As the name suggests, Microsoft Planner allows you to plan tasks and manage small projects. It helps you assign tasks and organize their timeframes, such as setting deadlines. The tool is used for team communication and files can be shared among the team members.<\/p>\n
Microsoft Planner has the advantage of seamlessly integrating with the suite of tools offered in MS 365 such as Outlook, SharePoint, Teams and other tools. It can be used for agile projects by organizing tasks by topic in a task list that resembles a kanban board<\/a>. There\u2019s a calendar to view your schedule and a dashboard to track your work.<\/p>\n But the question we\u2019ve all been waiting for is, does Microsoft Planner have a Gantt chart? A Gantt chart<\/a> is an essential project management tool. It looks like a spreadsheet on one side where tasks, duration, resources, costs and more are collected. On the right side, that data populates a timeline to show the project visually. Gantt charts are used to manage more traditional projects that are managed within a waterfall methodology. But even if the project team is working in an agile environment, more often than not, other departments and management are using a Gantt chart to manage the project.<\/p>\n Almost every project management software worth its price will have a Gantt chart of some level of functionality. There will likely be other tools, such as the task list<\/a> seen in the Microsoft Planner or kanban boards, calendars, etc. The more project views available, the more project teams across departments will have the flexibility to collaborate on the project.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a massive shortcoming that Microsoft Planner doesn\u2019t have a built-in Gantt chart feature. Microsoft will try and convince you that a Gantt chart is easily made with the Microsoft Planner Premium version, also known as Planner Premium (Plan 1) but this isn’t the case. What MS Planner Premium really offers is a timeline view<\/a>, a tool that mimics a Gantt chart and has a few Gantt-like features like task dependencies and milestones, but lacks advanced project scheduling features.<\/p>\n But don\u2019t worry. ProjectManager<\/a>, an award-winning project management software, has built-in Gantt charts that are ready to work when you are. Our Gantt charts go beyond the capacity of run-of-the-mill Gantt chart software. You can easily link all four types of task dependencies, filter for the critical path and set a baseline. Now you can track your planned effort against your actual effort in real time to stay on schedule. You can even import seamless import MPP and Excel files. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.<\/p>\n If you’re committed to making a Gantt chart with Planner, unfortunately, there aren’t easy add-ons or plugins that Microsoft Planner has to help you with creating a Gantt chart, besides the timeline view that comes with Microsoft Planner Premium. The workaround for the offer is to leave the app and build a Gantt chart on a spreadsheet<\/a>. Have you ever tried to build a Gantt chart on a spreadsheet? It\u2019s very involved, takes a lot of time and only results in a static document that\u2019s hard to edit and share. It\u2019s enough to turn you away from Gantt charts forever.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re using Microsoft Planner and you want to make a Gantt chart, there\u2019s a way to do it. First, you have to sign up for a free trial with ProjectManager<\/a>. There\u2019s no credit card needed. You get 30 days to play around with our project management and Gantt chart software.<\/p>\n Go to the board view in Microsoft Planner. Here, you can export your plan as an Excel spreadsheet, CSV or MPP file<\/a>. It’ll hold all your data and be ready for importing into ProjectManager and viewing on our Gantt chart.<\/p>\n On the Gantt chart project view in ProjectManager, you\u2019ll see an import icon. Click it and a popup window will ask you which file you want to import. Choose the Microsoft Planner file you exported.<\/p>\n The next step is when you choose to add it to an existing project you have on ProjectManager<\/a> or as a new project. If you\u2019re adding to a project, choose which one and decide whether to keep or delete the existing data.<\/p>\n Now you\u2019ll want to choose the data to import. A popup window will ask if you want to import all the data or only the task list. Make your choice and click next.<\/p>\n When you see the success window, you\u2019re ready to manage your Gantt chart. You can add tasks, link tasks, indent and outdent, color phases and add dependencies<\/a>, milestones, cost and resources.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Not ready to get started with a Microsoft Planner Gantt chart? Maybe you can start by using our free Gantt chart template for Excel<\/a>. It will allow you to create a project timeline with ease. Simply enter your project tasks, their due dates and duration and the template will automatically create a Gantt chart for your project.<\/p>\n One advantage of this free Gantt chart template for Excel is that it’s compatible with Microsoft Planner and ProjectManager<\/a>. So you can import the data from this template into ProjectManager and use its superior project planning, scheduling and tracking tools.