention and capacity.
How many states should a Kanban board have?
As few as the work allows – three to six is typical.
What is the difference between Backlog and To Do?
Backlog holds ideas not yet committed; To Do holds work you have committed to do soon.
Can I make a to do doing done board online in PlanBoards?
Yes – create three lists and start adding cards, free to use.
8. Sources and Further Reading
These are the sources behind this guide.
- Wikipedia: Kanban board
- Wikipedia: Kanban (development)
- Daniel Vacanti & Jim Coleman. The Kanban Guide.
Related pages: Features · SME & Projects · Sharing Cards
Three columns. Total clarity.
Android, iPhone, tablet and desktop.
Free to use