How to Link Predecessors on the Gantt Chart in Project Insight

You can create task dependencies directly on the Project Insight Gantt chart by dragging from a predecessor task to its successor task. You can also adjust task duration, review the effect on the project schedule, and edit task details without leaving the Gantt view.

How do I link tasks on the Gantt chart?

To create a dependency, drag from the task that should happen first and drop the connection onto the task that should happen next.

1. Open the project Gantt chart.
2. Find the task that should be the predecessor.
3. Drag from the predecessor task bar.
4. Drop the connection onto the successor task bar.
5. Release the mouse to create the dependency.

Project Insight links the tasks and updates the schedule so the successor task follows the predecessor.

What is a predecessor and successor task?

A predecessor is a task that affects when another task can begin or finish. A successor is the task that depends on the predecessor.

For example, if the execution phase should begin after the planning phase, the planning phase is the predecessor and the execution phase is the successor.

How do I connect project phases?

You can connect project phases in the same way you connect individual tasks. Drag from the phase that should happen first and drop the connection onto the next phase.

For example, a project may follow this sequence:

1. Planning phase
2. Execution phase
3. Closeout phase

Linking these phases allows the Gantt chart to display the flow of the project and adjust later work when earlier dates change.

How do I change a task duration on the Gantt chart?

Drag the end of the task bar to make the task longer or shorter. Project Insight updates the task duration and shifts dependent tasks based on the new schedule.

Drag the end of the bar to the right to extend the task. Drag it back to the left to shorten the task.

What happens to successor tasks when a task changes?

When you change the duration or dates of a task, Project Insight recalculates the schedule for tasks connected by dependencies. Successor tasks may move forward or backward based on the updated predecessor.

This allows you to see how one scheduling change may affect the rest of the project.

How do I edit a task from the Gantt chart?

You can edit task information directly from the Gantt chart or open the task in the full task edit screen.

Double-click the task to open the full edit screen. From there, you can review and update additional task fields.

You can also scroll horizontally within the Gantt view to display more task columns and edit available fields directly.

Can I add task notes from the Gantt chart?

Yes. Display the task description or notes field, enter the information, and save the task. The notes will be added without requiring you to leave the project Gantt view.

Where do I find the project Gantt chart?

Open the project and select the Gantt chart from the available project views. The Gantt chart displays task dates, durations, dependencies, and the overall flow of the project schedule.

When should I use the Gantt chart to create dependencies?

Creating dependencies on the Gantt chart is useful when you want to:

• Build task relationships visually.
• Connect project phases in sequence.
• See how tasks affect one another.
• Adjust task durations by dragging task bars.
• See how schedule changes affect successor tasks.
• Edit task details while reviewing the project timeline.

Common mistakes when linking tasks on the Gantt chart

• Dragging from the successor task to the predecessor task.
• Dropping the connection onto the wrong task bar.
• Changing a task duration without reviewing the effect on later tasks.
• Assuming a moved successor task is independent of its predecessor.
• Creating unnecessary dependencies between summary tasks.

Related questions

Can I create dependencies without opening a task?

Yes. Drag directly between task bars on the Gantt chart to create a predecessor and successor relationship.

Does the Gantt chart update the project schedule?

Yes. Changes made to task dates, durations, and dependencies are reflected in the project schedule.

Can I shorten a task after extending it?

Yes. Drag the end of the task bar back to the left to reduce its duration. Connected tasks will adjust based on the updated schedule.

Can I open the full task edit screen from the Gantt chart?

Yes. Double-click the task to open the full task edit screen and access additional task fields and settings.

Can I edit task fields directly from the Gantt view?

Yes. Scroll across the task columns to view and edit available fields, similar to working from the project task list.