How to Make a Gantt Chart Online — Free Project Timeline Builder
What Is a Gantt Chart?
A Gantt chart is a horizontal bar chart that visualizes a project schedule. Each row represents a task, and each bar spans the task's start and end dates. Gantt charts are the most widely used project management tool because they make it immediately clear what needs to happen, when, and in what order. The FreeDiagramKit Gantt Chart lets you build one in your browser with no account required.
Building Your First Gantt Chart
Open the Gantt Chart tool and click 'Add Task'. Enter a task name, start date, and duration in days. The bar appears on the timeline automatically. Group related tasks under categories by assigning a color-coded category. Add a 'Today' marker to see where you are in the project. For long projects, use the zoom controls to fit more weeks into view.
Gantt Chart Best Practices
Break large tasks into subtasks of 2–5 days each — this makes progress measurable and dependencies visible. Use color categories (e.g., Design, Development, Testing, Review) to make the chart scannable at a glance. Mark your current date as a milestone. Export your chart as PNG for weekly status reports or stakeholder updates.
When to Use a Gantt Chart vs Other Diagrams
Use a Gantt chart for: sprint planning, product roadmaps, event timelines, onboarding plans, and any project with clear start/end dates. Use a flowchart for step-by-step processes. Use a mind map for brainstorming. Gantt charts excel when the calendar matters — when 'what happens when' is the core question.
Exporting and Sharing Your Gantt Chart
Once your timeline is ready, export it as a high-resolution PNG. The chart renders at full resolution so it looks sharp in slides, documents, and emails. All data stays in your browser — nothing is uploaded to any server. Save the project JSON to continue editing later.