# Gantt Charts (https://yapl.app/en/docs/user-guides/gantt)

# 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

<Callout type="info">
Full Gantt editing capabilities require a Professional tier subscription. Basic tier users can view but not edit the timeline directly.
</Callout>

## Accessing the Gantt Chart

1. Navigate to **Plans** in the sidebar
2. Open a plan
3. Click the **Timeline** tab

The Gantt chart displays all tasks from your plan in a timeline format.

## In This Section

### Viewing
- **[Timeline View](/docs/user-guides/gantt/timeline-view)** - Understanding the Gantt interface

### Editing
- **[Editing Timeline](/docs/user-guides/gantt/editing-timeline)** - Modify tasks directly on the chart

### Analysis
- **[Critical Path](/docs/user-guides/gantt/critical-path)** - Identify schedule-critical tasks
- **[Baseline Comparison](/docs/user-guides/gantt/baseline-comparison)** - Track schedule variance

### Export
- **[Exporting Gantt](/docs/user-guides/gantt/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

- [Plans](/docs/user-guides/plans) - Plan management
- [Tasks](/docs/user-guides/tasks) - Task creation and management
- [Kanban](/docs/user-guides/kanban) - Alternative task view