Creating Task Dependencies in Gantt

Project managers can use the Gantt chart to set up and manage the dependencies between project tasks. For more information about dependencies, see the Task Dependencies Overview.

Note: You can also set up cross-project dependencies when tasks are dependent on tasks that belong to other projects. For more information, see Cross-Project Dependencies Overview.

TO create TASK DEPENDENCIES:

1. In the Gantt chart, drag the bar of the predecessor task onto the bar of the successor task. Note: Drag directly down or up from the task bar. If you drag from the end or the beginning you will change the start or end of the task. Where on the task bar you drag from and to impacts what kind of dependency you create.
   
   An arrow connecting the tasks indicates that they are linked:
   
   
   

2. To specify the type of dependency that links the tasks, double-click the arrow linking the two tasks.
   The Task Dependency window opens.
3. From the Type list, select the type of dependency that exists between the tasks. The options are:

• Finish to Start (FS) - The predecessor task must finish before the dependent task can start.
• Start to Start (SS) - The predecessor task must start before the dependent task can start.
• Finish to Finish (FF) - The predecessor task must finish before the dependent task can finish.

4. In the Lag text box, type the number of days of lag or lead time between the linked tasks. To enter lag, type a positive number. To enter lead time, type a negative number. For more information, see About Lag and Lead Time.
5. Click OK to update the Gantt chart.
6. To save your changes, close the Gantt chart and check in the schedule.

Note: You can also specify task dependencies in the Task Grid by typing the predecessor task number and the dependency type in the Predecessors column. For more information, see About the Gantt Chart Task Grid.

Related Topics:

• Adding a Task in the Gantt Chart—How to add a task in the Gantt Chart.

• Adding a Milestone Task in the Gantt Chart—How to add a milestone task to the project schedule in the Gantt Chart.
• Adding a Milestone Task in the Task List—How to add a milestone task to the project task schedule.
• Adding a Summary Task to the Task Schedule—How to add a summary task to the project task schedule.
• Cross-Project Dependencies Overview—About cross-project dependencies.
• View Features of the Gantt Chart—Key features for viewing information in the Gantt chart.

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