User GuidesGantt Charts
Gantt Charts
Complete guide to using Gantt charts for timeline visualization and project scheduling in YAPL.
Gantt Charts
Gantt charts provide a visual timeline representation of your project schedule. YAPL's interactive Gantt view allows you to see task durations, dependencies, and critical paths at a glance.
Overview
The Gantt chart in YAPL offers:
- Visual Timeline - See tasks as horizontal bars across time
- Dependency Visualization - Lines connecting dependent tasks
- Critical Path Highlighting - Identify schedule-driving tasks
- Interactive Editing - Drag and resize tasks (Professional tier)
- Baseline Comparison - Compare current vs. planned schedules
- Multiple Zoom Levels - Day, week, month, quarter views
Full Gantt editing capabilities require a Professional tier subscription. Basic tier users can view but not edit the timeline directly.
Accessing the Gantt Chart
- Navigate to Plans in the sidebar
- Open a plan
- Click the Timeline tab
The Gantt chart displays all tasks from your plan in a timeline format.
In This Section
Viewing
- Timeline View - Understanding the Gantt interface
Editing
- Editing Timeline - Modify tasks directly on the chart
Analysis
- Critical Path - Identify schedule-critical tasks
- Baseline Comparison - Track schedule variance
Export
- Exporting Gantt - Share and print your timeline
Quick Reference
| Action | How To |
|---|---|
| View timeline | Plans > [Plan] > Timeline |
| Zoom in/out | Use zoom controls or scroll |
| Show critical path | Toggle in view options |
| Compare to baseline | Enable baseline overlay |
| Export chart | Use export menu |
Gantt Components
Task Bars
Each task appears as a horizontal bar:
- Length represents duration
- Position indicates start/end dates
- Color shows status or custom category
- Progress fill shows completion percentage
Dependencies
Lines between tasks show relationships:
- Finish-to-Start - Task B starts when Task A finishes
- Start-to-Start - Tasks start together
- Finish-to-Finish - Tasks end together
- Start-to-Finish - Task B finishes when Task A starts
Milestones
Diamond markers indicate zero-duration events:
- Project milestones
- Key decision points
- Delivery dates
Summary Tasks
Parent tasks show as summary bars:
- Span from earliest to latest child task
- Roll up progress from children
- Can be collapsed/expanded
Subscription Features
| Feature | Basic | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| View timeline | Yes | Yes |
| Zoom levels | Yes | Yes |
| View dependencies | Yes | Yes |
| Edit by dragging | No | Yes |
| Resize tasks | No | Yes |
| Create dependencies | No | Yes |
| Critical path | No | Yes |
| Baseline comparison | No | Yes |
| Export | No | Yes |
Best Practices
Planning Phase
- Create tasks in logical work breakdown structure
- Set realistic durations
- Define dependencies before viewing Gantt
- Establish baseline before execution
Execution Phase
- Update progress regularly
- Watch critical path changes
- Compare to baseline frequently
- Adjust schedule as needed
Communication
- Use Gantt exports for stakeholder updates
- Highlight critical path in discussions
- Show baseline variance for schedule reviews
Related Topics
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