# How auto-scroll works

When a task’s date changes or a new dependency is created, SmartPM pushes dependent tasks forward while preserving their durations. The rule applies only to forward-moving tasks; it does not touch appropriate dates.

- All users

## Rule

- For each task, the earliest possible start date allowed by its predecessors is calculated.

- If a task starts before this date, it is shifted to that date while preserving its working day duration.

- If the task already starts later, the date remains unchanged.

- Weekends are not counted as working days.

## Tracking the shift

- Drag the predecessor task's end date forward via the task panel or Gantt chart.

- Read the notification at the bottom of the screen: "N tasks shifted forward due to dependency."

- Check the new positions of floating successors on the Gantt chart.

## Example

"Homepage design" runs Monday to Friday and is linked to "Design approval" which starts when it finishes. If you extend the design end date to the following Tuesday, the approval shifts to Wednesday; its successors are pushed in turn.

> Result: A notification appears at the bottom of the screen stating 'N tasks shifted forward due to dependency,' and the shifting process is recorded in the history of the moved tasks.

> Tip: Shortening a predecessor or removing a link does not pull successors back. If you want to bring a successor forward, change its date manually; it is accepted as long as constraints allow.

## Related pages

- Why did my task disappear automatically?

- Setting up dependencies