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Discover the POWER of Power BI Custom Visual Gantt Chart

Written by Mitchell Pearson | Apr 13, 2026

In this tutorial, Mitchell Pearson from Pragmatic Works breaks down how to use the Gantt Chart custom visual in Power BI. This comprehensive guide explains how to access, configure, and optimize the Gantt Chart for effective project management reporting.

 

 

What is the Power BI Gantt Chart?

The Gantt Chart is a custom visual designed to track project tasks, timelines, and completion percentages. It is not included natively in Power BI Desktop but can be downloaded for free from the Power BI Marketplace.

How to Install the Gantt Chart Visual

To add the Gantt Chart to your Power BI report:

  1. Click the ellipsis (...) in the Visualizations pane.
  2. Search for "Gantt Chart" in the Marketplace.
  3. Select the free Gantt Chart by Microsoft Corporation (blue check mark verified).
  4. Click Add to install the visual.

Data Preparation for the Gantt Chart

Proper data structure is crucial for effective use of the Gantt Chart. Mitchell demonstrates a sample dataset with the following columns:

  • Project Name: The overarching project title.
  • Task Name: Specific tasks under each project.
  • Start Date & End Date: Essential for timeline visualization.
  • Employee Assigned: Useful for data labels or tooltips.
  • Progress (%): Indicates task completion.
  • Status: Task completion stages (e.g., Complete, In Progress, Not Started).

Configuring the Gantt Chart

Once the data is prepared and the visual is added, follow these steps to configure it:

  1. Parent Field: Add the Project field to display the project name.
  2. Task Field: Add the Task field for individual tasks.
  3. Start & End Dates: Map the respective columns to visualize task timelines.
  4. Status Field: Assign the Status field as the legend for color coding.
  5. Progress Field: Use the Progress field to display task completion percentages.

Customizing the Gantt Chart

Mitchell highlights some essential customization options to optimize the Gantt Chart:

  • Data Labels: Show the assigned employee or progress percentage within task bars.
  • Time Scale: Adjust the timeline from weeks to months for a broader project view.
  • Legend Formatting: Change colors for better clarity.
  • Rounded Bars: Enable rounded bars for a more polished look.

Using Milestones in the Gantt Chart

Mitchell explains how to add milestones effectively:

  1. Create a new row in the dataset specifically for the milestone.
  2. Ensure the Task and Milestone fields are separated.
  3. Add the Milestone field to the Milestone section of the Gantt Chart.

Key Takeaways

  • The Gantt Chart visual is free and available in the Power BI Marketplace.
  • Proper data structure is essential for the visual to function effectively.
  • Customization options allow you to fine-tune task visibility and design.

Don't forget to check out the Pragmatic Works' on-demand learning platform for more insightful content and training sessions on Power BI and other Microsoft applications. Be sure to subscribe to the Pragmatic Works YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and tricks.

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