<\/a><\/span><\/span> Below you\u2019ll see some of the best examples around, along with some free templates to get you started. Dive in below and find your favorite.<\/p>\n Table of Contents <\/strong><\/p>\n Gantt charts are project management tools that help marketers visualize project timelines, progress, and deliverables. Visual lines or bars clearly display which tasks are completed and what\u2019s to come, allowing managers to allocate time and responsibility accordingly. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n The elements within a Gantt chart can be grouped into four categories: resources, milestones, tasks, and dependencies.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n Getting started with your first Gantt chart is one of the best ways to create a visual roadmap for your project.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how to use our template for Excel<\/a> to create a chart that helps you stay on deadline.<\/p>\n After downloading the template, take a few minutes to configure it. We\u2019ve included instructions in one of the tabs, and are walking you through it here.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Replace the \u201cProject Name\u201d placeholder with your project information. Today\u2019s date automatically populates, however, you\u2019ll need to choose a start date.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The start date you choose populates at the top of the Gantt chart as a 5-digit number.<\/p>\n Depending on your screen size, you may need to make note of this number (or you may still be able to see it in the next step)<\/em>.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n You\u2019ll see that the dates in the Gantt chart example don\u2019t yet reflect your project dates. To change that, right-click one of the dates in the top bar of the Gantt chart and choose \u201cFormat Axis\u201d from the dropdown menu.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Change the Minimum Bound to your start date. You\u2019ll see that the Gantt chart now reflects your project start date.<\/p>\n When it comes to creating a Gantt chart, the most important aspect is understanding how your project flows. By inputting good data, your chart will be accurate and effective.<\/p>\n Review the proposal and any phases you\u2019ve identified. If you haven\u2019t defined what happens in each phase, take a few moments to do so. You may or may not<\/em> need to track all of them.<\/p>\n However, it helps you identify which are most important to the stakeholders using the Gantt chart.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After identifying all project tasks, identify key tasks and milestones, and plug them into the Task list.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Enter approximate start and end dates next to each task. As you go, you\u2019ll notice that your chart begins to populate.<\/p>\n If you want to track entire phases as well as individual tasks, enter them in. The above Gantt chart example uses all caps to track phases and title case for individual tasks. You can also see how phases overlap individual tasks.<\/p>\n Note:<\/strong> If you have more than 20 tasks, you can add rows by right-clicking any # between 2 and 20 and selecting \u201cInsert Row\u201d from the dropdown. However, it\u2019s important to add them above #20 (Row 27) to keep formulas operational.<\/p>\n The columns automatically track allotted dates, and you can track actual time spent so you can better estimate future projects.<\/p>\n Now you know how to create a Gantt chart using our free template for Excel, it\u2019s time to dive in and start tracking your projects.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The main goal of a Gantt chart is to track the timeline and completion of a project. It\u2019s beneficial for project managers (PMs) who need to keep team momentum on campaigns with many moving parts, like product launches or marketing events.<\/p>\n Here are some additional benefits of using Gantt charts:<\/p>\n You can create Gantt charts in Excel, PowerPoint, Google Sheets, and more, and this tracking method can be used in a variety of industries, from marketing to construction, and even design.<\/p>\n So, what does that look like? Let\u2019s dive in with some beautiful Gantt chart examples, below. Prepare to geek out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Creating <\/a>Gantt charts in Excel<\/a> is a common practice and one you\u2019ll likely come across in your work. Excel doesn\u2019t have a predefined Gantt chart, but the \u201cStacked Bar\u201d feature is your friend, allowing you to show project progression.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s an example of an Excel Gantt chart. <\/a><\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Download it free, here.<\/a><\/p>\n And here\u2019s a helpful \u201chow-to\u201d video for the Excel-challenged among us.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\nWhat is a Gantt Chart used for?<\/h2>\n
\n
How to Make a Gantt Chart<\/h2>\n
\n
Step 1: Update the project name and start date.<\/h3>\n
Step 2: Configure the Gantt chart with your start date.<\/h3>\n
Step 3: Review project scope.<\/h3>\n
Step 4: Select key tasks and milestones.<\/h3>\n
Step 5: Estimate dates for each task.<\/h3>\n
Benefits of Using a Gantt Chart<\/h2>\n
\n
Ways to Make Gantt Charts<\/h2>\n
1. Gantt Chart in Excel<\/h3>\n