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Gantt Chart Software Guide

Published: September 24, 2023, Last Updated: November 8, 2023

What is Gantt chart software?

Irene Casucian Avatar

Written by
Irene Casucian, Staff Writer
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Kaiti Norton Avatar

Reviewed by
Kaiti Norton, Managing Editor
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Irene Casucian Avatar

Written by
Irene Casucian, Staff Writer
Read more by Irene →

Kaiti Norton Avatar

Reviewed by
Kaiti Norton, Managing Editor
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A Gantt chart is a visual tool in project management that lays out tasks along a timeline. It shows start and end dates, task dependencies, and progress, and is a go-to for understanding a project’s schedule and resource allocation.

The right Gantt chart software can be a game-changer. Some tools offer drag-and-drop scheduling, real-time collaboration, and task dependencies, which can make project management more efficient by streamlining planning and aligning teams.

To help you decide on the best software for your needs, here’s our hand-picked list of the top Gantt chart tools and what sets them apart:

  • monday.com is best for visualizing project timelines with Gantt charts. 
  • Wrike is best for real-time Gantt chart updates.
  • TeamGantt is best for ease-of-use and intuitive interface.
  • GanttPRO is best for cost-effective task management.
  • Instagantt is best for comprehensive scheduling and team collaboration.
  • Toggl Plan is best for simple and straightforward project tracking.

Sept. 24, 2023: We reviewed the information on this page for accuracy and refined our analysis.

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Our picks for the top Gantt chart software

monday.com: Best for visualizing project timelines with Gantt charts

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Pros

  • Intuitive visual interface
  • Timeline view
  • Integration with other views
  • Collaboration features and real-time updates 

Cons

  • Lack of a tool to compare planned vs. actual progress in a Gantt chart.
  • Limited drag-and-drop capabilities.
  • Limited automatic scheduling.

monday.com is a versatile project management platform known for its visually intuitive interface. Its strength lies in its ability to offer multiple project views, including a timeline view, akin to a Gantt chart. It promotes real-time collaboration with features such as task comments and updates.

The platform is recognized for its strong integrations with other popular tools and its capacity to automate workflows, saving time and reducing manual tasks. Catering to various industries, from marketing to software development, monday.com offers a flexible, customizable solution for teams seeking to streamline project management processes.

Visual timeline view

monday.com offers a visually appealing and intuitive timeline view that allows you to see the entire project at a glance. This enables project managers to visualize sequences, durations, and dependencies across the project’s lifecycle. 

Drag-and-drop rescheduling

monday.com’s Gantt charts are highly interactive. The drag-and-drop functionality allows you to easily adjust timelines, reschedule tasks, and modify dependencies directly on the chart, and the live, real-time editing capability makes the platform perfect for dynamic projects where changes are frequent. 

Milestone marking

Users can highlight critical points or goals in the project timeline as milestones. These are visible on the Gantt chart, which is useful for keeping team members aligned on important tasks and deadlines.

  • Free plan available for up to two seats.
  • Basic: $8 per seat per month, billed annually.
  • Standard: $10 per seat per month, billed annually.
  • Pro: $19 per seat per month, billed annually.
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing.

We like monday.com for its clean, color-coded, and user-friendly interface, making timeline navigation a straightforward experience. It features an intuitive timeline view that integrates seamlessly with other project views; meanwhile, its powerful collaboration tools help keep teams connected and in sync.

Also read: How to Create a Gantt Chart in Excel

Wrike: Best for real-time Gantt chart updates

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Pros

  • Real-time updates on tasks.
  • Drag-and-drop Gantt charts with adjustable task dependencies
  • Collaboration features including comments, @mentions, and file attachments.
  • Automated scheduling.

Cons

  • Limited color coding.
  • Dependency view may require additional clicks or navigation.
  • No built-in risk management features.
  • Limited reporting on Gantt charts.

Wrike is a cloud-based project management solution that offers an efficient way to coordinate and track projects. The platform’s multifunctional toolkit includes task management, interactive Gantt charts, time tracking, and document sharing, among others.

Offering an intuitive interface and integrations with popular tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Slack, Wrike has become a preferred choice for teams seeking an all-in-one project management platform.

