Visio Gantt charts

This video explains how to create Visio Gantt charts using the schedule diagram template and how to update tasks, link tasks and format tasks in Visio. The tutorial also explains how to import Microsoft Project files in to a Visio Gantt chart

Classroom based courses are at http://www.itseasy.co.uk/courses/visio-training/
Online courses at http://www.itseasytraining.co.uk

Creating a Visio Gantt chart is a simple process but in my view only of use to present summary data. To use Microsoft Visio to actually run and manage a project would be very difficult due to the lack of Project tools available within the template. Having said that the features available are very good at displaying your Project plan in a great visual way.

Importing from Microsoft Project

Using the Import wizard allows you to bring data from a Microsoft Project file that you have already created. During the import process you can select whether you want all the task details or just summary tasks. The end product is a very visual Gantt chart which you can format from the many preset options on the ribbon.

Linking and updating tasks

When you use Microsoft Visio to create a Gantt chart there doesn’t seem to be many tools to help you edit the task list. The ribbon has tools that will help you link tasks and indent task and other basic features but you will have to use shape data to get in to some of the other Project management tools available. You can list resources or add % complete information, you can also create several custom fields within shape data in addition to any new shape data field you might want to create for yourself. If you amend the % complete field the result is shown on the task bar on the Gantt chart.