How to create a schedule in Microsoft Project
The easiest way to create a schedule in Microsoft Project is to use the Gantt Chart view. In this post, I will be demonstrate how to create a create the schedule, add/modify/delete tasks, and how add and remove dependencies.
Gantt Chart View
Start Microsoft Project and choose a blank project.
Click on Task Ribbon
Note the Gantt Chart view on the left. If you see any other view here, change it to Gantt Chart view.
Tasks and Summary Tasks
In Microsoft Project, you can create tasks and summary tasks. A task is just a task like schedule a meeting. A summary task is used to create categories of tasks.
Click on “Summary” in the Task ribbon and create the following summary task.
I created a Summary called “Initiating” with a task called “Create Project Charter”. Click on the thumb tack icon next to Initiating and change it to “Auto Scheduled”. This would allow your task to be update dates as you make changes elsewhere. Do the same for “Create Project Charter”. Change the Duration to 10 days. Note that the dates and duration in the summary task updates automatically.
Inserting Tasks
Because a schedule is a living document, you would need to update it constantly. A common change you need to make is to insert tasks in specific places. To insert a task, select a task that will be right below the task you want to insert. Then right-click and choose “Insert Task”.
Sequencing tasks
In a schedule task need to be sequenced. Click on the Predecessors cell in Row 3. You should see a downward point arrow. Click on it. This lists all the tasks that can become predecessors. Click on the checkbox next to “Create SIP” and then Esc button on your keyboard.
You should see the number 2 in the predecessors cell. An easier way to do this is to simply type the row numbers. In the cell below, type “3,2”. This specifies that tasks in row 2 and 3 are predecessors of this task.
As you fill in the tasks, Microsoft Project creates a Gantt Chart on the right side of the screen to help you visualize the schedule.