Interactive Gantt charts (Timelines)

On Wrike, interactive Gantt charts are referred to as Timelines. These Timelines serve as a visual guide for your project’s schedule, breaking it down into various tasks and milestones. You can easily create and modify task dependencies by dragging and dropping tasks directly on the Timeline. This user-friendly interface gives you a clear overview of your project’s timeline, making it easier to prioritize work and manage deadlines.

Real-time updates and collaboration

One of the standout features of Wrike’s Gantt charts is real-time updates. When any modifications are made to the chart, these changes become instantly visible to all team members. This ensures everyone is on the same page, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or outdated information.

In addition, Wrike supports team collaboration by allowing users to @mention team members directly within the Gantt chart. You can also attach files directly to tasks, making it easier to access the resources you need, when you need them.

Automated scheduling

Forget about manually updating your Gantt chart every time a task’s date or dependencies change — Wrike’s automated scheduling takes care of this for you. The Gantt chart automatically updates itself when a change occurs, be it a shift in deadlines or an adjustment of task dependencies. This ensures that your project timelines are always accurate and up-to-date, allowing you to focus on executing tasks rather than constantly updating your project schedule.

  • Free plan available.
  • Team: $9.80 per user per month, billed annually.
  • Business: $24.80 per user per month, billed annually.
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing.
  • Pinnacle: Custom pricing.
  • A free trial is available for all plans, no credit card required.

Wrike’s edge lies in its balance of flexibility and functionality, with its interactive timeline serving as a standout feature. Real-time updates and collaboration features ensure users stay in sync with project changes as they happen, while its Gantt chart functionality allows for seamless adjustments to tasks and dependencies.

Still, Wrike’s real ace in the hole is its automated scheduling feature, which automatically responds to date changes and dependency shifts and eliminates the need for manual updates.

Also read: Wrike vs. Asana Review

TeamGantt: Best for ease-of-use and intuitive interface

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Pros

  • Highly intuitive interface.
  • Interactive Gantt charts.
  • Multiple project views in one Gantt chart.

Cons

  • Free plan is very limited.
  • Average reporting features.
  • Discussions, file uploads, and notifications could be improved.

TeamGantt is lauded for its user-friendly approach to project scheduling. It offers the basics — tasks, timelines, and team assignments — while understanding the more complex nuances of project management. This makes TeamGantt an excellent option for those who want a straightforward yet effective tool for project management. 

The catch is that the platform falls short when it comes to budgeting and invoicing capabilities, and the reporting functionalities would also benefit from further enhancements. Likewise, TeamGantt’s chat, file sharing, and alert functionalities don’t quite hit the mark either.

Baselines

Baselines in TeamGantt serve as a snapshot of your project plan at a specific time. This feature lets you compare the initial project plan with its current state, helping you identify any delays or accelerations. It’s a critical tool for accountability and for making data-driven decisions: If a task falls behind, project managers can see this and take corrective action.

Drag-and-drop

The drag-and-drop feature in TeamGantt provides a straightforward and user-friendly means of adjusting, rescheduling, and reordering tasks, making project management more efficient. This is particularly useful in dynamic projects where timelines change frequently, allowing for quick, on-the-fly adjustments without having to navigate through multiple menus.

Guest permissions

Guest permissions allow external stakeholders like clients or consultants to view a project without having the ability to make changes. This ensures everyone stays on the same page without compromising the project’s integrity. It’s a great way to maintain transparency and build trust with clients, as they can see real-time progress but can’t accidentally (or intentionally) alter a project’s course.

  • Free plan available.
  • Lite: $19 per month per manager, billed annually.
  • Pro: $49 per month per manager, billed annually.
  • Enterprise: $99 per month per manager, billed annually.
  • A 30-day free trial is available for all plans.

We chose TeamGantt for its blend of simplicity and practicality. It’s perfect for teams that want to focus on project scheduling without getting bogged down by overly complex features. Its intuitive design ensures that anyone on the team can quickly adapt to using it, making project management more efficient. Additionally, its interactive Gantt charts help streamline communication and decision-making within project teams.

Also read: How to Use an Agile Gantt Chart for Project Management

GanttPRO: Best for cost-effective task management

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Pros

  • Affordable pricing plans.
  • Requires minimal training.
  • Offers a variety of templates.

