We have created this guide to help you get the absolute most out of Basecamp. It is the Project and Task Management system we use here at dijitul, and honestly, it is the glue that keeps our projects running smoothly.
Basecamp keeps all project communication, files, tasks and discussions in one organised place. No digging through inboxes. No lost attachments. No “didn’t you send that last week?” moments. Everyone sees what they need to see, when they need to see it.
This guide was accurate at the time of writing. Basecamp do occasionally tweak features, so if something looks slightly different, just shout and we will point you in the right direction.
Basecamp Overview
We will give you a quick tour first, then dive a little deeper into each section so you feel totally comfortable using it.
Important: Please keep ALL communication, file sharing, bug reports, change requests and general chat inside your Basecamp project wherever possible. Avoid switching to email or WhatsApp. When things drift outside Basecamp, they get harder to track, and that is when details get missed.
A = The Message Board. Think of this as your general discussion area. Announcements, bigger conversations, ideas. It is not ideal for tasks though, as you cannot directly assign them, and unassigned tasks are the fastest way for things to get missed.
B = The To-Do Section. This is where the magic happens. Any actionable task should go here and be assigned to a specific person. Once assigned, it lands directly in their workload and gets dealt with properly. You can also set due dates, which helps us prioritise and plan your project efficiently.
One golden rule: one request equals one task. Please do not add new requests to the bottom of old tasks. Create a fresh task each time. It keeps everything clean, organised and trackable. It also helps us with accurate reporting and billing.
Reporting a bug? Help us help you. Include the page URL, screenshots, order numbers, login details if needed, and clear steps to recreate the issue. The more detail you provide upfront, the faster we can jump in and fix it.
C = Docs and Files. This is your shared asset vault. Images, PDFs, brand files, spreadsheets, anything we need to collaborate on. Everything stored here is accessible to the team.
D = Campfire. Casual chat only. It is not used heavily on most projects because detailed conversations are better kept within tasks. But if it is enabled, feel free to use it for general chatter.
E = The Schedule. This automatically shows tasks in date order based on due dates. It gives you a clear overview of what is coming up next.
F = Automatic Check-Ins. We use these monthly to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. It is our way of asking, “Anything changed? Anything new? Anything we should know?” We love it when everyone joins in.
Basecamp Deep Dives
The Message Board
The main thing to get right here is the category. Choose the correct category and your post will stay nicely organised.
Add a clear title, write your message, hit “Post this message” and you are done.
The To-Do Section
This is the section you will use the most.
We normally set up the main to-do lists for you. That means button A is rarely needed unless you want to create a brand new list. Button B is the one you will use regularly to add new tasks.
Find the relevant list and click “Add a to-do” underneath it.
Assign the task and set a due date. If unsure, assign it to your project manager and we will route it internally if needed.
Once created, click into the task name. This gives you a dedicated discussion area for that specific job. Keep all related conversation there so nothing gets scattered.
Docs and Files
Nice and simple. Open the section and drag your files straight in. Job done.
Campfire
If enabled, click in and start typing. Just remember, no formal requests or important task details here. Keep those inside the relevant to-do.
Schedule
This is automatically generated and shows tasks in date order. Great for getting a quick overview of what is happening next.
Automatic Check-Ins
We manage these. The questions will pop up in your “Hey!” section at the top. It takes a minute to reply and keeps projects proactive rather than reactive.
Basecamp Extra Things To Note
Top Navigation
- Home – Back to the main dashboard.
- Lineup – Useful if you are part of multiple projects.
- Pings – Private, direct messages.
- Hey! – Your notifications centre.
- Activity – See what is happening across the project.
- My Stuff – Your tasks and assignments.
- Find – Search for anything quickly.
Basecamp Apps
Basecamp has solid mobile and Windows desktop apps. If we are working together long term, we recommend installing them. It makes staying on top of tasks and updates much easier.
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That’s All Folks…
If you have any questions, raise them with your project manager or ping me, Olly, directly using the Pings section at the top of your Basecamp screen. We are here to make this easy.
If you are struggling to access your account or need a new account setting up, please email us and we will get that sorted for you.