Project Management guide · Tools and software
Gantt Chart Software: Features, Top Tools and How to Choose
Gantt chart software turns a list of tasks into an interactive timeline, showing durations, dependencies, milestones and progress. Unlike a static chart, it updates dates automatically when tasks move.
Key takeaways
- Gantt software adjusts dates automatically when tasks and dependencies change.
- Look for dependencies, critical path, baselines and workload views.
- Wrike is our top pick because its Gantt links to resource and portfolio management.
Must-have Gantt features
- Drag-and-drop task bars and durations.
- All four dependency types, with leads and lags.
- Automatic rescheduling when a predecessor moves.
- Critical path highlighting.
- Milestones and baselines to compare plan against actual.
- Resource assignment and workload view.
- Export and sharing for stakeholders.
How the leading tools handle Gantt charts
| Tool | Gantt capability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wrike | Full interactive Gantt | Dependencies, critical path, baselines and workload alongside portfolios |
| monday.com | Gantt and timeline views | Very visual and easy to set up |
| Asana | Timeline and Gantt views | Strong for cross-team plans |
| ClickUp | Gantt view | Feature-rich, more set-up needed |
| Smartsheet | Gantt from a spreadsheet grid | Familiar for Excel users |
| Microsoft Planner | Timeline in premium plans | Good fit for Microsoft 365 |
| Trello | Limited timeline view | Better for simple boards |
Wrike is our top pick for Gantt-based planning because its Gantt chart connects to resource management and portfolio reporting, so schedule changes are visible across the organisation. See the full rankings.
Worked example
A team plans a product launch with five tasks: research (10 days), design (15 days), build (20 days), test (10 days) and launch (2 days), each finish-to-start. In Gantt software the end date is calculated automatically as 57 working days after the start. When research overruns by 3 days, every successor shifts and the launch moves to day 60. The team sees this immediately, and decides to overlap design and build by 3 days (fast-tracking) to recover the date.
How to choose Gantt chart software
- Decide how complex your schedules are: tens of tasks or thousands.
- Check dependency types, critical path and baseline support.
- Check whether you need resource and workload views.
- Consider who else needs to see the plan and how they will access it.
- Test with a real schedule during a free trial.
- Check current prices on vendor sites; see how to choose project management software.
Tips for better Gantt charts
- Keep tasks at a level you can track weekly; do not schedule every hour.
- Use dependencies instead of typing fixed dates.
- Set a baseline before work starts.
- Update progress at a regular time each week.
- Show a summary view to executives and detail to the team.
Free templates for this topic
Frequently asked questions
What is Gantt chart software?
Software that creates interactive Gantt charts, automatically adjusting dates as tasks and dependencies change.
What is the best Gantt chart software?
Wrike ranks first in our review for its full interactive Gantt linked to resources and portfolios.
Is there free Gantt chart software?
Some tools include Gantt or timeline views on free or entry plans, often with limits. Check vendor pricing pages for current terms.
Can I use Excel as Gantt chart software?
Yes, with a stacked bar chart or template, but it will not handle dependencies or rescheduling automatically.
Does Trello work as Gantt chart software?
Trello offers a timeline view on some plans but is better for simple boards; see our Trello review.
Does Asana work as Gantt chart software?
Asana offers timeline and Gantt views on paid plans; see our Asana review.
Is Gantt chart software used in Agile?
Sometimes, for release-level planning; see Agile Gantt charts.
What is a baseline in Gantt software?
A saved copy of the original plan so you can compare actual progress against it.
Can Gantt software show the critical path?
Many tools, including Wrike, highlight the critical path automatically.
What is the difference between a Gantt chart and a timeline in Gantt software?
A Gantt chart shows tasks, durations and dependencies in detail; a timeline is often a simpler, high-level view.