<\/p>\n Microsoft Planner is a simple task management tool included with Microsoft 365, but many users wonder whether it supports advanced project scheduling features like Gantt charts. This FAQ explores how Planner handles timelines, dependencies, integrations, and costs\u2014highlighting its limitations compared to full project management software such as Microsoft Project.<\/p>\n Microsoft Planner doesn\u2019t offer a true Gantt chart view. Its \u201cSchedule\u201d view provides a basic calendar layout, showing task start and due dates, but it lacks dependencies<\/a>, milestones, and timeline scaling. For complex projects requiring visualization of overlapping tasks and progress tracking, users must integrate with other Microsoft tools or use external Gantt chart software.<\/p>\n Planner doesn\u2019t support task dependencies, critical path<\/a> tracking, or automated timelines. Tasks can be scheduled individually with due dates, but you can\u2019t link them or visualize sequential relationships. This makes managing interdependent projects difficult. To enable dependencies, users need to switch to Microsoft Project for the Web or Project Online, both offering true Gantt functionality.<\/p>\n Direct integration between Planner and Microsoft Project is limited. Although both tools exist within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, Planner tasks can\u2019t automatically sync into Project\u2019s Gantt<\/a> view. Workarounds like Power Automate flows or manual exports are required, which adds complexity and reduces real-time visibility\u2014undermining the seamless integration expected between Microsoft\u2019s planning products.<\/p>\n Microsoft Planner is included with most Microsoft 365 business and enterprise plans at no additional cost. However, its Gantt chart capabilities remain locked behind higher-tier subscriptions like Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5. These premium plans introduce advanced scheduling, dependencies, and reporting tools\u2014features unavailable to standard Planner users relying on basic task visualization.<\/p>\n The version included in most Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Good for lightweight task management. Starts from $6 to $22 per user per month, billed annually. Price varies depending on the Microsoft 365 subscription.<\/p>\n The next level up, for users or teams needing more advanced project management features.<\/p>\n For more detailed information about each of these Microsoft Planner plans and the features that are available for each pricing tier, visit our Microsoft Planner<\/a> blog.<\/p>\n Now that you\u2019re using a real Gantt chart<\/a>, it\u2019s time to take a tour of the tool and learn what you can do with it. ProjectManager gives you control over your project that Microsoft Planner can only dream of.<\/p>\n Related:<\/strong> Best Gantt Chart Software: Free & Paid Options Ranked<\/a><\/p>\n There\u2019s a reason our software has won awards for best project management software<\/a>. Our Gantt chart goes beyond even what a decent Gantt chart software can do and, on top of that, you can track progress and performance, manage tasks, resources and risk, collaborate and so much more.<\/p>\n But let\u2019s first focus on the Gantt chart and its capabilities. Here’s a short list of what ProjectManager can do when you import your Microsoft Planner into our Gantt chart software.<\/p>\n Milestones<\/a> are important dates, such as when one phase ends and another begins. They can also be used to indicate the delivery of important information, such as the project plan. To create a milestone, use the diamond icon to indicate where one lands on the Gantt chart timeline. Milestones not only divide the project into manageable parts, but they provide a way to track progress. Make sure to celebrate milestones to boost team morale.<\/p>\n The difference between our Gantt chart and the one Microsoft Planner asks you to build on a spreadsheet is night and day. We give you full control over all the data, allowing you to filter your Gantt chart easily to see dependencies, priorities, tags and more. We also make it easy to link all four types of task dependencies<\/a>. Just drag one to another and it\u2019s done. You can also filter for the critical path. Try doing that on an Excel spreadsheet.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve used other Gantt charts in the past, you might think poorly about them. Yes, they\u2019re important project management tools, but do they have to be so difficult to use? Our Gantt charts are simple to use. Drag-and-drop tasks to change due dates or start dates and it\u2019s done. We automatically update the related tasks. If you\u2019re having trouble getting started, use one of our many industry-specific templates<\/a> to get a headstart. There isn\u2019t a better or easier-to-use Gantt chart on the market.<\/p>\n Another benefit of using our Gantt chart over a spreadsheet is that you can stay updated in real time if there are changes to the project schedule<\/a>. If a task is updated or commented on and you\u2019re assigned to it, you get instant notification, both by email and with an alert inside ProjectManager, if you don\u2019t want to stop working.<\/p>\n As important as a Gantt chart is when managing a project, it\u2019s only one of many project tools that every project manager and their team should have in their toolbox. ProjectManager<\/a> understands the importance of diversifying and that different teams and departments use different tools.