How to Use the Task Reminder Workflow Trigger

By Sparkforge Support Team ·Last reviewed May 3, 2026

The Task Reminder trigger runs a workflow a set number of days before or after a task's due date. Use it for advance reminders, overdue follow-ups, and escalations.

The Task Reminder workflow trigger runs a workflow on a schedule tied to a task's due date — either before, for advance notice, or after, for overdue follow-up. Use it to keep deadlines visible, escalate stale tasks, and update statuses without manual checking.

What this trigger does

Task Reminder fires when the configured timing window hits relative to the task's due date. The trigger requires a task with a due date set. If the due date moves, the reminder recalculates from the new date. If the task is deleted before the reminder time, the trigger does not fire. Completed tasks still fire the trigger if they otherwise match.

Why use it

Reduce manual follow-up. Reminders fire on schedule, every time.
Catch overdue work. After-due-date triggers escalate tasks that slipped.
Get advance warning. Before-due-date triggers give the team time to prep.
Coordinate the team. Notify owners and managers automatically as deadlines approach.

Available filters

Filter	What it does
Before no. of days	Fires the workflow this many days before the task due date. Good for advance notifications.
After no. of days	Fires this many days after the task due date. Good for overdue escalation.

Configure the trigger

Open Automation in your Sparkforge account and click Create Workflow (or open an existing one).
In the builder, click Add New Trigger and select Task Reminder.
Name the trigger — for example, Task Due Date Reminder.
Open the filter dropdown and pick Before no. of days or After no. of days.
Enter the day count and click Save Trigger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it work without a due date?

No. The trigger needs a due date because the timing is calculated from it.

Will it fire if the task is completed early?

Yes. Completed tasks still fire the trigger if they match the timing criteria.

Can I set both Before and After reminders?

Yes. Each fires separately based on the day count you enter for each.

What if the due date changes?

The reminder recalculates from the new due date automatically.

What if the task is deleted?

Deleted tasks don't fire the workflow. The trigger only runs for tasks that exist when the timing window hits.

Does it auto-notify the assignee?

Only if you add a notification action in the workflow. The trigger itself just fires the workflow.