SharePoint Gantt Chart: How to Create and Manage Project Timelines 

Your project tasks are stored in SharePoint, but tracking deadlines still requires opening individual items, comparing dates, and checking with team members. As more tasks overlap, it becomes difficult to see which activities are on schedule and which delays could affect the entire project. 

A SharePoint Gantt chart helps you organize project tasks into a visual timeline. However, creating one in modern SharePoint is different from using the built-in Gantt view available in classic SharePoint. You need to choose a method that works with your existing setup and project requirements. 

While working on SharePoint projects at SPDW, we have encountered challenges with organizing task information, tracking deadlines, and maintaining visibility into project progress. Addressing these challenges involves selecting tools that fit each organization’s existing SharePoint environment rather than introducing unnecessary systems. 

In this article, you will learn how to create a Gantt chart in SharePoint, explore the available methods, and manage project timelines using SharePoint lists and Microsoft 365 tools. 

Can I Create a Gantt Chart in SharePoint? 

Yes, you can create a Gantt chart in SharePoint. However, the available options depend on whether you use classic or modern SharePoint. 

Classic SharePoint supports a built-in Gantt view that displays project tasks as horizontal bars across a timeline. You can use task names, start dates, due dates, and progress information to visualize your project schedule. 

Modern SharePoint does not offer the same native Gantt view. Instead, you can connect your SharePoint list to Power BI or use a compatible third-party solution to display your project timeline. 

Does SharePoint have a project management tool? SharePoint provides lists and collaboration features for organizing project information, but it is not a dedicated project scheduling application. For advanced scheduling features, including task dependencies, you can use Microsoft Planner or another compatible solution. 

The right approach depends on whether you need a basic project timeline, visual reporting, or more advanced project management capabilities. 

How to Create a Gantt Chart in SharePoint 

You can create a Gantt chart in SharePoint using three different methods. Each approach offers different features, so choose one based on your project requirements. 

Method	Works in	Dependencies	Licensing	Best for
Classic SharePoint Gantt View	Classic SharePoint	Basic predecessor support	Existing SharePoint environment	Teams using classic SharePoint that need a basic Gantt view
Power BI Gantt Chart	Modern SharePoint + Power BI	Mainly visualization; dependency support depends on the selected visual	Appropriate Power BI licensing may be required	Teams that want visual reporting from existing SharePoint list data
Microsoft Planner Premium	Microsoft Planner; can be connected with SharePoint	Yes, supports task dependencies	Premium Planner license required	Projects that need advanced scheduling and dependency management

Method 1: Create a Gantt Chart in Classic SharePoint 

If your organization uses classic SharePoint, you can create a Gantt view directly from a compatible list. 

First, open your SharePoint site and navigate to the list containing your project tasks. Make sure your list includes the required date columns. 

Then, follow these steps: 

1. Open your SharePoint list and navigate to the List tab. 

2. Select Create View and choose Gantt View. 

3. Enter a name for your new view. 

4. Select the columns containing your task titles, start dates, and due dates. 

5. Configure additional fields, such as Percent Complete and Predecessors, if your list supports them. 

6. Save your changes to create the Gantt view. 

SharePoint will display your tasks as horizontal bars based on their scheduled dates. You can adjust the timeline to review upcoming deadlines and identify overlapping activities. 

However, this method only works with compatible classic SharePoint environments. Modern SharePoint lists do not support the same built-in Gantt functionality. 

Method 2: Create a SharePoint List Gantt Chart Using Power BI 

If you use modern SharePoint, Power BI provides another way to display project timelines using your existing SharePoint list data. 

Start by creating a SharePoint list that contains the information required for your Gantt chart. 

Your list should include the following columns: 

Column	Purpose
Task Name	Identifies each project activity
Start Date	Records when each task begins
Due Date	Records the expected completion date
Assigned To	Identifies the responsible team member
Status	Shows the current task status
Percent Complete	Tracks task progress

Once your list contains the required information, open Power BI Desktop. 

Select Get Data, choose SharePoint Online List, and enter your SharePoint site URL. Then, select the relevant list and load your project data. 

Next, add a suitable Gantt chart visual from Microsoft AppSource. Configure the visual using your task names, start dates, due dates, and progress information. The available settings will depend on the visual you choose. 

After creating your chart, publish the report to the Power BI service. 

Finally, open your modern SharePoint page, add the Power BI web part, and select your published report. 

