Top Free Online Tools for Creating Gantt Charts and Project Planning Charts

Effective project management relies heavily on the use of tools like Gantt charts. These visual representations of project timelines can help teams keep track of tasks, deadlines, and dependencies. While there are many paid options available, there are also several free tools that can meet your project planning needs. In this article, we will explore some of the top free online tools for creating Gantt charts and other project planning charts.

1. Trello and ProofHub

One of the lesser-known yet highly effective tools for project planning is Trello. With Trello, you can create boards and cards to organize tasks and deadlines. This tool is not strictly a Gantt chart generator, but it can be used to create a similar visual timeline. Another option is ProofHub, which offers a timeline view specifically designed for project planning.

Note: Both Trello and ProofHub are free to use forever, not just for a trial period. You can make a donation if you feel motivated. They are both quite useful and can be tried with a sample project to see which one better suits your needs.

Trello | ProofHub

2. Asana

Asana offers a timeline view for project planning, which can be used to create Gantt charts. Asana is designed to be more comprehensive, offering various features like task assignments, deadlines, and shared calendars. It is a great option for teams looking for a more integrated project management solution.

3. Morningmate

Morningmate offers a free version of their software for creating Gantt charts. It is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it a good choice for beginners. The software provides a straightforward way to create and manage Gantt charts, helping you to visualize project timelines and dependencies.

4. EdrawMax

EdrawMax is an easy-to-use and effective Gantt chart maker for beginners. This web-based tool offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of creating project timelines. Here are the steps to create a Gantt chart using EdrawMax:

Log in to EdrawMax Online using your Edraw account.

Find Project Management on the left diagram type menu and click the plus icon on the template gallery.

Import the data you prepared for making the Gantt chart. Use the project data as an XLSX or CSV file and click the Import button on the Gantt Chart pane.

Find the data file on your computer and click OK.

Select the target task and click on Subtask on the Gantt chart pane.

If there is a dependent relationship between two tasks, you can call it Task Dependency. Add links between tasks to represent the relationship.

Go to the Gantt Chart pane and scroll down to the bottom. Here, you can change the basic information of the selected task, including the task name, priority, completion percentage, start date, and finish date.

5. Chisel

Chisel is a web-based tool that lets you create and manage Gantt charts for your projects. If you're looking for a free Gantt chart software, Chisel is a great option. It is one of the most popular free Gantt chart software programs available and is suitable for project managers and teams of all sizes.

Chisel offers a range of features, including:

Create and share Gantt charts Track project progress Customize task details (name, priority, completion percentage, start date, and finish date) Integrate with other tools

Note: Chisel is simple to use and comes with all the features you need to get started, making it an excellent choice for beginners in project management.

Choosing the Right Tool

When selecting a free Gantt chart software, there are a few key factors to consider:

Ease of Use: It should be straightforward to navigate and understand. Avoid tools that are overly complicated for beginners. Features: Ensure the tool has all the features you need for project planning. Missing key features can limit your productivity. Reliability: The tool should be reliable and crash-free. Look for tools with minimal bugs to ensure a smooth experience.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best free Gantt chart software to suit your project management needs. Whether you opt for Trello, EdrawMax, or Chisel, these tools can help you streamline your project planning and ensure your team stays on track.