Task Management
Learn how to create, edit, and organize tasks in the Gantt chart.
Creating Tasks
Using the Add Button
- Click the Add button in the toolbar
- If task presets are configured, select from the preset menu
- Enter task details in the form
- Click Save
Task Form Fields
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Task Name | Descriptive name for the task |
| Description | Additional details about the work |
| Start Date | When the task begins |
| End Date | When the task completes |
| Duration | Length of the task (auto-calculated from dates) |
| Progress | Completion percentage (0-100%) |
| Owner | Assigned team member |
| Subcontractor | External contractor role |
| Color | Visual color coding |
Using Task Presets
If your administrator has configured task presets:
- Click the Add dropdown arrow
- Select a preset from the menu
- The task form opens with preset values filled in
- Adjust as needed and save
Editing Tasks
Opening the Edit Form
Multiple ways to edit tasks:
| Method | Action |
|---|---|
| Click task row | Opens the detail form for full editing |
| Double-click | Quick inline editing |
| Press Enter | Opens edit form when task is selected |
Inline Editing
Some fields can be edited directly in the grid:
- Double-click the cell you want to edit
- Make your changes
- Press Enter to save or Escape to cancel
Drag and Drop
Adjust task timing visually:
| Action | How To |
|---|---|
| Move task | Drag the task bar horizontally to change dates |
| Resize task | Drag the left or right edge to adjust duration |
| Both dates move | When dragging the bar, start and end dates shift together |
Move a task - drag the bar horizontally:
Resize a task - drag the left or right edge:
Hold the task bar in the middle to move it. Grab the edges to resize.
Task Progress
Track completion percentage for each task.
Updating Progress
- Click a task to open the detail form
- Adjust the Progress slider (0-100%)
- Save the task
Visual Indicator
- Progress displays as a filled portion of the task bar
- A task at 50% shows half the bar filled
- Completed tasks (100%) show a fully filled bar
Quick Progress Update
You can also drag the progress indicator directly on the task bar:
- Hover over the task bar
- Look for the progress handle
- Drag to adjust the percentage
Task Hierarchy
Tasks can be organized in a parent-child hierarchy.
Parent tasks automatically calculate their dates based on their children:
- Start date = earliest child start date
- End date = latest child end date
Creating Subtasks
- Select a parent task
- Press Ctrl + Enter to create a subtask
- Or use the Add button while a task is selected
Indenting Tasks
Move a task to become a child of the task above it:
- Select the task
- Press Shift + Right
- The task moves under the previous task
Outdenting Tasks
Move a task up one level in the hierarchy:
- Select the task
- Press Shift + Left
- The task moves to the same level as its former parent
Expanding and Collapsing
| Action | Method |
|---|---|
| Expand | Click the expand icon, or press Ctrl + Right or Shift + Down |
| Collapse | Click the collapse icon, or press Ctrl + Left or Shift + Up |
Selecting Tasks
Single Selection
Click any task row to select it. The selected task is highlighted.
Toggle Selection
Press Space to toggle selection on the current task:
- If selected, it becomes unselected
- If unselected, it becomes selected
Deleting Tasks
Delete a Single Task
- Select the task
- Press Delete key
- Or click the delete button in the task form
- Confirm the deletion
What Gets Deleted
When you delete a task:
- The task is removed from the schedule
- All dependencies connected to the task are removed
- Subtasks remain but move up one level in hierarchy
Deleting a task cannot be undone. Use caution when deleting tasks with dependencies.
Task Colors
Setting Task Colors
- Open the task edit form
- Select a color from the color picker
- Save the task
Color Sources
Tasks can get their color from:
- Manual assignment - Color set directly on the task
- Template - Inherited from schedule template
- Default - System default color
Using Colors Effectively
Consider using colors to indicate:
- Different work types (design, construction, inspection)
- Responsibility areas (electrical, plumbing, framing)
- Priority levels
- Phases of the project
Tips for Task Management
- Use clear names - Task names should describe the work clearly
- Set realistic durations - Account for actual work time needed
- Assign owners - Every task should have someone responsible
- Update progress regularly - Keep the schedule current
- Use hierarchy - Group related tasks under parent tasks
- Add descriptions - Include details that help team members understand the work
Troubleshooting
Can't Edit Tasks
- Verify you're viewing an individual schedule (not "Full-schedule")
- Check that you have edit permissions
- Ensure the schedule isn't locked
Dates Not Changing When Dragging
- Check if the task has dependencies that constrain it
- Verify you're dragging the bar, not clicking
- Ensure the schedule is editable
Progress Not Saving
- Make sure you click Save after editing
- Check for validation errors in the form
- Verify you have edit permissions
Related
- Gantt Chart Overview - Main Gantt chart features
- Dependencies - Linking tasks together
- Keyboard Shortcuts - Navigate efficiently