Your team can now view the project timeline directly from SharePoint, provided they have the required permissions and licenses. 

Remember that Power BI reports do not automatically reflect every SharePoint list update. Configure an appropriate data refresh schedule to keep your timeline current. 

Method 3: Use Microsoft Planner for Gantt Chart Management 

Does Microsoft have a Gantt chart tool? Yes, Microsoft Planner offers Gantt chart functionality through its premium Timeline view. If your project requires more than basic timeline visualization, this feature helps you organize tasks, visualize project schedules, and manage task dependencies. 

To create your project timeline, open Microsoft Planner and create a premium plan. 

Add your project tasks, assign team members, and enter the relevant start and finish dates. 

Next, open Timeline View to display your project schedule. You can organize tasks, establish dependencies, and adjust dates as your project progresses. 

If your team uses SharePoint, you can add the Planner web part to a supported SharePoint team site. However, this web part does not display Planner’s premium Gantt timeline directly. Team members must open Planner to access that view. 

Also, check your organization’s Microsoft 365 licensing before choosing this method because premium Planner features require additional licensing. 

How to Manage Project Timelines Using a SharePoint Gantt Chart 

Creating a Gantt chart helps you visualize your schedule, but you also need accurate project information to manage it effectively. 

One issue we have encountered while organizing SharePoint project information is that task ownership is not always clear. When task lists include assigned team members alongside deadlines and progress updates, teams have a clearer view of responsibilities. Start by assigning an owner to each task and keeping this information updated throughout the project. 

Project reporting also becomes difficult when task dates change, but reports do not reflect those updates immediately. This creates a gap between the actual project schedule and the timeline that team members review. To avoid this, update your SharePoint task dates whenever schedules change and configure an appropriate refresh schedule if you use Power BI. 

You should also review overlapping activities and identify tasks that depend on earlier work. A delay in one activity can affect several others, particularly when your project follows a fixed sequence. 

For projects with multiple dependencies, Microsoft Planner’s premium Timeline view offers more suitable scheduling features than a basic SharePoint list visualization. 

Finally, review your timeline regularly. Compare planned dates with actual progress and update task information before outdated schedules affect project decisions. 

SharePoint Gantt Chart Templates and Web Parts 

A SharePoint Gantt chart template can help you organize project information consistently, especially when your team manages multiple projects. 

While structuring SharePoint lists for project tracking, we have found that consistent task information makes timelines easier to maintain. A reusable list with predefined columns for task names, start dates, due dates, responsibilities, and progress helps teams follow the same structure across projects. 

However, a SharePoint list template does not automatically generate a Gantt chart. You still need a compatible visualization tool. 

For modern SharePoint, the Power BI web part allows you to display a report containing a suitable Gantt chart visual. 

Alternatively, you can use a compatible third-party SharePoint Gantt chart web part to display timelines directly on your SharePoint pages. 

Before selecting a third-party solution, review its compatibility with your SharePoint environment, licensing requirements, available features, and security considerations. 

How SPDW Can Help You Manage SharePoint Project Timelines 

Managing project timelines becomes more challenging when your team handles tasks across multiple SharePoint lists or relies on manual updates to monitor progress. 

At SPDW, our SharePoint project management solutions focus on organizing project information, improving collaboration, and connecting SharePoint with relevant Microsoft 365 tools. 

We help organizations structure SharePoint lists, organize project information, and explore suitable integrations based on their existing workflows. 

Whether you need a structured task list or a project reporting solution, the goal is to make project information easier to access and maintain. 

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you organize project data and improve timeline visibility. 

Conclusion 

A SharePoint Gantt chart allows you to organize project tasks and visualize deadlines, but the creation method depends on your SharePoint environment. 

Classic SharePoint supports a built-in Gantt view, while modern SharePoint requires an additional visualization solution. Power BI lets you create timelines using SharePoint list data, whereas premium Microsoft Planner provides dedicated scheduling features and task dependencies. 

If your team already maintains project information in SharePoint, connecting your existing lists to a suitable visualization tool can help you avoid duplicate task records. 

However, if your project requires detailed scheduling and dependency management, consider using a dedicated project management solution. 

Choose an approach that matches your scheduling requirements and keep your task information updated. This will help your team maintain reliable project timelines and identify potential delays before they affect important deadlines. 

Ready to improve how your team tracks project deadlines? Let SPDW help you turn your SharePoint project data into clear, accessible timelines that keep everyone informed.