Cons

  • Limited integrations.
  • Limited mobile capabilities.
  • No real-time collaboration.

GanttPRO is a Gantt chart platform that excels at offering cost-effective solutions for task management. It provides a user-friendly interface and various features that simplify planning, scheduling, and executing projects. Its budget-friendly pricing plans make it a go-to choice for small to medium-sized businesses looking to optimize their project management processes.

Conversely, if you’re searching for extensive integrations or mobile capabilities, GanttPRO might fall short, as it lacks both reporting features and dashboard customization options. Additionally, the software doesn’t offer broad system integration, so you’ll have to configure third-party systems independently if required.

Milestone tracking

GanttPRO includes a milestone tracking feature that allows you to set significant events or checkpoints in your project timeline. These milestones help break down the project into manageable parts and provide a sense of direction — handy for keeping teams motivated and making it easier to evaluate a project’s progress at different stages. Milestone tracking also aids in client communication, as you can easily share significant checkpoints to keep stakeholders updated.

Collaboration tools

GanttPRO provides robust collaboration tools that allow team members to comment, attach files, and set notifications for task updates. This fosters better communication and ensures everyone is on the same page, which is particularly useful for maintaining productivity among remote teams.

Resource management

One of the standout features of GanttPRO is its resource management capabilities, which allow you to allocate resources efficiently, track their utilization, and even forecast resource needs for future projects. This helps in avoiding bottlenecks and ensures that projects run smoothly. The resource management feature also provides insightful analytics, helping you make data-driven decisions about resource allocation, which can be crucial for optimizing costs and timelines.

  • Basic: $7.99 per user per month, billed annually.
  • PRO: $12.99 per user per month, billed annually.
  • Business: $19.99 per user per month, billed annually.
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing.
  • A free trial is available.

We chose GanttPRO for its cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and robust feature set. It offers a balanced mix of essential project management tools and advanced features like resource management, making it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes. Its affordable pricing plans make it accessible for smaller teams, providing value for money. 

Additionally, GanttPRO’s user-friendly interface ensures a smooth onboarding process, reducing the time and effort needed for team training. Its focus on collaboration tools also enhances team communication, making it easier to keep everyone aligned and projects on track.

Also read: Best Free Project Management Software (2023)

Instagantt: Best for comprehensive scheduling and team collaboration

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Pros

  • Seamless integration with Asana.
  • Drag-and-drop scheduling interface.
  • Critical path feature available. 

Cons

  • Asana required for full feature utilization.
  • No mention of mobile app support.
  • Doesn’t offer an offline version.

Instagantt is a cloud-based Gantt chart software tool that seamlessly integrates with Asana, offering a robust platform for facilitating team collaboration and comprehensive scheduling. The software allows for drag-and-drop scheduling and features a card kanban system, providing a dual view for task management. With its critical path feature, you can easily identify tasks that could impact your project deadline and take immediate action to stay on track.

Dependency Linking

Instagantt allows you to create dependencies between tasks, making it easier to see how changes to one task could affect others. This feature is crucial for complex projects with interconnected tasks, as it helps avoid scheduling conflicts and ensures a logical flow of activities. Dependency linking also aids resource allocation, as you can clearly see which tasks must be completed before others begin.

Critical Path Feature

This feature lets you quickly identify which pending tasks will impact the project deadline. By using this function, your team can comply with the project’s end date and take immediate action when a critical task is at risk of being delayed. It also aids in task prioritization and better resource allocation, reducing the risk of project overruns.

Card Kanban System

This feature provides a kanban board view, allowing team members to focus on assigned tasks while gaining broader visibility into work in progress. It’s a great way to keep everyone aligned and focused. Beyond task tracking, the kanban board can be customized to fit your project’s specific needs, offering a tailored approach to task management and team collaboration.

  • Individual (standalone): $7 per month, billed monthly.
  • Team (standalone): $5 per user per month, billed monthly.
  • Individual (Asana): $7 per month, billed monthly.
  • Team (Asana): $5 per user per month, billed monthly.
  • A seven-day free trial is available for all plans.

We chose Instagantt because it offers a robust, intuitive, and affordable Gantt chart software solution. Its seamless integration with Asana makes it a go-to choice for existing Asana users. The drag-and-drop scheduling and critical path features make managing tasks and identifying bottlenecks easy, ensuring that projects stay on track. Its comprehensive features suit teams looking for an all-in-one project management solution.

