Gantt Chart Builder

A Gantt chart is a visual representation of tasks on a timeline — it shows when work is scheduled. CPM (Critical Path Method) is an analysis technique that calculates the longest dependency chain, identifies which tasks have zero float (the "critical path"), and quantifies how much slack each non-critical task has. Most Gantt charts in professional software include a CPM layer underneath. This tool gives you the visual Gantt; for the float math, use the Critical Path Calculator.

Dependencies in this tool are informational — you enter the task numbers a task depends on (e.g. "1,2") and the chart marks tasks with successors as KEY tasks. The tool does not auto-shift dates when you change a predecessor's duration, because that's a simplifying choice to keep the interface predictable. To handle automatic rescheduling, use professional scheduling software like P6, MS Project, or Smartsheet.

Use Primavera P6, MS Project, Asta Powerproject, or similar when: (1) the contract requires submitted CPM schedules with stamped baselines, (2) you have more than ~50 interlinked activities, (3) you need resource leveling, (4) you need to track earned value or run delay claims, (5) you need lag/lead, finish-to-finish, or start-to-start relationships beyond simple finish-to-start. This tool is for small-to-mid jobs where a clear visual schedule is enough.

Not directly. Use the Print button to save a PDF, or copy the data from the table into a spreadsheet and import that into MS Project. P6 has its own XER format that requires structured task IDs, calendars, and relationship codes that this lightweight tool doesn't generate. If MS Project / P6 interop is critical, build the schedule there from the start.