How to Build Your Own Shortcut
Replace Shortcut with a custom build. Project Management for Software Teams
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 36 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Type-safe ORM for complex relational data models
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 36 features
Security(7 features)
Encryption in transit and at rest
GDPR compliant
Single sign-on with Google Workspace included for all plans
HIPAA and BAA compliance available by request
Available for those using SAML SSO and Okta. Includes user provisioning, deprovisioning, and role based attribute support
+2 more in this category
Integration(4 features)
Access your workspace data in a simple and secure way through API and outgoing webhooks
Seamless integrations with GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and other tools for synced workflows
Avoid merge conflicts and duplicative code when using the GitHub integration
Seamless integrations with GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and other tools mean Shortcut updates while you work
AI(3 features)
The AI Agent for product development that accelerates product engineering workflows. Move from idea to spec to PR in minutes
Work side-by-side with AI to scope tasks, write PRs, and track progress right in Shortcut
Connect Shortcut to tools like Cursor and Claude Code to get agents coding and synced to GitHub
Customization(3 features)
Leverage custom fields to help you establish a more structured process. Categorize work using basic and advanced Custom Fields
Customize the way Stories move from creation to completion with customizable workflows
Create Stories from a pre-formatted template, saving time and effort on commonly written Stories
Reporting(3 features)
Create reports beyond 100 days and access reports like Time Spent in Workflow State and Created vs. Completed
Access Metrics dashboard, Velocity chart, ARC Chart, Cycle Time / Lead Time, Cumulative Flow Diagram, Completed Stories Table and Epics List
Get quick insights with Reports and visualize progress on Epics and Iterations
Access Control(2 features)
Like a user but with read-only access. Up to 5 read-only users per paid seat
Support for Owners, Admins, and Members with role-based access control
Collaboration(2 features)
Use Docs for PRDs, technical documentation, and much more
Allow Doc collaborators to see what changes are proposed
Product Development(2 features)
Better sort, manage and prioritize work before it makes its way into a Workflow
Easily create & track development work from early stage to planning, execution and release
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying Shortcut
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 36 features at very easy complexity.