Dependency Column Error

Platform discussions
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1

I keep getting an error message when trying to assign a subitem to another subitem’s dependency column. It says “The changes don’t match column settings.” I have changed the dependency column settings between “flexible,” “strict,” and “no action” and checked that the Due Date column is linked. What other settings do I need to check and how do I find them?

2

Hi @jen.johanningsharpe how annoying!! This usually happens when one of three things about the dependency setup doesn’t match what the column “expects,” even if the basic dependency settings (Flexible/Strict/No action) and Due Date linkage look correct.

Here’s some ideas to check next and how to find each setting:

1. Make sure the dependency column is the Subitem Dependency column

If you’re trying to connect subitem → subitem, the dependency column must be on the Subitems level, not on the parent item level.

Check:

  1. Open the board.

  2. Expand any item’s subitems.

  3. Look at the subitem columns (the columns to the right of the subitem name).

  4. Confirm that your dependency column is actually in the subitems section (you should see the dependency icon in that subitem row).

If your dependency column exists only in the main item row (parent) and not as a subitem column, you’ll get errors when you try to set dependencies between subitems.

If needed, add a new Dependency column specifically in the subitems area:

  • Click the + on the right of the subitems columns → More columns → Dependency.

2. Confirm the dependency column is allowed to connect subitems to subitems

Some setups are configured to allow only:

  • Item → item dependencies, or

  • Subitem → parent item dependencies

If your column is restricted to linking to items only, it will reject a subitem-to-subitem link.

Check:

  1. Hover over the dependency column header (in the subitems area).

  2. Click the little arrow ▾ → Column settings → Change column type (or Column settings if it shows directly).

  3. In the Dependency configuration, check:

    • What can this column connect to?
      Make sure it’s not limited to only items or only subitems if you want subitem↔subitem.

If there is an option like “Connect to items / subitems,” make sure it includes subitems.

3. Verify that the Due Date column used by the dependency column is the subitem Due Date

The dependency engine must be mapped to the correct date column on the same hierarchy level:

  • Item dependency → Item date column

  • Subitem dependency → Subitem date column

If the dependency column is set to use a main-item Due Date while you’re editing subitems, you’ll see conflicts.

Check/Adjust:

  1. In the subitems area, hover over the dependency column header → ▾ → Column settings → Settings.

  2. Look for the part that says something like:

    • “This dependency column uses the Date column: [Name]”

  3. Make sure the selected Date is the subitem date column, not the main item’s.

If it’s wrong, switch it to the correct subitem Due Date column and save.

4. Check for automation conflicts on the board

Automations can reject or override changes that don’t match their logic and sometimes show up as “doesn’t match column settings.”

Check automations:

  1. At the top of the board, click Automations.

  2. Review active recipes that mention:

    • Dependency column

    • Due Date changes

    • Status/Timeline enforced by dependencies

  3. Temporarily disable any automation touching:

    • That specific dependency column, or

    • That subitem’s Due Date when a dependency changes

Then try assigning the dependency again. If it works with the automation off, the automation logic—not the column setting—is blocking the change.

5. Confirm board permissions and column restrictions

If the column or board has restrictions, monday.com sometimes surfaces a generic “doesn’t match column settings” message instead of a permissions error.

Check board/column permissions:

  1. Click the board name → Board permissions (or the three dots … → Board settings).

  2. Make sure you:

    • Have permission to edit subitems and columns.

  3. To check column-specific permissions:

    • Hover on the dependency column header → ▾ → Settings (or Restrict column editing).

    • See whether it’s restricted to specific users and whether you’re allowed to edit it.

6. Try a clean test on a new board

To rule out some hidden setting:

  1. Create a new blank board.

  2. Enable Subitems.

  3. Add:

    • A Date column to subitems.

    • A Dependency column to subitems.

  4. In the subitem dependency column settings:

    • Point it to the subitem Date column.

    • Use “Flexible” dependency.

  5. Try linking one subitem as dependent on another.

If this works, the problem is something specific on the original board (automation, permission, or mismatched column mapping).

If you’d like, you can paste a screenshot (with column names and the dependency settings panel visible), and I can point out exactly which part is misconfigured.

3

  1. I verified the dependency column is in the subitems.

  2. I can’t find a way to check if the dependency column is allowed to connect subitems to subitems. I am unable to click “Change column type.” My projects were created from a managed template and I am unable to change it in the template.

  3. I verified the Due Date column is in the subitems.

  4. I removed all Automations on the board and it still gives the error.

  5. I am the owner of the board and have all permissions and there are no restrictions on the dependency column.

  6. I added a new project from the template and it does not have the error. What settings could be on the old project boards that could cause this? I just created two new projects yesterday that give the error, but the board I created today allows me add a dependency. I have no issues on the dependency column at the task level.