Also read: 3 Ways to Plan Quality Management in Projects

Toggl Plan: Best for simple and straightforward project tracking

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Pros

  • User-friendly interface for easy task management.
  • Offers both Gantt charts and kanban boards.
  • Clean and straightforward design.

Cons

  • Lacks advanced features.
  • Limited integration capabilities.
  • Limited to basic reporting and analytics.

Toggl Plan is designed for those who crave simplicity in project management. It offers clean and intuitive visual project planning tools, focusing on Gantt charts and kanban boards. The software aims to make project tracking straightforward, cutting through the noise of overly complex features. It benefits teams that want a no-frills approach to keeping tabs on project timelines and team activities.

On the flip side, Toggl Plan lacks certain, more advanced functionalities. If you’re aiming to monitor every facet of your business comprehensively, it might not be the ideal choice. That said, you’ll likely be satisfied with the system’s core features and capabilities.

Kanban Boards

Besides Gantt charts, Toggl Plan offers kanban boards. These offer an alternative way to visualize workflows and task statuses, catering to different project management styles within the team. It’s especially useful for Agile or Scrum methodologies, allowing quick adjustments and real-time updates.

Team View

Toggl Plan offers a Team View that provides a snapshot of what everyone is working on. This centralized view aids resource allocation and ensures team members are not overwhelmed with tasks. It’s an excellent tool for managers to quickly assess workloads and redistribute tasks as needed, enhancing overall productivity.

Timeline View

Toggl Plan also includes a Timeline View feature that lets you see the entire scope of your project at a glance. This view can be customized to show tasks, milestones, and deadlines, providing a comprehensive project status overview. It’s particularly useful for long-term planning and for keeping stakeholders informed about a project’s progress.

  • Team: $8 per user per month, billed annually.
  • Business: $13.35 per user per month, billed annually.
  • A 14-day free trial is available for all plans, no credit card required.

We chose Toggl Plan because it excels in offering a straightforward and intuitive interface, making it ideal for teams seeking to concentrate on core project management tasks without the distraction of intricate functionalities. 

Including Gantt charts and kanban boards offers flexibility in managing and tracking projects, meanwhile, the software’s Timeline View provides a comprehensive look at the project’s overall status, aiding in long-term planning and stakeholder communication. Toggl Plan’s limited but effective integration capabilities mean you can connect it with other Toggl tools, further streamlining your workflow.

Also read: Best Microsoft Project Alternatives

Find your new Gantt chart software

Gantt chart software FAQs

A Gantt chart, at its core, is a visual representation of a project timeline. But it’s not just a simple bar chart; it’s a comprehensive tool that incorporates key project management components to offer a detailed overview of a project’s progression.

Tasks

The backbone of any Gantt chart tool, tasks are the individual work elements that need to be completed for the project. Each task gets a bar that spans the projected duration of the work.

Timeline

The horizontal axis of a Gantt chart is usually a timeline. It provides a temporal reference to tasks, allowing users to see the start and end dates, as well as the duration of each task.

Dependencies

Some tasks depend on the completion of others before they can start. These dependencies are typically represented by arrows connecting related tasks.

Milestones

Milestones are critical events or goals in the project timeline. They are usually represented as special symbols or icons on the Gantt chart.

Gantt charts can take on different forms, depending on the complexity and requirements of your project. Understanding the variations can help you select the right chart for your needs.

Basic

Basic Gantt charts are perfect for small projects or for those just getting their feet wet in project management. They display tasks against a timeline, providing a clear visual of the project’s flow.

Complex

Complex Gantt charts are designed for larger and more complicated projects. They often include additional details such as task dependencies, assigned personnel, and resource allocation. These charts provide a more comprehensive overview but may require more time and skill to manage.

Hierarchical

Hierarchical Gantt charts display tasks and subtasks in a clearly organized, nested structure. This is particularly useful for multi-layered projects where tasks are broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces. It provides a macro and micro view of project progress.

Collaborative

In the era of remote and distributed teams, collaborative Gantt charts have become indispensable. These charts allow multiple users to view, edit, and update task progress in real time, keeping the entire team aligned.

