Gantt Column in TimeLine

You do not have to start from the ready TimeLine layout to use a Gantt chart.

A gantt column can be added to any TableStudio table, including an existing workbook that already has its own columns, formulas, WBS structure, or supporting sheets.

The only required mapped field is Duration column. A task bar is drawn only when that mapped cell contains a positive duration.

The most common supporting columns are:

• Start Date column
• End Date column
• Calendar column
• Task ID column
• Predecessor column
• Task Name column
• Task Type column
• Progress column
• Productivity column
• Quantity column

Useful behavior to know:

• if Task ID column is linked, it mirrors the internal row ID, fills existing and new rows, and becomes read-only
• if Start Date column is linked, the Default chart start date is also used as the default start date for new rows
• if Task Type column is linked, Default task type fills blank task-type cells for existing and new rows
• when a row uses Productivity, the chart can derive Duration from Quantity and Productivity
• Auto Map Headers tries to connect fields automatically from header names such as Duration, Start Date, Task ID, Task Name, Predecessor, and Progress

The Gantt column settings are grouped like this:

Data Mapping

• maps the table columns used by the chart
• includes Duration unit with Days, Hours, Months, and Years
• includes Default chart start date
• includes Default task type

Activity Display

• controls Activity height
• switches between Bar and Arrow
• controls Arrow width
• sets Activity color, Border color, and Border width
• controls Activity name position with Hidden, Right of task, Auto (more space), and Left of task
• can show or hide link lines
• can fade non-driving predecessor links while keeping the driving link clear

Timeline

• sets Timeline scale to Auto, Weeks, Months, or Years
• can show day labels when space allows
• can display day bands on the chart
• can display weekends on the chart
• can show the current day in red
• can set a Default calendar

Sample Data

• can replace the current table rows with randomized sample tasks
• also refreshes sample calendars and exceptions when TimeLine support sheets are present

This makes the Gantt column flexible: you can keep your own table design, then add one planning column that reads the mapped data and draws the schedule beside it.

Related: TimeLine, Gantt Column Settings, TableStudio Column Types, Column Type: List, Cell Options.