Quick answer: Tentative projects in Teamwork.com let you plan work that isn't confirmed yet. Choose Tentative as the project type when creating a project, or convert an accepted quote into a tentative project. Plan schedules, allocations and budgets, then convert to confirmed when the work goes ahead.
What
A tentative project is a project created in a tentative state to plan work that is likely but not yet confirmed. It allows teams to model capacity, budgets, and timelines before committing delivery work.
Why
  • Evaluate resource availability before committing.
  • Model financial impact early.
  • Plan timelines without triggering delivery activity.
  • Convert to confirmed without rebuilding plans.
Who
  • Site admins can create, manage, and confirm tentative projects.
  • Project admins can manage and confirm projects they're an admin on.
  • Standard users with permission to:
    • Add projects (ability to create, edit, and delete projects (tentative or confirmed) and project categories)
When
Use a tentative project when work is probable but not finalized and you need structured planning insight before confirmation.

How do I create a tentative project in Teamwork.com?

Select the project type during creation.
  • Go to Projects and click Add project.
  • Complete the setup steps.
  • In the Details step, choose Tentative as the project type.
  • Create the project.
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A project’s type determines whether it represents planning work or confirmed delivery.

How do I create a project from a quote?

Convert an accepted quote into a tentative project to move from quoted work into proposed delivery and execution. Converting a quote creates a linked project and carries over key details so you can begin scheduling, assigning, and tracking work straight away.

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What happens when you convert

  • Task (hours) line items are created as tasks in the new project.
  • Allocation (hours) line items are added to the project Schedule as allocated hours.
  • The project inherits key details such as the client, people, dates, and description (you can adjust these during conversion).
  • You choose whether the project is Tentative or Confirmed.
  • You select a budget type (No budget, Fixed fee, Time & materials, or Retainer).

How do I plan a tentative project's schedule and allocations?

Tentative projects support structured planning without initiating delivery workflows.
  • Use the Schedule tab to create allocations for people or placeholders.
  • View tentative and confirmed work together to assess total capacity demand.
  • Adjust allocations as scope evolves.
If a budget is set, predicted budget usage appears alongside allocations in Schedule views.

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How do I plan budgets and financial targets?

  • Set fixed fee, time and materials, or retainer budgets.
  • Define financial targets such as profit margin or target profit.
  • Review projected financial impact while the project remains tentative.

How do I convert a tentative project to confirmed?

When work is approved, update the project type to confirmed.
  • Allocations, budgets, and schedules remain in place.
  • Delivery visibility and notifications begin as normal.
Tentative projects cannot be reverted after confirmation.

Frequently asked questions

What happens to quote line items when I convert a quote?

Task (hours) line items become tasks, and Allocation (hours) line items are added to the project Schedule as allocated hours.

Does the project keep the quote's details?

Yes. It inherits the client, people, dates and description, which you can adjust during conversion.