How to Draw a Gantt Chart

Gantt charts are a visual method of organising tasks over a period of time. The list of tasks are placed on the vertical axis, while the time is listed on the horizontal axis. Tasks are represented by bars on the axis; the longer the bar, the more time the task will take. Gantt charts will include information such as the start and end date of a project, the persons responsible for the task, and whether there is any overlap between tasks.

Gantt charts are extremely useful for planning projects ahead of time. They allow team members to see which tasks are the most time-consuming, and which ones should be prioritised. It also encourages greater teamwork and communication amongst team members in achieving the project.

Step 1: Start EdrawMax.

Step 2: Navigate to [New]>[Project Management]>[Gantt Charts]

Step 3: Select one gantt chart template to edit on it or click the [+] sign to start from scratch.

Step 4: You can export the file to Graphics, PDF, editable MS Office file, SVG and Visio vsdx file.

Step 5: And you can share your diagram with others via social media and online website page.

1. Start-up

Start a Gantt chart drawing page from the Project Management category. On the left of the canvas, you will see a library containing a group of Gantt chart templates. Drag a template and drop on the canvas, and the Gantt Options dialogue will pop up automatically. You can set the date unit, date format, start and finish date in the dialogue. (Note: This dialogue could be reopened though Set Date button under Gantt Chart toolbar.)

2. Add a Task or Sub Task

You can right click on the mouse to add a task or a sub task. You can also use the quick buttons under the Gantt Chart toolbar to add a task, add a sub task, or delete a task.

3. Insert Columns

You can right click to insert a new column after the selected column. Choose the title of column from the pop-up dialogue box. For example, we can add a priority column.

Note:

You can change the priority by clicking on the symbol.

To hide a column, right click on a column and choose Hide Column.

More information please watch the following video tutorial:

Tips:

How to Change the Task Bar: When double clicking the text editing box to input task start date and finish date, the progress bar will be updated automatically according to the new date. Also, you can hover the cursor at the end of a bar, when the cursor changes as a two-way arrow (No.1), drag the bar to change the finish date. Hover the cursor above a bar, and when the cursor changes as a four-way arrow (No.2), you can move the whole task bar. When the bar is moved, the start and finish date will change accordingly. Input the task completed percentage, and the green progress bar will be upgraded automatically. Also, hover your cursor at the beginning of the bar, when the cursor turns as a two-way arrow and a percent symbol (No.3), drag the bar to change the complete percentage.

Different Task Type in Gantt Chart: There are three different task types in the Gantt chart: Normal, Summary and Milestone. You don't have to set the type explicitly. The Gantt chart software will process it automatically. The normal task has a completed percentage. You can set it as the above description. If a task has some sub tasks, the task will become a summary. A milestone task can be a diamond shape while you drag the two yellow control points together.

Example 1: Typical Gantt Chart

Gantt charts are a visual method of organising tasks over a period of time. The list of tasks are placed on the vertical axis, while the time is listed on the horizontal axis. Tasks are represented by bars on the axis; the longer the bar, the more time the task will take. For example, we can see developing a prototype will take longer than the other steps in the timeline. Gantt charts will include information such as the start and end date of a project, the persons responsible for the task, and whether there is any overlap between tasks.

Example 2: Machine Design Project

In this gantt chart, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering has created a Gantt chart to plan out how much time will need to be spent for each module of their course, and which group of students will be taking each course.

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