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why we offer multiple project views, such as task lists, calendars and other project management<\/a> features that work in conjunction with our Gantt charts to give you more control over your project. Here are just a few examples.<\/p>\n A kanban board<\/a> is a project tool that visualizes workflow by breaking up your production cycle into columns on which tasks are represented by cards. The cards carry task information, such as deadlines, percentage complete, and tags. With our software, you can attach documents and images. As the cards move through the sprint, they’re dragged and dropped into the next column. Our software can automate this process, giving task approval to managers to ensure quality. This allows teams to manage their backlog and collaborate on sprints, while project managers get visibility into their work. If they see a roadblock, they can reallocate resources to avoid delays.<\/p>\n When you set a baseline on the Gantt chart, it allows project managers to chart the project variance. That is, you can now compare your planned effort against your actual effort. This data is shared throughout the software, including on the real-time dashboard<\/a>, which has easy-to-read graphs and charts that track costs, time, workload and much more. Simply toggle to the dashboard when you want a high-level view of the project\u2019s progress and performance. Unlike other software, there\u2019s no time-consuming and complicated configuration required. It\u2019s ready to work when you are.<\/p>\n Giving your team the right tools and having a way to monitor the project is only part of project management. You need a way to manage your team and ensure they\u2019re working at capacity to stay as productive as possible. When you open the team management page<\/a> in our software, you get visibility into the team\u2019s workload. You can see your team’s assigned tasks assigned and their progress. There\u2019s a color-coded workload chart that makes it easy to see who\u2019s overallocated and you can balance the workload right from that page. We also have secure timesheets that streamline payroll and give project managers visibility into where each team member is in terms of completing their tasks.<\/p>\n ProjectManager does what Microsoft Planner can\u2019t. Our online software is a true project management tool that helps you plan, manage and track your work in real time. Manage risk, resources and tasks with our robust features. See why teams from Avis, Nestle and Siemens use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Does Microsoft Planner Have a Gantt Chart?<\/h2>\n
Short Answer: No, Microsoft Planner Doesn\u2019t Have Gantt Charts. It Offers a Lightweight “Timeline” View Instead.<\/h3>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/construction-gantt-resources-costs-150-CTA-BUTTON-1.jpg\")
<\/a>How to Make a Microsoft Planner Gantt Chart With ProjectManager<\/h2>\n
1. Use ProjectManager to Export Your Microsoft Planner Project as an Excel, CSV or MPP File<\/h3>\n
![\"Microsoft](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/ms-planner-pm-import-updated-2025.png\")
<\/a>2. Choose the Excel, CSV or MPP File You\u2019d Like to Import<\/h3>\n
![\"ProjectManager](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Import-Projects_Wide_Zoom-175-e1666881352785.jpg\")
\n3. Select Options<\/h3>\n
4. Import Into ProjectManager<\/h3>\n
5. Customize Your Microsoft Planner Gantt Chart With ProjectManager<\/h3>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/project-has-been-imported.jpg\")
\nFree Gantt Chart Template<\/h2>\n
![\"Gantt](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Gantt-Chart-Screenshot-1600x648.jpg\")
<\/a>Microsoft Planner Gantt Chart FAQs<\/h2>\n
What is a Gantt chart in Microsoft Planner?<\/h3>\n
Can I Create Task Dependencies Using a Microsoft Planner Gantt Chart?<\/h3>\n
Does the Microsoft Planner Gantt Chart Integrate with Microsoft Project?<\/h3>\n
How Much Does the Microsoft Planner Gantt Chart Feature Cost?<\/h3>\n
Microsoft Planner Basic Pricing Plans<\/h4>\n
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Microsoft Planner Premium Pricing Plans<\/h4>\n
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How to Use Your Microsoft Planner Gantt Chart in ProjectManager<\/h2>\n
Set Milestones for Your Progress<\/h3>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Marketing_Gantt_Milestones.gif\")
<\/a>
\nFilter By Priority, Dependency and Tags<\/h3>\n![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/gantt-with-the-critical-path-filtered.jpg\")
<\/a>
\nOur Gantt Chart Is All Yours<\/h3>\nGet Notified of Progress<\/h3>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Notifications_Wide_Zoom-175.jpg\")
<\/a>\nOther Project Management Features from ProjectManager<\/h2>\n
Kanban Boards<\/h3>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Kanban_Marketing_Wide_Zoom-175_Moving-task-to-different-status.jpg\")
<\/a>
\nReal-Time Dashboard<\/h3>\n![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/project-management-dashboard.webp\")
<\/a>
\nTeam Management<\/h3>\n![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Team_Manufacturing_Wide_Zoom-175_Reassign-Task.jpg\")
<\/a>\nRelated Microsoft Planner Content<\/h2>\n
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