How to Create Gantt Chart

Pic. 1. ConceptDraw PROJECT - Gantt chart view.

• The first step in planning a new project is to create a list of the different tasks and phases in your project. There are several ways to add tasks to your Gantt Chart. The simplest way it to press the Add button on the toolbar. You can also press the Enter key on your keyboard.
• The Gantt Chart table has columns for all of your project data, like task name, start and finish dates, duration, and completion level. Name the Task, and assign its duration. You can do so by double-clicking on the fields in the left pane of the Gantt chart, and then typing on your keyboard. Or simply drag and drop your tasks in the right pane of the Gantt chart to where you want them.
• You can also easily change a task’s start and finish dates. Either manually enter the data into the table, or drag the edge of the task to lengthen or shrink it in the graphical timeline view.
• Group Tasks into Phases. Use the Indent button create project phases on the Home toolbar to subordinate a Task, thereby making the dominant item into a Phase.
• To establish a relationship between Tasks, select two or more Tasks on the Gantt chart, and then click the Link button to link project tasks on the toolbar.
• The Gantt Chart also allows you to indicate a task’s priority level. Task colors can be used to highlight your tasks to draw attention to certain sections of your project.

You can also learn how to further manage the project task list.

Schedule projects using a Gantt chart: Assess time characteristics to a project. Show the task order. Define resources involved. Display links between scheduled tasks.

Plan projects using a Gantt chart: Monitor project completion. Display results of changes made to task activities. Show links and relationships between scheduled tasks.