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.
As users fill in that pertinent information, the right side of the Gantt chart automatically populates with the visual timeline. This stacked bar chart is made up of all the tasks in the column on the left side of the template. Each task is represented by a task bar on a time-based chart. The task bar is as long as the expected duration of the task. Users can customize this project timeline by adding color to make it easy to distinguish between project phases.
3. Free Gantt Chart Template for Google Sheets
Microsoft Excel is only one tool capable of creating a Gantt chart. This free Gantt chart template for Google Sheets has an advantage over Microsoft as it’s more collaborative. That’s because this is online software. Another reason to choose Google over Microsoft is that the tool is free. Therefore, it’s better on one’s wallet and at fostering collaboration. Google Sheets allows users to collaborate in real time without having to download any files as they would have to with Microsoft Excel.
To use this free Gantt chart template for Google Sheets, just click on the link. The Gantt chart template will be in view-only mode. Users should then make a copy of their own so they can edit and share the document. They can also set the Gantt chart to be shared with specific members of the project team, giving each their own permission, such as view only for stakeholders, while active team members can have editable privileges.
4. Free Gantt Chart Template for PowerPoint
Another popular Microsoft software is PowerPoint and, yes, it can be used to make a Gantt chart. But why bother going through the labor of creating a Gantt chart in PowerPoint when it’s easier to just download one? But for those do-it-yourselfers, the link provides a step-by-step tutorial on how to create a Gantt chart in PowerPoint. For the rest of us, there’s a link to download a template to get started with a project schedule right away.
Gantt chart templates for PowerPoint are popular because many people use this software at work and are familiar with it. Therefore, teams can create simple Gantt charts that are easy for everyone to understand. Of course, whether one is built or a template downloaded, a PowerPoint file, just like an Excel file (or Microsoft Project file, for that matter) can be imported into ProjectManager. There, users will have all the bells and whistles that a template doesn’t. They can export those changes back to PowerPoint if they want to.
5. Free Gantt Chart Template for Word
Yes, Microsoft Word can also be used to create Gantt chart templates. No, Word isn’t a project management tool, but it is a familiar one. Sometimes familiarity trumps a more feature-rich tool. If that’s the case, then download this free Gantt chart template for Word. There’s also a section in the blog with directions on how to make Gantt chart templates in Word. It’s time-consuming and a bit complicated, but it helps users understand all the ins and outs of the tool.
Again, for those who don’t want to go through the ordeal of creating a Gantt chart somewhere that isn’t designed for such a project management tool, there’s a free download for a Gantt chart in Word. While it’s not recommended to manage projects in Word, even when the software can be turned into Gantt chart templates, we thought it would be nice to at least have one for those who want to use it.
6. Free Gantt Chart Template for Google Docs
Some people simply prefer software they use every day. Many have transitioned from Microsoft Excel and Word to Google’s suite of online and free productivity tools. Google has done a great job of seamlessly integrating all their apps, from Google Drive to Google Meet. If one’s business is already wedded to this world, why change? Download a free Gantt chart for Google Docs. It’s not ideal, but it’ll work as well as making one in Word, maybe even better as it’s an online, collaborative tool.
There are also directions to make Gantt chart templates in Google Docs for those who prefer to do it their way rather than download a completed one. It’s not simple and it’ll take time, like creating any Gantt chart templates from scratch, but our thorough plans, complete with screenshots for each step, make it possible for anyone, regardless of their expertise in Google Docs, to make working Gantt chart templates.
7. Free Gantt Chart Template for Google Slides
We couldn’t end without sharing Google’s version of Microsoft PowerPoint. That’s right, there are free Gantt chart templates that can be created in Google Slides. This software, which is designed for making presentations, is also online and, therefore, collaborative. Gantt chart templates like these are great to use when presenting to stakeholders in project meetings or proposals.
As with the other Gantt chart templates for Google, open up the template, make a copy and start editing with one’s own project data. These Gantt charts might not be as useful as the ones in project management software, but they look good. They are colorful and clear, making them easy to understand and great for professional presentations.
ProjectManager Has Better Gantt Charts and More Features
While free Gantt chart templates are useful, they will eventually frustrate users. Even those who don’t go through the effort of building their own will find too many limitations. Yes, they can do the basics, but delivering successful projects calls for more than the bare minimum. Project managers are going to want all the features they can get to bring in projects on time, within budget and meeting quality standards. That’s why they choose ProjectManager, award-winning project and portfolio management software with some of the best Gantt charts available on the market.
Manage Resources to Stay Productive
Gantt charts can schedule resources and related costs, but once the project is executed there are other features to ensure those resources are working as planned. First, when onboarding team members, project managers can set their availability, including, PTO, vacation and global holidays, as well as their skills, to make assigning them to tasks easier. There’s a color-coded workload chart to see who is overallocated or underutilized. Project managers can then balance their team’s workload from that chart to keep everyone working at capacity and avoiding burnout. There’s also a team page that shows either daily or weekly activity, which can be filtered by progress, priority and more.
Track Progress, Performance and Cost in Real Time
Then there is progress, performance and cost. These project metrics need monitoring to ensure they align with the project plan. Once the baseline is set on the Gantt chart, the software constantly updates in real time. Project managers can get a high-level overview with live dashboards that show time, cost, workload and more on easy-to-read graphs and charts for one or multiple projects. Customizable reports get deeper into the details or can be filtered for a summary to share with stakeholders and keep them updated. Secure timesheets streamline payroll, but they also offer a window into how far each team member has gone in completing their work and what it costs. That manages labor costs and keeps the project on budget.
Related Gantt Chart Content
There’s more to Gantt charts than Gantt chart templates. For those interested in exploring deeper, follow the links below to a handful of our more recent pieces on the tool.
- A Gantt Chart Guide with Definitions & Examples
- Best Gantt Chart Software (Free & Paid)
- How to Make a Gantt Chart: Steps, Tools & Tips
- 5 Best Tools for Creating a Simple Gantt Chart
- Why Use a Gantt Chart in Construction Project Management
ProjectManager is online Gantt chart software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.