A Gantt chart typically includes a list of tasks or activities related to a project, the start and end dates of these tasks, the duration of each task, and any dependencies between tasks. Some Gantt charts also include information about task assignments and progress.

Gantt charts are used in project management because they offer a clear visual representation of the project timeline, help in scheduling and tracking progress, and clearly show dependencies between tasks. This helps project managers to better plan and coordinate work, manage resources effectively, and keep stakeholders informed about the project status.

Some projects are too complex

Gantt charts shine when managing relatively straightforward projects with clear, linear task sequences. However, when projects become complex with overlapping tasks, multiple dependencies, and concurrent processes, Gantt charts can quickly become cluttered and challenging to interpret. 

Initial estimates must be accurate

Gantt charts are heavily dependent on initial task duration estimates. If these estimates are inaccurate, it can lead to misrepresentations of the project timeline, causing scheduling conflicts and delays. 

Limited flexibility

Gantt charts, by design, are linear and structured. They offer limited flexibility when unexpected changes occur. Adapting to changes can mean a complete restructuring of the chart, which can be cumbersome—particularly for large scale projects.

Also read: The Advantages and Limitations of Gantt Charts in Project Management

You can use a Gantt chart throughout the lifecycle of a project, but it’s especially beneficial during the early planning stages. Gantt charts are ideal for planning and scheduling because they help you envision the length of a project, decide what resources you’ll need, and prioritize tasks.

Your best bet is to use an online Gantt chart — not a static Excel sheet that can’t be easily shared or updated. As you compare options, look for a solution that’s easy to use, updates in real time, and integrates with any existing tools you use. It would help if you also looked for features like task-level sharing and commenting, and drag-and-drop chart building.

Unlike the desert island of a desktop spreadsheet, an online Gantt chart can engage other team members with task updates and task management. If you can plan and update a project together, you’re more likely to get buy-in from your team, which means they’ll be more driven to complete work on time.

A Gantt chart is a powerful tool that can make project planning more straightforward and effective. Don’t be intimidated by its complicated appearance or reputation as an old-school project management tactic: Try an online Gantt chart and see how it can free you up to lead your project, and not be led by it.

Tips and best practices for using Gantt charts

Even the most powerful tools need to be used wisely to deliver their maximum potential. Gantt charts are no exception. Here are some tips and tricks for effectively using Gantt charts to drive your project management success.

Overly complicated Gantt charts can become counterproductive, obscuring key information with unnecessary details. Keep your charts clean, focusing on essential tasks and dependencies. Use clear, straightforward task names and keep design elements consistent for easy reading.

A Gantt chart is a dynamic tool that should evolve with your project. Regularly update your chart to reflect changes in task timelines, completed tasks, and new dependencies. This keeps your team informed and aligned with the project status.

Color coding can be a powerful ally when managing complex projects. Assign different colors to different tasks, stages, teams, or task statuses. This adds an extra layer of information to your chart, enabling team members to quickly understand task distribution and status at a glance.

Milestones are critical goals or points in your project timeline. They’re your project’s signposts, indicating significant progress. Use them to keep your team motivated and to ensure you’re hitting your project targets on time.

Choosing the right Gantt chart software

The right Gantt chart software should be a seamless extension of your project management needs. Remember, a tool’s power lies in how well it aligns with your specific requirements.

  • If you’re seeking a Gantt chart experience that can flex with your projects, monday.com‘s Gantt charts allow for customizable timelines and an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
  • If you require Gantt charts that map out complex projects and dependencies, Wrike‘s Gantt chart feature provides in-depth planning tools and real-time collaboration options.
  • If you want to effectively manage your project timelines with a simple and intuitive interface, TeamGantt offers drag-and-drop Gantt charts and real-time collaboration.
  • If you’re looking for a tool specializing in Gantt charts with a clean UI, GanttPRO offers features like task dependencies, milestones, and resource management.
  • If a standalone Gantt chart solution that integrates seamlessly with Asana is what you need, Instagantt offers detailed task control and a critical path feature to keep your projects on track.
  •  If you need to manage your team’s workload with a visually appealing interface, Toggl Plan offers timeline views and simple drag-and-drop functionality.

    • Which Gantt chart software is right for your business?
    • Find out now
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