Brenna Schwartz
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Gantt chart templates are tools for project scheduling. They’re also a workaround as they provide a path that avoids the more effective Gantt chart that is included in most project management software.
However, not everyone is ready to upgrade. That’s why we offer free project management templates that help during every phase of a project, across multiple industries. Below is a selection of free Gantt chart templates for project scheduling.
Before we get to that, let’s discuss why it’s better to at least explore the use of a project management tool when creating a project timeline. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with robust Gantt charts that do more than any template can hope to do.
Gantt charts organize tasks on a timeline, break the project into phases, add milestones and much more. All of which can be done on a template. Our Gantt charts go further. They can link all four types of task dependencies to avoid delays and cost overruns, filter for the critical path to identify essential tasks that must be completed to deliver the project successfully and set a baseline to track progress in real time. Templates can’t do any of that. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.
Why Use Gantt Chart Templates?
That said, there are reasons why people still use a Gantt chart template, whether made by Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets or another software product. Using one offers several advantages for project management. For example, they come with predefined layouts, reducing the time spent designing the chart from scratch.
Using a template ensures that all projects are managed the same way, making it easier for teams to follow and understand the project schedule. They also reduce the risk of missing crucial elements or errors when creating a Gantt chart, which can occur if starting from a blank sheet.
Templates often include a well-designed and visually appealing layout, making the Gantt chart look more professional when shared with stakeholders or clients. A properly formatted one communicates project timelines in a visually engaging way, helping everyone involved understand the project flow.
The most important reason is that a Gantt chart template breaks down the project into smaller, manageable tasks, making it easier to plan, assign resources and set realistic deadlines. They also allow project managers to track progress over time and see which tasks are on schedule and those that might be delayed.
Best Free Gantt Chart Templates
We’ll get to why project management software is superior to templates later on, but, as promised, first we’ll list the best free Gantt chart templates. A project schedule is part of the larger project plan and the stack bar chart of a Gantt chart is how project managers organize their task list. Use any of the following free templates to create project timelines and deliver projects on time.
1. Free Gantt Chart Template for ProjectManager
The first free template differs from the others on our list because this construction project schedule opens up in ProjectManager. Don’t worry, it doesn’t cost a thing. Our software has a 30-day free trial, no credit card required. Users have their project open in one of our powerful Gantt charts, but it also gives one access to multiple project views, including kanban boards, task lists and calendars. That means once the project schedule is set in the Gantt chart, assigned team members can execute their tasks with more appropriate tools. All views update simultaneously, keeping everyone on the same page and giving project managers insights into progress and performance.
But back to the Gantt chart, it can keep track of project deliverables and schedule and allocate resources, both human and nonhuman. It also tracks project costs. We’ve already mentioned how it can link task dependencies, filter for the critical path and set a baseline to track project variance in real time. Users can also see a list of project activities in a work breakdown structure (WBS) column. The Gantt chart is customizable with color-coded tasks and much more. Since our software is online, the Gantt chart is also a collaborative tool, assigning tasks, sharing files and staying connected with other team members, anytime and anywhere by commenting at the task level.
2. Free Gantt Chart Template for Excel
For those who came here strictly to download a free Gantt chart template, here is one built in Microsoft Excel. It’s a simple Gantt chart, but can do much of what more advanced project management tools can do. The template is made up of two sides. On the left, there’s a traditional spreadsheet. This is where all the project tasks are listed. The columns capture the start and end dates and the duration of each task. There’s even a column to note the priority of the task. The last column tracks the work by showing the percentage complete for that task to help users keep to the project schedule.
Fuente: PMideas (Free Gantt Chart Templates for Excel, Google Sheets & More).
